_The Park of the Chateau Laroque. ALAIN discovered arranging
Portfolio and Drawing materials._
_Alain._ Now really I do thank Madame for deputing me to wait more
especially on Monsieur Manuel. Steward or no steward, he's a perfect
gentleman; of that there can't be a doubt. What a pity it is that
Mademoiselle Marguerite and he don't like one another. When he says
white, she says black. When she goes one way, he goes another, yet
everybody else likes him. M'lle Helonin, our Governess, is absolutely in
love with him, and the wonderful influence he has obtained over old
Mons. Laroque, in this short time, is unaccountable. He has hardly been
here three months, and they say that all the money will be left
according to his advice--but that's going rather far, even for gossip.
Well, now, his drawing materials are all ready for him, and--here he is
to employ them.
_Enter MANUEL._
_Man._ Alain, did you, by chance, pick up a half finished letter
anywhere in my room?
_Alain._ No, sir.
_Man._ Strange! I commenced it yesterday, and left it on my table,
intending to finish it this morning. I have searched the room
thoroughly, and it is nowhere to be found.
_Alain._ Was it of much importance?
_Man._ Merely inasmuch as it related to family and business matters. It
was for the Doctor, in case he should call when I was from home.
However, let it go. I'll write another when I return. [_Sits down and
prepares drawing materials._] Did not Mademoiselle Marguerite go out on
horseback yesterday alone?
_Alain._ Yes, sir.
_Man._ How was it you did not follow her, as usual?
_Alain._ Oh, sir, she often goes without me. She's a capital rider, and
she says, to be alone sometimes, makes her feel more self-dependent, and
you know, sir, it won't do to contradict her, for though a charitable,
kind-hearted, young lady, she's rather wilful, and terribly proud.
_Man._ Somewhat, perhaps, but her general manner appears to me more the
result of a sad and gloomy thoughtfulness, than mere pride.
_Alain._ Ah, well, I suppose, sir, that, like most young ladies of her
age, she's a little bit in love.
_Man._ In love?
_Alain._ Yes, sir, Monsieur de Bevannes has been paying her great
attention for some time past, and it would be a grand match, for, after
Monsieur Laroque, he is the richest gentleman in the neighborhood, and
of excellent family. Ah, sir, what a pity it is _you_ are not rich.
_Man._ Why so, Alain?
_Alain._ Because--no matter. Have you any orders for me, sir?
_Man._ Merely to have a good look for that letter when you go to my
room.
_Alain._ I certainly will, sir. [_Exit._
_Man._ Married--married--and to _him_. Well, and why not? Fool that I
am! Despite of all that should preserve and fence my heart as with a
wall of steel, from every impulse which could induce forgetfulness of my
bitter lot, and the one sacred object of my life, still will that coward
heart indulge in dreams--wild dreams of one day laying its most precious
offerings at the feet which would but spurn them.
_Enter M'LLE HELOUIN, with basket._
But I will conquer yet, and if the struggle be hard, the victory will be
the more worthy.
_Mlle H._ [_Aside._] He is alone. Hitherto, I have kept his secret well;
whether I will continue silent, depends upon himself. Courage, and the
poor hireling may yet be a Marchioness. [_Comes down to him._] Oh!
Monsieur Manuel, how beautiful that is! You see, while you have been
painting the woods, I have been gathering flowers. You know we have a
ball to-night.
_Man._ Indeed? I was not aware of it.
_Mlle H._ You positively don't seem to know or care about anything that
goes on. You are worse than indifferent, you are unsociable--
_Man._ Pardon me, not unsociable. But I know my station, and think it
better not to risk being reminded of it.
_Mlle H._ [_After a pause._] Monsieur Manuel--
_Man._ Mademoiselle--
_Mlle H._ Have I ever offended you?
_Man._ No, indeed.
_Mlle H._ I have been vain enough to think, at times, that you had some
friendly feeling for me.
_Man._ And so I have. It is but natural. Our fortunes and positions are
the same, or nearly so. Both dependent on the caprices of those who
employ us, both alone, friendless. This should create sympathy at least,
if not friendship.
