 VAUTRIN A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS

 BY

 HONORE DE BALZAC

 Presented for the first time at the Porte-Saint-Martin Theatre, Paris March 14, 1840

 AUTHOR'S PREFACE

It is difficult for the playwright to put himself, five days after thefirst presentation of his piece, in the situation in which he felthimself on the morning after the event; but it is still more difficultto write a preface to _Vautrin_, to which every one has written hisown. The single utterance of the author will infallibly prove inferiorto so vast a number of divergent expressions. The report of a cannonis never so effective as a display of fireworks. 

Must the author explain his work? Its only possible commentator is M. Frederick Lemaitre. 

Must he complain of the injunction which delayed the presentation ofhis play? That would be to betray ignorance of his time and country. Petty tyranny is the besetting sin of constitutional governments; itis thus they are disloyal to themselves, and on the other hand, whoare so cruel as the weak? The present government is a spoilt child, and does what it likes, excepting that it fails to secure the publicweal or the public vote. 

Must he proceed to prove that _Vautrin_ is as innocent a work as adrama of Berquin's? To inquire into the morality or immorality of thestage would imply servile submission to the stupid Prudhommes whobring the matter in question. 

Shall he attack the newspapers? He could do no more than declare thatthey have verified by their conduct all he ever said about them. 

Yet in the midst of the disaster which the energy of government hascaused, but which the slightest sagacity in the world might haveprevented, the author has found some compensation in the testimony ofpublic sympathy which has been given him. M. Victor Hugo, amongothers, has shown himself as steadfast in friendship as he ispre-eminent in poetry; and the present writer has the greaterhappiness in publishing the good will of M. Hugo, inasmuch as theenemies of that distinguished man have no hesitation in blackening hischaracter. 

Let me conclude by saying that _Vautrin_ is two months old, and in therush of Parisian life a novelty of two months has survived a couple ofcenturies. The real preface to _Vautrin_ will be found in the play, _Richard-Coeur-d'Eponge_, [*] which the administration permits to beacted in order to save the prolific stage of Porte-Saint-Martin frombeing overrun by children. 

[*] A play never enacted or printed. 

PARIS, May 1, 1840. 

 PERSONS OF THE PLAY

Jacques Collin, known as VautrinThe Duc de MontsorelThe Marquis Albert de Montsorel, son to MontsorelRaoul de FrascasCharles Blondet, known as the Chevalier de Saint-CharlesFrancois Cadet, known as the PhilosopherFil-de-SoieButeuxPhilippe Boulard, known as LafourailleA Police OfficerJoseph Bonnet, footman to the Duchesse de MontsorelThe Duchesse de Montsorel (Louise de Vaudrey)Mademoiselle de Vaudrey, aunt to the Duchesse de MontsorelThe Duchesse de ChristovalInez de Christoval, Princesse D'ArjosFelicite, maid to the Duchesse de MontsorelServants, Gendarmes, Detectives, and others

SCENE: Paris

TIME: 1816, after the second return of the Bourbons. 

 VAUTRIN

 ACT I. 

SCENE FIRST. (A room in the house of the Duc de Montsorel. )The Duchesse de Montsorel and Mademoiselle de Vaudrey. 

The DuchessAh! So you have been waiting for me! How very good of you!

Mademoiselle de VaudreyWhat is the matter, Louise? This is the first time in the twelve yearsof our mutual mourning, that I have seen you cheerful. Knowing you asI do, it makes me alarmed. 

The DuchessI cannot help showing my unhappiness, and you, who have shared all mysorrows, alone can understand my rapture at the faintest gleam ofhope. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyHave you come upon any traces of your lost son?

The DuchessHe is found!

Mademoiselle de VaudreyImpossible! When you find out your error it will add to your anguish. 

The DuchessA child who is dead has but a tomb in the heart of his mother; but thechild who has been stolen, is still living in that heart, dear aunt. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreySuppose you were overheard!

