L?ON [_to_ M. Petitpr?]
Yes, it would have been better to consult you, but the urgency of the matter did not allow it. You would have discussed the matter; my aunt would have discussed the matter; we should all have discussed the matter the whole night long, and you know there are times when one cannot afford to lose even seconds. Silence was necessary until Jean's return. When he does return he will hide nothing from you, and I feel sure that you will judge him as I myself have judged him.
MME. DE RONCHARD [_turns to_ Martinel]
But this letter, from whom did it come?
MARTINEL
Oh, I can tell you that. It came from a physician.
MME. DE RONCHARD
From a physician--a physician--then he must have a sick patient--and it is on account of this patient that he made Jean come to him. But who is the patient? Oh, ho! I surmise that it is a woman--that woman--his former mistress, who has played this card today. Sick! I suppose she has made a pretense of poisoning herself in order to show him that she loves him still and will always love him. Oh, the little wretch! [_To_ L?on.] This is the kind of people you stand up for! Yes, you!
L?ON
It would be only reasonable, my dear Aunt, not to air all these revolting theories of yours in Gilberte's presence, especially when you really know nothing at all.
GILBERTE [_rises_]
Do not speak any more about it, I pray you. Everything that I have heard just now distresses me beyond measure. I will wait for my husband; I do not wish to know anything except from his lips, as I have absolute confidence in him. If misfortune has threatened us, I will not hear such things talked of. [_Exit_ L, _accompanied by_ Petitpr?. _Short silence_.]
MME. DE RONCHARD [_turns to_ L?on]
Well, L?on, do you always win? You see what charming fellows these husbands are--every one of them!
ACT II.
SCENE I.
Musotte's _bedroom, neatly furnished, but without luxury. Disordered bed stands_ L. _A screen stands_ L. I. E., _almost hiding_ Musotte, _who lies stretched at length upon a steamer-chair. Beside the bed is a cradle, the head of which is turned up stage. On the mantelpiece and on small tables at_ R. _and_ L. _are vials of medicine, cups, chafing-dish, etc. A table stands_, R. I. E. Musotte _is sleeping_. La Babin _and_ Mme. Flache _stand_ C. _looking at her_.
LA BABIN [_in low tones_]
How she sleeps!
MME. FLACHE [_in the same voice_]
But she will not sleep long now, unless she is going into her last sleep.
LA BABIN
Oh, there is no chance of that. That is enough to give one the horrors. Fancy losing one's life for a child!
MME. FLACHE
But how can you prevent it? Death is as necessary as birth, or the world would become too small for us all.
LA BABIN [_sits_ R. _of table_]
All people ought to die in the same way and at the same age--every one of us; then one would know what to expect.
MME. FLACHE [_pours out some tea_]
What simple ideas you have, Madame Babin! Personally, I would rather not know the hour of my death. I would sooner finish my life while sleeping in the middle of the night--during slumber--without suffering--by a sudden failure of the heart.
LA BABIN
Look at the sick woman. How silly of her to wish to rest upon that steamer-chair as she has done. The doctor told her plainly that such an effort would probably finish her.
MME. FLACHE [_sits_ L. _of table_]
Oh, I understand her motive. When a girl like her has a lover she commits every kind of folly, and more especially, nurse, when they are at all coquettish; but you country people do not know anything about such things. They are coquettish through and through. That is the reason she wished to look her prettiest. She was afraid of being thought ugly, don't you understand? So I had to put on her _peignoir_, and tidy her up, and arrange her hair just as I have done.
LA BABIN
Oh, these Parisians! It is necessary that they should have a hairdresser even to the last gasp! [_A short silence_.] But will this gentleman of hers come?
MME. FLACHE
I do not think so. Men are not overfond of obeying the calls of their former mistresses at such times, and then, this lover of hers was married to-day, poor fellow!
LA BABIN
Well, that is a joke.
MME. FLACHE
I should say so.
LA BABIN
Certainly, then, he won't come. In such a case would _you_ go to see a man?
MME. FLACHE
Oh, if I loved him very much I should go.
LA BABIN
Even if you were marrying another the same day?
MME. FLACHE
Just the same. For such a combination of circumstances would pierce my heart; would penetrate me with a strong emotion,--and, oh, I am so fond of such emotions!
LA BABIN
Well, so far as I am concerned, I certainly would not go. I should be too much afraid of the shock.
MME. FLACHE
But Doctor Pellerin asserts that the man will come.
LA BABIN
Do you know this physician well?
MME. FLACHE
Who, Doctor Pellerin?
LA BABIN
Yes; he has the air of a charming man of the world.
MME. FLACHE
Oh, yes; he is all that, but he is also a good physician. Then he is such good company, and has such a smooth tongue. And you know he is not physician to the Opera for nothing.
LA BABIN
That little puppy of a--
MME. FLACHE
A