_Mlle H._ You would not fear, then, to tell me of my faults?
_Man._ Not if you desired it.
_Mlle H._ Indeed I do desire it.
_Mlle H._ But I only know of one.
_Mlle H._ Pray name it. Nay, I shall receive it as a kindness.
_Mlle H._ Well, then I think you admit and encourage somewhat too great
a familiarity with the family in whose employment we are. Your motives
may be, indeed, I'm sure they _are_, perfectly innocent; still they will
not be so considered, for in this world, the unfortunate are always
suspected.
_Mlle H._ True, true. Spoken with a delicacy and candor all you own--I
thank you sincerely--and you will always continue as now--my true
friend?
_Man._ I shall feel honored in the title.
_Mlle H._ A true--a _dear_ friend?
_Man._ [_Aside._] What is she driving at?
_Mlle H._ A friend that loves me?
_Man._ [_Aside._] Hallo! we're getting tender!
_Mlle H._ A friend that loves me, ardently--do you hear?
_Man._ Distinctly.
_Mlle H._ And do you comprehend?
_Man._ [_Half aside._] I'm afraid I do.
_Mlle H._ Do you remember the old nursery rhyme--
"Pluck from the flower its leafy store--
Love me little, love me more;
Hearts change owners, yet combine,
If mine is yours, and yours is mine."
Come, now, let us see if you know which line should be yours. Shall I
commence?
_Man._ If you please.
_Mlle H._
"Pluck from the flower it's leafy store--[_A pause._]
Love me little, love me more; [_A pause._]
Hearts change owners, yet combine,
If----
_Man._ I respectfully decline."
_Mlle H._ [_Throwing away the flower, which she has been picking to
pieces_] Then, sir--
_Sees BEVANNES, who enters._
Indeed, I could look at it all day, it is so beautiful--but I positively
must go. Monsieur, an revoir. [_Aside to MANUEL, as she goes._] You have
misunderstood me. [_Exit._
_Man._ Have I? Then I must be a greater fool than I thought.
_Bev._ [_Aside._] Pretty close quarters. What the deuce is that
governess after? And now for a little scientific pumping. [_Comes
down._] Ah, Monsieur Manuel, at your drawing, eh? Beautiful, beautiful,
indeed.
_Man._ You flatter.
_Bev._ Not at all--but to change the subject--by the by, do, I interrupt
your work?
_Man._ Not in the least.
_Bev._ Well, I was going to compliment you on the vast affection and
confidence you have inspired in poor old Laroque.
_Man._ I believe he really has a kindly regard for me.
_Bev._ Regard! my dear sir--you are absolutely wound around his heart.
His affection for his grand-daughter is very great, but no one has the
influence over him that you have. Now, in the strictest confidence, I'm
going to be very frank with you--and mark me well, you will not find it
to your disadvantage hereafter, if you are equally frank with _me_.
_Man._ Really, I don't quite--
_Bev._ No; but you will presently. Without flattery, I think you--
_Man._ [_Referring to his picture._] Too green.
_Bev._ Eh? Oh, exactly. I was about to say I think you, in every way, a
gentleman, therefore I don't hesitate to confide in you the fact that
yesterday, after dinner, I was just--
_Man._ [_To picture._] A little blue.
_Bev._ Eh? Oh precisely. I was just on the point of proposing to Madame
Laroque for her daughter's hand, when it suddenly struck me that I
should possess a double claim, if I could, in the first place, influence
you enough in the young lady's favor to make it certain that the bulk of
Monsieur Laroque's property would be left to her.
_Man._ Monsieur de Bevannes, you really very much over-rate--
_Bev._ Pray forgive me, but you hardly know yourself, the importance of
your good offices in this matter. I was going on to say that my marriage
with Marguerite is all but a settled affair, and, of course, it is my
duty to promote her interests in every possible way. I think you must
concede that?
_Man._ Surely, but--
_Bev._Permit me. Now I wish to call to your mind that Madame Laroque,
though a worthy excellent woman, is one of very simple tastes and
habits, and, should too large a portion of the property be left to her,
it would tax and embarrass her to an extent that would be painful to my
feelings. I hope you appreciate my disinterestedness in the matter.