The DuchessI should not care. I am setting out on a new life, and I feel strongenough to resist even the tyranny of De Montsorel. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyAfter twenty-two years of mourning, what possible occurrence can giveyou ground for hope?

The DuchessI have much more than hope! After the king's reception, I went to theSpanish ambassador's, where I was introduced to Madame de Christoval. There I saw a young man who resembled me, and had my voice. Do you seewhat I mean? If I came home late it was because I remained spellboundin the room, and could not leave until he had gone. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyYet what slight warrant you had for your elation!

The DuchessIs not a revelation such as that more than sufficient warrant for therapture of a mother's heart? At the sight of that young stranger aflame seemed to dart before my yes; his glance gave me new life; Ifelt happy once more. If he were not my son, my feelings would bequite unaccountable. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyYou must have betrayed yourself!

The DuchessYes, perhaps I did! People doubtless noticed us; but I was carriedaway by an uncontrollable impulse; I saw no one but him, I wished tohear him talk, and he talked with me, and told me his age. He istwenty-three, the same age as Fernand!

Mademoiselle de VaudreyAnd was the duke present?

The DuchessCould I give a thought to my husband? I listened only to this youngman, who was talking with Inez. I believe they are in love with eachother. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyInez, who is engaged to your son, the marquis? And do you think thewarm reception given by her to his son's rival could escape the duke'snotice?

The DuchessOf course not, and I quite see the dangers to which Fernand isexposed. But I must not detain you longer; I could talk to you abouthim till morning. You shall see him. I have told him to come at thehour the duke goes to the king's, and then we will question him abouthis childhood. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyFor goodness' sake, calm yourself; you will never be able to sleepthis night. And send Felicite to bed, she is not accustomed to theselate hours. (She rings the bell. )

Felicite (entering the room)His grace the duke has come in with his lordship the marquis. 

The DuchessI have already told you, Felicite, never to inform me of his grace'smovements. (Exit Felicite. )

Mademoiselle de VaudreyI should hate to rob you of an illusion which causes you suchhappiness; but when I see the height of expectation to which you havesoared, I fear a terrible fall for you. The soul, like the body, isbruised by a fall from an excessive height, and you must excuse mysaying that I tremble for you. 

The DuchessWhile you fear the effect of despair for me, I fear that ofoverwhelming joy. 

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey (watching the duchess go out)If she should be deceived, she might lose her senses. 

The Duchess (re-entering the room)Fernand, dear aunt, calls himself Raoul de Frescas. (Exit. )

SCENE SECOND. 

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey (alone)She does not see that the recovery of her son would be a miracle. Allmothers believe in miracles. We must keep watch over her. A look, aword might ruin her, for if she is right, if God restores her son toher, she is on the brink of a catastrophe more frightful even than thedeception she had been practicing. Does she think she can dissembleunder the eyes of women?

SCENE THIRD. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey and Felicite. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyAlready here?

FeliciteHer grace the duchess dismissed me early. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyHas my niece given you no orders for the morning?

FeliciteNone, madame. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyA young man, named Monsieur Raoul de Frescas, is coming to call uponme towards noon; he may possibly ask for the duchess, but you mustinstruct Joseph to bring him to my apartment. (Exit. )

SCENE FOURTH. 

Felicite (alone)A young man for her? Not a bit of it. I always said that there wassome motive in my lady's retired way of living; she is rich, she ishandsome, yet the duke does not love her; and now the first time shegoes out, a young man comes next day to see her, and her aunt wishesto receive him. They keep me in the dark; I am neither trusted nortipped. If this is the way chambermaids are to be treated under thenew government, I don't know what will become of us. (A side dooropens, two men are seen, and the door is immediately closed again. ) Atany rate we shall have a look at the young man. (Exit. )

SCENE FIFTH. Joseph and Vautrin. (Vautrin wears a tan-colored overcoat, trimmed with fur, over theblack evening dress of a foreign diplomatic minister. )

JosephThat blasted girl! We would have been down in our luck if she had seenus. 

