line, for Louviers is not so far off.

The Magistrate
What forethought she has! She won't be able to escape if we find the
proofs of crime in her desk. She does not expect us here; she will be
thunderstruck.

SCENE SEVENTH

The same persons, Gertrude and Marguerite.

Gertrude
I hear the strains of church music! What, is there another trial going
on here? What can be happening? (She goes to the door of Pauline's
chamber and starts back terrified, on the appearance of Marguerite.)
Ah!

Marguerite
They are offering prayers over the body of your victim!

Gertrude
Pauline! Pauline! Dead!

The Magistrate
And it is you, madame, who have poisoned her.

Gertrude
I! I! I! Ah! what is this? Am I asleep or awake? (To Ramel) Ah! How
extremely fortunate for me in this meeting! For you know the whole
affair, don't you? Do you believe me capable of a crime like this?
What! Am I actually accused of it? Do you think that I would have made
an attack upon her life? I, the mother of a child, before whom I would
not wish to be disgraced? Justice will vindicate me--Marguerite, let
no one leave the room. Gentlemen, tell me what has taken place since
yesterday evening, when I left Pauline slightly indisposed?

The Magistrate
Madame, collect yourself! You stand before the tribunal of your
country.

Gertrude
You chill me with such words--

The Magistrate
The administration of justice in France is the most perfect of
criminal procedures. No traps are set, for justice proceeds, acts, and
speaks with open face, for she is solely intent upon her mission,
which is, the discovery of the truth. At the present moment, you are
merely inculpated, and in me you must see your protector. But tell the
truth, whatever it may be; the final result will be decided at a
higher tribunal.

Gertrude
Ah! sir, take me into her chamber, and in presence of Pauline I will
cry out, what I cry out before you--I am guiltless of her death!

The Magistrate
Madame!

Gertrude
Sir, let us have none of those long phrases, with which you blind the
eyes of people. I suffer pains unheard of! I weep for Pauline as
though she were my child, and--I forgive her everything! What do you
want with me? Proceed, and I will answer you.

Ramel
What is it that you will forgive her?

Gertrude
I mean--

Ramel (in a low voice)
Be cautious in your replies.

Gertrude
You are right, for precipices yawn on every side!

The Magist