_Man._ Oh, thoroughly! But I am still at a loss to imagine where my
interference would be either necessary or effectual.
_Bev._ My dear friend--
_Man._ [_Aside._] Now _he's_ getting tender!
_Bev._ One word from you as to the proper disposition of the money
would--
_Man._ Monsieur de Bevannes, let me end this at once, by telling you
that, in my opinion, any interference from me in the family affairs of
M. Laroque, would be a gross and unseemly abuse of his confidence.
_Bev._ And this is the return you make for mine?
_Man._ I did not solicit it, sir.
_Bev._ Sir, permit me to take your hand.
_Man._ Really--
_Bev._ You have stood the test, you are a noble fellow. You are--
_Enter MADAME AUBREY._
[_Aside._] There's Mrs. Waterspout, by jove! [_Aloud._] You seem puzzled
at my manner--I will take another opportunity of explaining. Suffice it
now to say you have _misunderstood_ me. [_Exit._
_Man._ My understanding seems to be terribly at fault to-day.
_Mad. A._ [_Aside._] De Bevannes has left him. A good opportunity for
me. [_Comes down._] Beautiful! Exquisite indeed!
_Man._ Madame--
_Mad. A._ Truly, each new picture you finish, is more lovely than the
last. Oh! [_Weeps._
_Man._ What is the matter?
_Mad. A._ The painting of that sheep's head--
_Man._ Yes, Madame--
_Mad. A._ Reminds me of my own portrait, taken in happier years, long
passed away.
_Man._ But there are as happy ones in store for you, I hope.
_Mad. A._ That will depend greatly upon you, Monsieur Manuel.
_Man._ On _me_?
_Mad. A._ Yes. Do you know, Monsieur Manuel, that I find my poor cousin
Laroque very much changed,--
_Man._ Indeed he is.
_Mad. A._ And for the worse. In fact, he appears to me to be sinking
fast.
_Man._ I'm afraid such is the case.
_Mad. A._ How fond he is of you--you, it is well known, possess his
entire confidence.
_Man._ I have been fortunate enough to make my poor services acceptable
to him.
_Mad. A._ Now, just between ourselves, in the strictest confidence; do
you happen to be aware how the property will be left?
_Man._ I do not, Madame.
_Mad. A._ I am in a state of painful apprehension, lest the dear old
gentleman should over-estimate the desires and requirements of Madame
Laroque, and should, therefore, curtail any little legacy coming to
_me_, to make _her_ portion larger, which would be absolutely throwing
money away. I hope you understand my entire want of selfishness in this
matter?
_Man._ I think I do.
_Mad. A._ I was sure you would. Now, if you will use your power and
settle this affair to my advantage, all I can say is, so noble an action
would not go unrewarded.
_Man._ I should hope not.
_Mad. A._ You will find me _substantially_ grateful; you understand me?
_Man._ Entirely.
_Mad. A._ And I you?
_Man._ Not quite; but in order that you may--I must tell you,
Madame--that when you offer me money to rob your benefactor, and mine,
you entirely and totally mistake the person you are addressing.
_Mad. A._ Oh! oh! [_Weeps._
_Man._ It grieves me to be so abrupt, but--
_Mad. A._ It is not that, it is not that--but, to be thought capable of
such--to be accused--oh, sir! you have cruelly _misunderstood_ me.
[_Exit, weeping._
_Man._ Another misunderstanding! That makes three friends I have secured
this morning. One or two more of the same sort, and my business here
will be soon finished.
_Enter MLLE HELOUIN._
_Man._ Here comes the first misunderstanding again.
_Mlle H._ M. Manuel, I thought you might like to know that the Doctor
has just arrived--
_Man._ Thank you--I'll go to him at once. [_Exit._
_Mlle H._ So eager to avoid me. Have a care, my lord Marquis--spite of
my insignificance, you may learn to rue the day you made me conscious of
it.
_Enter BEVANNES._
And here is one on whom, if I don't very much mistake, I may rely for
aid.
