Gertrude
The very act you would have been happy to see me commit; and if you
had succeeded in forcing me to it, you would have felt in your heart
the joy which fills mine at present.
Pauline
According to my father, war between civilized nations has its laws;
but the war which you wage against me, madame, is that of savages.
Gertrude
You may do as I do, if you can--but you can do nothing! You shall
marry Godard. He is a very good match for you; you will be very happy,
I assure you, for he has fine qualities.
Pauline
And you think that I will quietly let you marry Ferdinand?
Gertrude
After the few words which we have exchanged this evening, why should
we now indulge in the language of hypocrisy? I was in love with
Ferdinand, my dear Pauline, when you were but eight years old.
Pauline
But now you are more than thirty--and I am still young. Moreover, he
hates you, he abhors you! He has told me so, and he wishes to have
nothing to do with a woman capable of the black treachery with which
you have acted towards my father.
Gertrude
In the eyes of Ferdinand, my love will serve as my vindication.
Pauline
He shares the feelings which I have for you; he despises you, madame.
Gertrude
Do you really believe it? Well, if it is so, my dear, I have one more
reason for the position I take, for if he refuses to become my
husband, to gratify his love, Pauline, you will force me to marry him
for the sake of satisfying my revenge.
Pages:
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80