VautrinYou mean _you_ would have been down in your luck; you take pretty goodcare not to be caught again, don't you? I suppose then that you enjoypeace of mind in this house?

JosephThat I do, for honesty I find to be the best policy. 

VautrinAnd do you quite approve of honesty?

JosephOh, yes, so long as the place and the wages suit me. 

VautrinI see you are doing well, my boy. You take little and often, you save, you even have the honesty to lend a trifle at interest. That's allright, but you cannot imagine what pleasure it gives me to see one ofmy old acquaintances filling an honorable position. You have succeededin doing so; your faults are but negative and therefore half virtues. I myself once had vices; I regret them as things of the past; I havenothing but dangers and struggles to interest me. Mine is the life ofan Indian hemmed in by my enemies, and I am fighting in defence of myown scalp. 

JosephAnd what of mine?

VautrinYours? Ah! you are right to ask that. Well, whatever happens to me, you have the word of Jacques Collin that he will never compromise you. But you must obey me in everything!

JosephIn everything? But--

VautrinThere are no buts with me. If there is any dark business to be done Ihave my "trusties" and old allies. Have you been long in this place?

JosephThe duchess took me for her footman when she went with the court toGhent, last year and I am trusted by both the ladies of the house. 

VautrinThat's the ticket! I need a few points with regard to theseMontsorels. What do you know about them?

JosephNothing. 

Vautrin (aside)He is getting a little too honest. Does he think he knows nothingabout them? Well, you cannot talk for five minutes with a man withoutdrawing something out of him. (Aloud) Whose room is this?

JosephThe salon of her grace the duchess, and these are her apartments;those of the duke are on the floor above. The suite of the marquis, their only son, is below, and looks on the court. 

VautrinI asked you for impressions of all the keys of the duke's study. Whereare they?

Joseph (hesitatingly)Here they are. 

VautrinEvery time I purpose coming here you will find a cross in chalk on thegarden gate; every night you must examine the place. Virtue reignshere, and the hinges of that gate are very rusty; but a Louis XVIIIcan never be a Louis XV! Good-bye--I'll come back to-morrow night. (Aside) I must rejoin my people at the Christoval house. 

Joseph (aside)Since this devil of a fellow has found me out, I have been ontenter-hooks--

Vautrin (coming back from the door)The duke then does not live with his wife?

JosephThey quarreled twenty years ago. 

VautrinWhat about?

JosephNot even their own son can say. 

VautrinAnd why was your predecessor dismissed?

JosephI cannot say. I was not acquainted with him. They did not set up anestablishment here until after the king's second return. 

Vautrin (aside)Such are the advantages of the new social order; masters and servantsare bound together by no ties; they feel no mutual attachment, exchange no secrets, and so give no ground for betrayal. (To Joseph)Any spicy stories at meal-times?

JosephNever before the servants. 

VautrinWhat is thought of them in the servants' hall?

JosephThe duchess is considered a saint. 

VautrinPoor woman! And the duke?

JosephHe is an egotist. 

VautrinYes, a statesman. (Aside) The duke must have secrets, and we mustlook into that. Every great aristocrat has some paltry passion bywhich he can be led; and if I once get control of him, his son, necessarily-- (To Joseph) What is said about the marriage of theMarquis de Montsorel and Inez de Christoval?

JosephI haven't heard a word. The duchess seems to take very little interestin it. 

VautrinAnd she has only one son! That seems hardly natural. 

JosephBetween ourselves, I believe she doesn't love her son. 

VautrinI am obliged to draw this word from your throat, as if it were thecork in a bottle of Bordeaux. There is, I perceive, some mystery inthis house. Here is a mother, a Duchesse de Montsorel, who does notlove her son, her only son! Who is her confessor?

JosephShe keeps her religious observances a profound secret. 

VautrinGood--I shall soon know everything. Secrets are like young girls, the more you conceal them, the sooner they are discovered. I willsend two of my rascals to the Church of St. Thomas Aquinas. Theywon't work out their salvation in that way, but they'll work outsomething else. -- Good-bye. 