_Bev._ Upon my honor, Mademoiselle, you make quite a pretty picture--a
wood nymph's reverie; sweet subject, now, for the pencil of our friend,
the steward.
_Mlle H._ Our friend, the steward, as you term him, has loftier subjects
for his pictures, either aerial or substantial.
_Bev._ Really!
_Mlle H._ And in the former quality his aspirations are sublime.
_Bev._ Mademoiselle, you are an entertaining person, but I never guessed
a conundrum in my life.
_Mlle H._ In plain terms, then, this romantic gentleman aspires to
create an interest in the heart of Marguerite.
_Bev._ O come! I can stand a great deal, but that's rather _too_ good.
_Mlle H._ But if I can prove it?
_Bev._ The thing is too absurd.
_Mlle H._ I have just parted from Madame Aubrey.
_Bev._ I congratulate you.
_Mlle H._ You jest, M. de Bevannes, but you may one day wake to find the
steward rather a dangerous person. Madame Aubrey has picked up a letter
of his, which was blown out of the window of his room, into the park.
Would you like to see it?
_Bev._ Mademoiselle, I don't pretend to more virtue than my neighbors,
but if I can only get at facts by reading another man's letters, I'm
afraid I shall remain in ignorance.
_Mlle H._ Marguerite is coming. Would you like to hear the communication
I have to make?
_Bev._ The contents of the letter?
_Mlle H._ No, but still a somewhat startling discovery.
_Bev._ On the whole, I think I'll take my departure; for when there's
mischief to be concocted, and two women to brew it, it would be the
grossest vanity in any man to think he could improve the cookery.
[_Exit._
_Mlle H._ Now if I can instill but one small drop of the poison called
suspicion, her proud, impetuous spirit, will complete the work itself.
_Enter MARGUERITE._
_Mar._ Really, a very touching scene. The affection existing between the
good doctor and our steward is remarkable. If he had been M. Manuel's
father, he could hardly have been more cordially received.
_Mlle H._ And I assure you that M. Manuel's father could not serve him
at this moment as the doctor can.
_Mar._ My dear governess, you seem to know more of this young man than
you choose to reveal. I remember well your mysterious words to me the
day he first rode and conquered that horse.
_Mlle H._ Perhaps I have been to blame for having remained silent so
long. But right or wrong, I have, until now, looked upon it as a duty to
keep this person's secret inviolate.
_Mar._ His secret!
_Mlle H._ Nor would I reveal it now, but that his base intentions are no
longer doubtful, and silence would be criminal. However, I must exact
your promise that the knowledge of it shall remain, for the present,
between ourselves.
_Mar._ You have my word. Proceed.
_Mlle H._ Four years ago, when you were in Paris--you are aware that I
was in the habit of visiting some of my old friends at my former school?
_Mar._ I remember.
_Mlle H._ Well, I often saw there this very M. Manuel. He visited the
school to see his little sister. His father was the well known Marquis
de Champcey.
_Mar._ Ah!
_Mlle H._ It was the talk of the school that the family were even then
much reduced. Now, they are totally ruined. The father is dead, and the
son has, through the good offices of a friend, been placed in a position
to regain the fortune he has lost. By what means I leave to your
penetration to discover.
_Mar._ And is it so! [_A pause._] But, after all, the conduct of this
young man in no way justifies suspicion. I see him but seldom. In truth,
he actually avoids me.
_Mlle H._ Of course he does. Reserve creates inquiry, inquiry, interest.
Oh, he has been well tutored.
_Mar._ Enough. I thank you sincerely for the warning. But relieve your
mind of all anxiety; I shall know how to deal with this conscientious
gentleman, be assured.
_Mlle H._ Indeed I feel the happier that I have at last confided this
fact to you. Ah, my child, to what snares, what treachery, what deceit,
does the possession of wealth expose the innocent. The thought of them
makes the poor governess almost contented with her humble lot. Come,
shall we walk towards the house? As we go, I shall be able to bring to
your recollection many circumstances, trifling in themselves, but which,
when considered in connection with what I have now told you, will serve
to bring full conviction to your mind.
