Didier, Saverny
SAVERNY (_turning toward Didier_).
This gentleman?
Tell me-- 'Tis strange how hard he looks at me!
Upon my soul, 'tis he! My man! [_Loud to Didier._] If you
Were not in prison, I should say that you
Resemble a--
DIDIER.
And if you were not dead, I'd say
That you had the exact appearance of--
His blood be on his head!--a man whom two
Short words of mine put in a tomb.
SAVERNY.
Hush! You
Are Didier!
DIDIER.
Marquis Gaspard, you!
SAVERNY.
'Twas you
Who were somewhere, a certain night! 'Tis you
To whom I owe my life!
[_He opens his arms. Didier draws back._
DIDIER.
Excuse surprise!
I felt so sure I took it back.
SAVERNY.
Not so!
You saved me--did not kill me! Let me know
What I can do for you. Do you desire
A second--brother--a lieutenant? Speak!
What will you have--my blood, my wealth, my soul?
DIDIER.
Not any of those things. That portrait there!
[_Saverny gives him the portrait; he looks at it, speaking with
bitterness._
Yes, there's her brow, her black eyes, her white neck;
Above all, there's her candid glance! How like!
SAVERNY.
You think so?
DIDIER.
This was made for you, you say?
SAVERNY (_bowing, and making an affirmative sign_).
It was! But now 'tis you whom she prefers,
You whom she loves and chooses 'mongst us all.
You are a happy man.
DIDIER (_with loud and mocking laugh_).
Yes! Am I not?
SAVERNY.
Accept my compliments; she's a good girl,
And loves no one but men of family.
Of such a mistress one can well be proud!
It's honorable, and it gives one style.
'Tis in good taste. If men ask who you are
They say, "Beloved of Marion de Lorme."
[_Didier gives him back the portrait; he refuses it._
No, keep the portrait; since the lady's yours,
It should belong to you. Keep it, I pray.
DIDIER.
I thank you! [_Puts it in his breast._
SAVERNY.
She is charming in that dress.
So you are my successor! One might say,
As King Louis succeeded Pharamond.
The Brissacs, both of them, supplanted me.
[_Laughing._] Then, yes, the Cardinal himself came next,
Then little D'Effiat, then the three Sainte-Mesmes,
The four Argenteans! In her heart you'll find
The best society. [_Laughing._] A little numerous.
DIDIER (_aside_).
My God!
SAVERNY.
Tell me about it some time. Now,
To be quite frank with you, I pass for dead,
And in the morning shall be buried. You
Must have escaped police and seneschals.
Your Marion can manage everything!
You joined a strolling company by chance;
What a delightful history!
DIDIER.
Yes, true
It is a history!
SAVERNY.
To get you out
She probably made love to all the jailers.
DIDIER (_in a voice of thunder_).
Do you think that?
SAVERNY.
You are not jealous--what?
Oh, joke incredible!--of Marion!
A man jealous of Marion! The poor child!
Don't go and scold her!
DIDIER.
Have no fear. [_Aside._] The angel--
It was a demon! Oh, my God!
[_Enter Laffemas and Gracieux. Didier goes out; Saverny follows
him._