Gertrude
And what means do you possess formidable enough to compel me to do so?
Pauline
Are we not carrying on a warfare of savages?
Gertrude
Say rather, of women, which is even more terrible! Savages torment
the body alone; while we direct our arrows against the heart, the
self-love, the pride, the soul of those whom we attack in the very midst
of their happiness.
Pauline
That is truly said. It is the whole woman-nature that I attack.
Therefore, my dear and truly honored stepmother, you must eliminate by
to-morrow, and not later, all the obstacles that stand between me and
Ferdinand; or you may be sure my father shall learn from me the whole
course of your conduct, both before and after your marriage.
Gertrude
Ah! That is the way you are going to do it! Poor child! He will never
believe you.
Pauline
Oh, I know the domination you exercise over my father; but I have
proofs.
Gertrude
Proofs! Proofs!
Pauline
I went to Ferdinand's house--I am very inquisitive--and I found there
your letters, madame; I took from among them those which would
convince even the blindness of my father, for they will prove to him--
Gertrude
What will they prove?
Pauline
Everything!
Gertrude
But this will be, unhappy child, both theft and murder! For think of
his age.
Pauline
And have not you accomplished the murder of my happiness? Have you not
forced me to deny, both to my father and to Ferdinand, my love, my
glory, my life?
Gertrude (aside)
This is a mere trick; she knows nothing.
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