[_Exeunt MARGUERITE, leaving her basket of flowers on the bank._
_Enter MANUEL._
_Man._ And now, having enjoyed the honor of a tete-a-tete with each of
those most interested in inquiring into matters upon which I'm strictly
determined to be silent, I presume I shall be permitted to continue my
work undisturbed. [_He has reseated himself at his drawing._
_MARGUERITE re-enters to find her basket. He rises. She merely
looks haughtily at him and, in carrying off the basket, lets a
rose fall on the ground._
_Man._ Really, her manner is more than haughty. 'Tis almost rude. [_He
picks up the flower._] I suppose now, she'd grudge me this poor flower,
yet who, though loving wildly and hopelessly as I do, would not think it
a fair prize? No, I will return it. I will not be guilty of one action
which shall give my heart the power to whisper "Thus should'st thou not
have done."
_Re-enter MARGUERITE._
_Mar._ [_Aside._] As I supposed. Have the kindness, sir, to return me
that flower. I am not in the habit of presenting boquets to--gentlemen.
_Man._ Under which conviction, Mademoiselle, I was on the point of
bringing it to you.
_Mar._ [_Aside._] Oh! for some way to make him feel how I despise him.
Do you know, M. Manuel, seeing so little of you, lately, I was under the
impression that death had deprived us of another steward--
_Man._ Highly flattered that you should condescend to be under any
impressions concerning so insignificant a person.
_Mar._ I thought that so gifted a gentleman could hardly do anything
without a motive, and now I am informed that your absence is
attributable to the fact that you spend all your evenings with our noble
relative, Mademoiselle Delonnais.
_Man._ I certainly do, and I deny myself that pleasure the less because
the lady happens to be old enough to be my grandmother. Her ancestors
reigned here formerly, and she--the last of a noble race--poor and
infirm, bears so well the dignity of her name, her age, and her
misfortunes, that I feel almost a filial affection for her. Besides, it
was your mother who first introduced me to her.
_Mar._ Oh! no one means to reproach you; on the contrary, I dare say
Madame Laroque is obliged to you for your attention to the good old
lady.
_Man._ You may remember, too, it was your wish--
_Mar._ Oh, if you want praise or admiration from me, you must be content
to wait. Though young, I have some experience of life. I know that there
are two motives to most human actions. I know that M'lle Delonnais has a
small independence. I know she has no heir, therefore a little extra
attention and--
_Man._ Mademoiselle, permit me to express for you my sincere pity.
_Mar._ Sir!
_Man._ Permit me to express for you my sincere pity.
_Mar._ Your pity?
_Man._ Yes, madame--if unjust suspicion be the bitter fruit of
experience in one so young. Nothing can merit more compassion than a
heart withered by misbelief, almost before it has begun to exist.
_Mar._ Are you aware of what you say, sir? Are you aware to whom you
speak?
_Man._ Entirely conscious, Mademoiselle, of both.
_Mar._ [_Bitterly._] Perhaps you expect me to ask your pardon?
_Man._ Assuredly I do. Wealth can afford to humble itself--poverty
cannot.
_Mar._ [_As she is going, turns with a haughty humility._] Then, sir,
I ask your pardon. [_Exit._
_Man._ Oh! my sister, my darling Rose! It needs all my love for thee
to make endurance of these insults less than cowardice! Coldness and
antipathy have increased to absolute hate and persecution. She is
determined to drive me hence. She will succeed at last, and then--
_Enter DOCTOR DESMARETS._
Ah! my dear Doctor!
_Des._ I've eaten some lunch, had the dust brushed off, and now I'm
going to brush some more on.
_Man._ How so?
_Des._ Just got a letter--patient very sick--twenty miles ride there and
back. Pleasant life, a doctor's.
_Man._ Where is it?
_Des._ About four miles beyond the ruins of Elfin.
_Man._ The ruins of Elfen.
_Des._ Yes; but what's the matter with you? you look feverish and queer.
Anything wrong between you and the family?
_Man._ Why, no. But--
_Des._ But--what? They tell me you're quite a great man here--old
Laroque can't live without you--angry because you don't spend all your
evenings at the Chateau--and the ladies, without exception, are crazy
about you.