SCENE SIXTH. 

Joseph (alone)He is an old friend--and that is the worst nuisance in the world. Hewill make me lose my place. Ah, if I were not afraid of being poisonedlike a dog by Jacques Collin, who is quite capable of the act, I wouldtell all to the duke; but in this vile world, every man for himself, and I am not going to pay another man's debt. Let the duke settle withJacques; I am going to bed. What noise is that? The duchess is gettingup. What does she want? I must listen. (He goes out, leaving the doorslightly ajar. )

SCENE SEVENTH. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (alone)Where can I hide the certificate of my son's birth? (She reads)"Valencia. . . . July, 1793. " An unlucky town for me! Fernand wasactually born seven months after my marriage, by one of thosefatalities that give ground for shameful accusations! I shall ask myaunt to carry the certificate in her pocket, until I can deposit it insome place of safety. The duke would ransack my rooms for it, and thewhole police are at his service. Government refuses nothing to a manhigh in favor. If Joseph saw me going to Mademoiselle de Vaudrey'sapartments at this hour, the whole house would hear of it. Ah--I amalone in the world, alone with all against me, a prisoner in my ownhouse!

SCENE EIGHTH. The Duchesse de Montsorel and Mademoiselle de Vaudrey. 

The DuchessI see that you find it is impossible to sleep as I do. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyLouise, my child, I only rose to rid you of a dream, the awakeningfrom which will be deplorable. I consider it my duty to distract youfrom your insane fancies. The more I think of what you told me themore is my sympathy aroused. But I am compelled to tell you the truth, cruel as it is; beyond doubt the duke has placed Fernand in somecompromising situation, so as to make it impossible for him toretrieve his position in the world to which you belong. The young manyou saw cannot be your son. 

The DuchessAh, you never knew Fernand! But I knew him, and in whatever place heis, his life has an influence on mine. I have seen him a thousandtimes--

Mademoiselle de VaudreyIn your dreams!

The DuchessFernand has the blood of the Montsorels and the Vaudreys in his veins. The place to which he was born he is able to take; everything givesway before him wherever he appears. If he became a soldier, he isto-day a colonel. My son is proud, he is handsome, people like him! Iam sure he is beloved. Do not contradict me, dear aunt; Fernand stilllives; if not, then the duke has broken faith, and I know he valuestoo highly the virtues of his race to disgrace them. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyBut are not honor and a husband's vengeance dearer to him than hisfaith as a gentleman?

The DuchessAh! You make me shudder. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyYou know very well, Louise, that pride of race is hereditary with theMontsorels, as it is with the Montemarts. 

The DuchessI know it too well! The doubt cast upon his child's legitimacy hasalmost crazed him. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyYou are wrong there. The duke has a warm heart, and a cool head; inall matters that concern the sentiments on which they live, men ofthat temper act promptly in carrying out their ideas. 

The DuchessBut, dear aunt, do you know at what price he has granted me the lifeof Fernand? Haven't I paid dearly for the assurance that his days werenot to be shortened? If I had persisted in maintaining my innocence Ishould have brought certain death upon him; I have sacrificed my goodname to save my son. Any mother would have done as much. You weretaking care of my property here; I was alone in a foreign land, andwas the prey of ill-health, fever, and with none to counsel me, and Ilost my head; for since that time it has constantly occurred to methat the duke would never have carried out his threats. In making thesacrifice I did, I knew that Fernand would be poor and destitute, without a name, and dwelling in an unknown land; but I knew also thathis life would be safe, and that some day I should recover him, evenif I had to search the whole world over! I felt so cheerful as I camein that I forgot to give you the certificate of Fernand's birth, whichthe Spanish ambassador's wife has at last obtained for me; carry itabout with you until you can place it in the hands of your confessor. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyThe duke must certainly have learnt the measures you have taken inthis matter, and woe be to your son! Since his return he has been verybusy, and is still busy about something. 

