) Why did Madame de Grandchamp wish
to drug her stepdaughter? You, who are the friend of the household,
ought to know this.
Vernon
Pauline was about to confide her secrets to me. Her stepmother thought
that I was learning certain things which her interest required should
be concealed; and that, sir, is doubtless the reason why she sent me
to treat a workman who was in good health, and not to prevent help
from being brought to Pauline, for Louviers is not so far off.
The Magistrate
What forethought she has! She won't be able to escape if we find the
proofs of crime in her desk. She does not expect us here; she will be
thunderstruck.
SCENE SEVENTH
The same persons, Gertrude and Marguerite.
Gertrude
I hear the strains of church music! What, is there another trial going
on here? What can be happening? (She goes to the door of Pauline's
chamber and starts back terrified, on the appearance of Marguerite.)
Ah!
Marguerite
They are offering prayers over the body of your victim!
Gertrude
Pauline! Pauline! Dead!
The Magistrate
And it is you, madame, who have poisoned her.
Gertrude
I! I! I! Ah! what is this? Am I asleep or awake? (To Ramel) Ah! How
extremely fortunate for me in this meeting! For you know the whole
affair, don't you? Do you believe me capable of a crime like this?
What! Am I actually accused of it? Do you think that I would have made
an attack upon her life? I, the mother of a child, before whom I would
not wish to be disgraced? Justice will vindicate me--Marguerite, let
no one leave the room.
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