_Man._ Pardon me--there's one _important_ exception--Mlle Marguerite.
_Des._ What the devil! You don't mean to tell me you can't agree with
_her_.
_Man._ I do assure you--she loses no opportunity to humiliate, and even
openly insult me. Indeed, it has lately become insufferable--so that I
am going to tax your friendship once more, to seek for me some other
employment.
_Des._ Now don't be hasty, my dear boy. By Jove! here she comes--no she
don't--she perceives you--and there she goes. She don't escape _me_
though.
_Man._ Nay, my dear doctor, I beg of you--
_Des._ Stuff! nonsense! I'll just give her a piece of my mind. [_Exit._
_Man._ I very much fear the Doctor's zeal in my cause will lead him into
trouble with this proud girl--but I am resolved. Here, I will not, _can_
not remain. Rose, my darling, thy marriage dowry must be sought and won
elsewhere. I will at once visit my poor old friend, and say farewell.
Marguerite I will see no more--no faltering now--a good resolve once
taken, action should be speedy. To-night the horse I have almost learned
to love, because she would one day ride him, shall bear me for the last
time. [_Exit._
_The DOCTOR and MARGUERITE are heard outside--then enter._
_Des._ Can't help it, if I _do_ offend you. The young man is my friend--
_Mar._ Doctor--
_Des._ My friend, Mademoiselle--and I never desert a friend, even though
he has incurred the displeasure of your proud ladyship.
_Mar._ Do you not regard _me_ as a friend?
_Des._ I should rather think so; known you since you were a baby;
disposition altered since then--
_Mar._ For the better?
_Des._ Don't know that. When you are angry now it's a storm--_then_ it
was only a squall.
_Mar._ This is no jesting matter. Doctor Desmarets, I have always
considered you a man of honor.
_Des._ Much obliged to you. I've been under the same impression myself.
_Mar._ What then is the meaning of this plot!
_Des._ Plot!
_Mar._ This young man, this steward you have so kindly supplied us with,
he has been recognized. He is known!
_Des._ Well, suppose he is; what of it?
_Mar._ Why does he bear a false name?
_Des._ He don't.
_Mar._ Doctor--
_Des._ Manuel is his Christian name. I suppose he may make what use of
it he pleases. Whether he puts it first or last, is nobody's business
but his own.
_Mar._ His motive?
_Des._ His motive, Mademoiselle, is worthy of himself, and proceeds from
a sense of honest pride, which many would do well to imitate. He is a
gentleman, and a man of honor, reduced to sudden poverty, and compelled
to labor for a livelihood. Now, I'm not acute enough to perceive any
_plot_ in all this. But I _do_ perceive that you are doing your best to
drive him from this place.
_Mar._ Doctor, your word is enough. I believe you, and I thank you. Oh,
it is so sad to look only on the gloomy side of things. I thank you _so_
much, and never liked you half so well as I do to-day.
[_While speaking this speech, she searches for the rose she has
taken from MANUEL, and, on finding it, places it in her bosom._
_Des._ No?
_Mar._ No!
_Des._ What a pity--
_Mar._ Eh?
_Des._ That I can't stay to luxuriate in your friendship. I have only
time to say good-bye to your mother, then I must be off.
_Mar._ Well, now, I'll tell you what I'll do. To prove I'm in earnest,
I'm going to take my horse, and bear you company part of the way.
_Des._ My child, it will be dark before I get there.
_Mar._ But there'll be a lovely moon, and I want to see the ruined tower
of Elfen by moonlight. So say no more, for I'm resolved.
_Des._ Well, my experience, professional and personal, has taught me
that when a woman is determined--
_Enter MADAME LAROQUE--DE BEVANNES._
_Mad. L._ You are right, my dear Bevannes, I confess it.
_Bev._ Oh, there's no doubt he is, absolute perfection, the _rara avis_,
so long sought for, found at last.
_Mad. L._ Laugh as you please, I positively adore him.
_Bev._ You'll ask me to the wedding, I hope?
_Mad. L._ Go along with you. Well, my child, have you persuaded that
obstinate man to stay till morning?
