al
Ferdinand then is your friend?

Ramel
I have known him from childhood; and here we met in your avenue. On
meeting, after nine years of separation, we had so many things to talk
about, that I caused him to be late.

The General
But, sir, to what circumstance am I to attribute your presence here?

Ramel
I come in the matter of Jean Nicot, known as Champagne, your foreman,
who is charged with a crime.

Gertrude
But, sir, our friend, Doctor Vernon, has declared that Champagne's
wife died a natural death.

Vernon
Yes, sir, cholera.

Ramel
Justice, sir, believes in nothing but investigations and convictions
of its own. You did wrong to proceed before my arrival.

Felix
Madame, shall I bring in the coffee?

Gertrude
Wait a while! (Aside) How changed this man is, this attorney. I
shouldn't have recognized him. He terrifies me.

The General
But how could you be brought here by the crime of Champagne, an old
soldier for whom I would stand security?

Ramel
You will earn that, on the arrival of the investigating magistrate.

The General
Will you be pleased to take a seat?

Ferdinand (to Ramel, pointing out Pauline)
That is she!

Ramel
A man might lay down his life for such a lovely girl.

Gertrude (to Ramel)
We do not know each other! You have never seen me, have you? You must
have pity on us!

Ramel
You may depend upon me for that.

The General (who sees Ramel and Gertrude talking together)
Is my wife to be called to this investigation?

Ramel
Certainly, General. I came here myself because the countess had not
been notified that we required her presence.

The General
My wife mixed up in such an affair? It is an outrage!

Vernon
Keep cool, my friend.

Felix (announcing)
Monsieur, the investigating magistrate!

The General
Let him come in.

SCENE THIRD

The same persons, the investigating magistrate, Champagne, Baudrillon
and a gendarme who is guarding Champagne.

The Magistrate (bowing to the company)
Monsieur the state's attorney, this is M. Baudrillon, the druggist.

Ramel
Has M. Baudrillon seen the accused?

The Magistrate
No, monsieur, the accused came in charge of a gendarme.

Ramel
We shall soon learn the truth in this case! Let M. Baudrillon and the
accused approach.

The Magistrate
Come forward, M. Baudrillon; (to Champagne) and you also.

Ramel
M. Baudrillon, do you identify this man as the person who bought
arsenic from you