The DuchessIf I shake off the disgrace with which he has tried to cover me, if Igive up shedding tears in silence, be assured that nothing can bend mefrom my purpose. I am no longer in Spain or England, at the mercy of adiplomat crafty as a tiger, who during the whole time of ouremigration was reading the thoughts of my heart's inmost recesses, andwith invisible spies surrounding my life as by a network of steel;turning my secrets into jailers, and keeping me prisoner in the mosthorrible of prisons, an open house! I am in France, I have found youonce more, I hold my place at court, I can speak my mind there; Ishall learn what has become of the Vicomte de Langeac, I should provethat since the Tenth of August[*] we have never met, I shall informthe king of the crime committed by a father against a son who is theheir of two noble houses. I am a woman, I am Duchesse de Montsorel, Iam a mother! We are rich, we have a virtuous priest for an adviser;right is on our side, and if I have demanded the certificate of myson's birth--

[*] A noteworthy date in French history, August 10, 1792; the day of the storming of the Tuileries. --J. W. M. 

SCENE NINTH. The same persons, and the Duc de Montsorel (who enters as the duchesspronounces the last sentence). 

The DukeIt is only for the purpose of handing it to me. 

The DuchessSince when have you ventured to enter my apartment without previouslysending me word and asking my leave?

The DukeSince you broke the agreement we made. You swore to take no steps tofind this--your son. This was the sole condition on which I promisedto let him live. 

The DuchessAnd is it not much more honorable to violate such an oath, than toremain faithful to all others?

The DukeWe are henceforth both of us released from our engagements. 

The DuchessHave you, up to the present day, respected yours?

The DukeI have, madame. 

The DuchessListen to him, aunt, and bear witness to this declaration. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyBut has it never occurred to you, my dear sir, that Louise isinnocent?

The DukeOf course you think so, Mademoiselle de Vaudrey. And what would not Igive to share your opinion! The duchess has had twenty years in whichto prove to me her innocence. 

The DuchessFor twenty years you have wrung my heart without pity and withoutintermission. 

The DukeMadame, unless you hand me this certificate, your Fernand will haveserious cause for alarm. As soon as you returned to France you securedthe document, and are trying to employ it as a weapon against me. Youdesire to obtain for your son a fortune and a name which do not belongto him; to secure his admission into a family, whose race has up to mytime been kept pure by wives of stainless reputation, a family whichhas never formed a single mesalliance--

The DuchessAnd which will be worthily represented by your son Albert. 

The DukeBe careful what you say, for you waken in me terrible memories. Andyour last word shows me that you will not shrink from causing ascandal that will overwhelm all of us with shame. Shall we air inpublic courts past occurrences which will show that I am not free fromreproach, while you are infamous? (He turns to Mademoiselle deVaudrey) She cannot have told you everything, dear aunt? She was inlove with Viscount Langeac; I knew it, and respected her love; I wasso young! The viscount came to me; being without hope of inheriting afortune, and the last representative of his house, he unselfishlyoffered to give up Louise de Vaudrey. I trusted in their mutualgenerosity, and accepted her as a pure woman from his hands. Ah! Iwould have given my life for her, and I have proved it! The wretchedman performed prodigies of valor on the Tenth of August, and calleddown upon himself the rage of the mob; I put him under the protectionof some of my people; he was, however, discovered and taken to theAbbaye. As soon as I learned his predicament, I gave into the hands ofa certain Boulard all the money I had collected for our flight! Iinduced Boulard to join the Septembrists in order to save the viscountfrom death; I procured his escape! (To the duchess) He paid me backwell, did he not? I was young, madly in love, impetuous, yet I nevercrushed the boy! You have to-day made me the same requital for mypity, as your lover made for my trust in him. Well--things remain justas they were twenty years ago excepting that the time for pity ispast. And I will repeat what I said to you then: Forget your son, andhe shall live. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyAnd shall her sufferings during those twenty years count for nothing?

The DukeA great crime calls for a great atonement. 

The DuchessAh--if you take my grief for a sign of remorse, I will again protestto you, I am innocent! No! Langeac never betrayed your confidence; itwas not for his king alone he went to his death, and from the fatalday on which he bade me farewell and surrendered me to you, I havenever seen him again. 