_Des._ That obstinate man regrets he must go within the hour.
_Alain._ [_without._] Go away, you troublesome little thing!
_Enter CHRISTINE and ALAIN._
_Mad. L._ What's the matter?
_Alain._ This little girl will insist on searching the park for some
gentleman she wishes to see, belonging to the Chateau.
_Mad. L._ That will do--leave her here. [_Exit ALAIN._
_Bev._ Now small specimen of rustic humanity, what do you want?
_Mad. L._ What is your name, little one?
_Christine._ Christine, Madame. My grandfather--
_Bev._ Never mind your pedigree--which of us do you want?
_Mad. L._ Be quiet. Well my dear?
_Chris._ My grandfather is very old and blind, if you please,
and--and--oh! I want to see the _nice_, _good_ gentleman.
_Des._ Bevannes, she don't want _you_.
_Chris._ The _handsome_ gentleman.
_Bev._ Doctor, she don't want _you_.
_Chris._ Please, Madame, may I tell you what happened yesterday?
_Mad. L._ Yes, child, go on.
_Chris._ My grandfather has a dog that leads him about--poor old
Spot--such a pet--
_Enter MADAME AUBREY._
_Mad. A._ A pet! are you talking of a pet?
_Bev._ Yes; but don't weep, Madame--it isn't a donkey. Go on, little
girl.
_Chris._ Well, yesterday, we three--grandfather, Spot and I, were
sitting near the stream, in the village, by the mill-dam, when some
wicked boys--oh! such dreadful wicked boys, came by. They seized poor
Spot and threw him into the water. He was nearly being crushed by the
mill-wheel, when a dear, kind gentleman, who was riding by on a
beautiful black horse--
_Enter MANUEL._
Oh! there he is. Oh, sir! I'm so glad I've found you.
_Man._ [_Aside._] Oh, confound it! what brings you here, you little
pest?
_Chris._ Don't be angry, sir--you rode away so fast, yesterday, I had no
time to thank you, and I wish to do so now.
_Bev._ Beautiful subject for a nautical drama: "The Desperate Diver; or,
The Drowning Dog of the Dam."
_Man._ Ridiculous enough, I admit. However, I did jump into the water
after poor Spot.
_Chris._ You did, you did, indeed! Ah! sir, [_to_ BEVANNES,] you
laugh--but perhaps if you were old and blind, you wouldn't think it such
a joke.
_Bev._ I assure you, my dear, it would have given me infinite pleasure
to have saved your dog.
_Des._ You save a dog? Why you can't swim. [_All laugh._
_Bev._ Here are ten francs, child, go away.
_Chris._ And now, sir, [_To_ MANUEL.] I'll go directly, if you'll give
me just one kiss.
_Man._ [_Angrily._] Upon my word--
_Mad. L._ Now I insist upon it you do. Poor little thing, I'm sure she
deserves it.
_Man._ [_Laughing._] Well, then, [_Kisses her._] now, go home, there's
a dear.
_Chris._ Oh! I will, I will, good-bye.
_Mad. L._ Well, haven't you got one for me?
_Chris._ Oh, dear, yes, Madame. [_Kisses MAD. L._
_Bev._ You're forgetting your money.
_Chris._ Oh, dear, no, sir. [_Takes it and curtsies._
_Bev._ Now a kiss for me?
_Chris._ Oh, dear, no, sir!
[_Curtsies and exits. All laugh except MADAME AUBREY._
_Mad. A._ Oh! [_Weeps._
_Bev._ Weeping for my disappointment, Madame?
_Mad. A._ No--sir--no.
_Mad. L._ A most interesting little girl.
_Mad. A._ That's it, that's it. She reminds me of a circumstance that
occurred in my youth, before my marriage. You must know I had a little--
_Des._ Hallo! [_Takes MARGUERITE hastily up stage._
_Bev._ Ahem! [_Takes MADAME LAROQUE._
_Mad. A._ Eh! What! [_Calling after them as they go off._] You don't
understand me! A little _niece_--Oh! this is too dreadful!
[_Sinks into chair._