It would be wise For us to leave together, and at once.
SAVERNY.
So be it, then! I follow you!
[_To Marion, whom he salutes profoundly._
Madame, Farewell!
DIDIER (_aside_).
What a rare c.o.xcomb!
[_Aloud to Saverny._] Come, sir, come!
SAVERNY.
You"re brusk, but I"m in debt to you for life.
If ever you should need fraternal friendship, Count upon me, Marquis de Saverny, Paris, Hotel de Nesle.
DIDIER.
Enough, sir! Come!
[_Aside._] To see her thus examined by a fool!
[_They go out by the balcony. The voice of Didier is heard outside._
Your road lies that way. Mine lies here!
SCENE IV
Marion, Dame Rose
MARION (_remains absorbed a moment, then calls_).
Dame Rose!
[_Dame Rose appears. Marion points to the window._
Go shut it!
[_Dame Rose, having shut the window, turns and sees Marion wiping away a tear._
DAME ROSE (_aside_).
She is weeping!
[_Aloud._] It is time To sleep, madame!
MARION.
Yes, time for you--you people. [_Undoing her hair._ Come, help me to undress!
DAME ROSE (_helping her to undress_).
The gentleman To-night was pleasant. Is he rich?
MARION.
Not rich.
DAME ROSE.
But gallant.
MARION.
No, nor gallant. [_Turning to Dame Rose._ He did not So much as kiss my hand!
DAME ROSE.
What use is he?
MARION (_pensive_).
I love him!
[Ill.u.s.tration: MARION DE LORME.]
_ACT II_
THE ENCOUNTER
Scene.--_Blois. The door of a public-house. A square. In the background the city of Blois is visible in the form of an amphitheater, also the towers of St. Nicholas upon the hill, which is covered with houses_
SCENE I
Count de Ga.s.se, Marquis de Brichanteau, Viscount de Bouchavannes, Chevalier de Rochebaron. _They are seated at tables in front of the door: some are smoking, the others are throwing dice and drinking.
Afterward Chevalier de Montpesat, Count de Villac; afterward L"Angely; afterward The Town-Crier and The Populace_
BRICHANTEAU (_rising, to Ga.s.se, who enters_).
Ga.s.se! [_They shake hands._ You are come to join The regiment at Blois: our compliments Upon your burial. [_Examining his clothes._ Ah!