was looking at you as an artist looks, and was admiring you, for I found your figure, your movements, and your entire self attractive. And then for the last six months I have often come to this house, to which your brother invited me and whither your presence attracted me, and finally I felt your sway as a lover feels the sway of the one he adores. There was an inexplicable, unseen attraction calling me to you. [_Sits beside her_ R. _of table_.] Then a dim idea entered my brain,--an idea that one day you might become my wife. It gained possession of my soul, and I immediately took steps to renew the friendship between your father and my uncle. The two men again became friends. Did you never divine my maneuvers?
GILBERTE
Divine your maneuvers? No, I suspected a little at times, but I was so astounded that a man like you--in the full flush of success, so well known, so sought after--should concern himself with such a little, unimportant girl as I, that, really, I could place no faith in the sincerity of your attention.
JEAN
Nevertheless, we quickly knew how to understand each other, did we not?
GILBERTE
Your character pleased me. I felt that you were loyal, and then you entertained me greatly, for you brought into our house that artistic air which gave my fancies life. I ought to tell you that my brother had already warned me that I should like you. You know that L?on loves you.
JEAN
I know it, and I think it was in _his_ brain that the first idea of our marriage had birth. [_After a short silence_] You remember our return from Saint-Germain after we had dined in the Henri IV. Pavilion?
GILBERTE
I remember it well.
JEAN
My uncle and your aunt were in the front of the landau, and you and I on the rear seat, and in another carriage were your father and L?on. What a glorious spring night! But how coldly you treated me!
GILBERTE
I was so embarrassed!
JEAN
You ought to recall that I put to you that day a question which I had already asked you, because you cannot deny that I had paid you very tender attention and that you had captured my heart.
GILBERTE
True. Nevertheless it surprised and upset me. Oh, how often have I remembered it since! But I have never been able to recall the very words you used. Do you remember them?
JEAN
No; they came from my lips, issuing from the bottom of my heart like a prayer for mercy. I only know that I told you that I should never re-enter your house if you did not give me some little hope that there should be a day when you would know me better. You pondered a long time before you answered me, but you spoke in such a low tone that I was anxious to make you repeat it.
GILBERTE [_takes up his sentence and speaks as if in a dream_]
I said that it would pain me greatly if I should see you no more.
JEAN
Yes, that is what you said.
GILBERTE
You have forgotten nothing!
JEAN
Could anyone forget that? [_With deep emotion._] Do you know what I think? As we look at each other and examine our hearts, our souls, our mutual understanding, our love, I verily believe that we have set out on the true road to happiness. [_Kisses her. For a moment they are silent._]
GILBERTE [_rises_]
But I must leave you. [_Goes toward door_ L.] I must prepare for our journey. Meanwhile, go and find my father.
JEAN [_follows her_]
Yes, but tell me before you go that you love me.
GILBERTE
Yes--I love you.
JEAN [_kisses her forehead_]
My only one.
[_Exit_ Gilberte L., _a second after. Enter_ M. Martinel C. _with a very agitated air, and a letter in his hand_.]
MARTINEL [_perceives_ Jean, _quickly slips the letter into his pocket; then, recollecting himself_]
Have you seen L?on?
JEAN
No, are you looking for him?
MARTINEL
No, no, I have just a word to say to him concerning an engagement of small importance.
JEAN [_perceives_ L?on]
Wait a moment. Here he comes.
[_Enter_ L?on R. _Exit_ Jean. C.]
SCENE VI.
(Martinel _and_ L?on.)
MARTINEL [_goes quickly up to_ L?on]
I must have five minutes with you. Something terrible has happened. Never in the course of my life have I been placed in so awkward and so embarrassing a situation.
L?ON
Quick! What is it?
MARTINEL
I had just finished my game at billiards when a servant brought me a letter addressed to M. Martinel, without any Christian name by which to identify it, but with these words on the letter "Exceedingly urgent." I thought it was addressed to me, so I tore open the envelope, and I read words intended for Jean--words which have well-nigh taken away my reason. I came to find you in order to ask advice, for this is a thing which must be decided upon the moment.
L?ON
Tell me, what is it?
MARTINEL
I am responsible for my own actions, M. L?on, and I would ask advice of no one if the matter concerned myself only, but unfortunately it concerns Jean; therefore, I hesitate--the matter is so grave, and then the secret is not mine--I came upon it accidentally.
L?ON
Tell me quickly, and do not doubt my faith.
MARTINEL
I do not doubt your faith. Here is the letter. It is from Dr. Pellerin, who is Jean's physician, who is his friend, our friend, a good fellow, a free liver, and a physician to many women of the world, and one who would not write such things unless necessity compelled him. [_Hands the letter to_ L?on,
