When he came to this house, was
he not aware that I was here?
Pauline
You probably caught him by some such snare as you have just set for
us, and into which both of us have fallen.
Gertrude
Now, my child, a single word more will put an end to everything
between us. Have you not said a hundred times, a thousand times, in
moments when you were all feeling, all soul, that you would make the
greatest sacrifices for Ferdinand?
Pauline
Yes, madame.
Gertrude
You said you would leave your father, would flee from France; you
would give your life, your honor, your salvation for Ferdinand?
Pauline
Yes, and if there is anything else that I can offer besides
myself--this world and heaven!
Gertrude
Let me tell you, then, that all that you have wished to do, I have
done! It is enough therefore to assure you that nothing, not even
death itself, can arrest my course.
Pauline
In saying this, you give me the right to defend myself before my
father. (Aside) O Ferdinand! Our love, (Gertrude takes a seat on the
sofa during the soliloquy of Pauline) as she has said, is greater than
life. (To Gertrude) Madame, you must repair all the evil that you have
done to me; the sole difficulties which lie in the way of my marriage
with Ferdinand, you must overcome. Yes, you who have complete control
over my father, you must make him forego his hatred of the son of
General Marcandal.
Gertrude
And do you really mean that?
Pauline
Yes, madame.
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