(Pauline lies stretched upon her bed. Ferdinand holds her hand in an
attitude of profound grief and despair. It is just before dawn and a
lamp is burning.)
Vernon (seated near the table)
I have seen thousands of dead men on the field of battle and in the
ambulances, yet the death of this young girl under her father's roof
moves me more profoundly than all those heroic sufferings. Death is
perhaps a thing foreseen on the field of battle--it is even expected
there; while here, it is not only the passing away of a single person,
but a whole family is plunged in tears and fond hopes vanish. Here is
this child, of whom I was so fond, murdered, poisoned--and by whom?
Marguerite has rightly guessed the secret of this struggle between two
rivals. It was impossible to refrain from communicating at once with
the authorities. In the meantime, God knows I have used every effort
to snatch this young life from the grave. (Ferdinand raises his head
and listens to the doctor) I have even brought this poison, which may
act as an antidote to the other; but the princes of medical science
should have been present to witness the experiment! No man ought to
venture upon such a throw of the dice.
Ferdinand (rises and approaches the doctor)
Doctor, when the magistrates arrive, will you explain this experiment
of yours; they will be sure to sanction it; and you may be sure that
God, yes God, will hear me. He will work some miracle, He will give
her back to me!
Vernon
I should have ventured upon it before the action of the poison had
wrought its full effects.
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