The DukeYou purchased the life of your son by making an exactly contrarydeclaration. 

The DuchessCan a compact dictated by terror be looked upon as an avowal of guilt?

The DukeDo you intend to give that certificate of birth?

The DuchessIt is no longer in my possession. 

The DukeI will no longer answer then for your son's safety. 

The DuchessHave you weighed well the consequences of this threat?

The DukeYou ought to know me by this time. 

The DuchessThe trouble is that you do not know me. You will no longer answer formy son's safety? Indeed--but you had better look after your own son. Albert is a guarantee for the life of Fernand. If you keep watch on myproceedings, I shall set a watch on yours; if you rely upon the policeof the realm, I have resources of my own, and the assistance of God. If you deal a blow at Fernand, beware of what may happen to Albert. Ablow for a blow!--That is final. 

The DukeYou are in our own house, madame. I forgot myself. Pray pardon me. Iwas wrong. 

The DuchessYou are more a gentleman than your son; when he flies into a rage hebegs no one's pardon, not he!

The Duke (aside)Has her resignation up to this time been nothing but a pretence? Hasshe been waiting for the present opportunity to speak? Women who areguided by the advice of bigots travel underground, like volcanicfires, and only reveal themselves when they break out. She knows mysecret, I have _lost sight of her son_, and my defeat is imminent. (Exit. )

SCENE TENTH. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey and the Duchess. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyLouise, you love the child you have never seen, and hate him who isbefore your eyes. Ah! you must tell the reason of your hatred forAlbert, if you would retain my esteem and my affection. 

The DuchessNot a word on that subject. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyThe calm way in which your husband remarks your aversion for your sonis astonishing. 

The DuchessHe is accustomed to it. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyYet you could never show yourself a bad mother, could you?

The DuchessA bad mother? No. (She reflects. ) I cannot make up my mind to forfeityour affection. (She draws her aunt to her side. ) Albert is not myson. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyCan a stranger have usurped the place, the name, the title, theproperty of the real child?

The DuchessNo, not a stranger, but his son. After the fatal night on whichFernand was carried off from me, an eternal separation between theduke and myself took place. The wife in me was as cruelly outraged asthe mother. But still I purchased from him peace of mind. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyI do not understand your meaning. 

The DuchessI allowed the duke to present this Albert, child of a Spanishcourtesan, as if he were mine. The duke desired an heir. Amid theconfusion wrought in Spain by the French Revolution the trick escapednotice. Are you surprised that my blood boils at the sight of thisstrange woman's child occupying the place of the lawful heir?

Mademoiselle de VaudreyNow I can deeply sympathize with your hopes; ah! how glad I should beif you were right in your suspicions and this young man were indeedyour son. But what is the matter with you?

The DuchessHe is, I fear, ruined; for I have brought him under the notice of hisfather, who will-- But stay, something must be done! I must find outwhere he lives, and warn him not to come here to-morrow morning. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyLeave the house at this hour! Louise, you are mad!

The DuchessCome, we must save him at any price. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyWhat do you propose doing?

The DuchessNeither of us can leave the house to-morrow without being noticed. Wemust forestall the duke by bribing my chambermaid. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyLouise, would you resort to such means as this?

The DuchessIf Raoul is the son disclaimed by his father, the child over whom Ihave mourned for the last twenty years, I must show them what a wife, a mother, who has been wrongly accused, can do!

Curtain to the First Act. 

 ACT II. 

SCENE FIRST. (Scene the same as in preceding act. )The Duc de Montsorel and Joseph. 

The DukeJoseph, I am not at home excepting to one person. If he comes, youwill show him up. I refer to Monsieur de Saint-Charles. Find outwhether your mistress will see me. (Exit Joseph. ) The awakening of amaternal instinct, which I thought had been utterly extinguished inher heart, amazes me beyond measure. The secret struggle in which sheis engaged must at once be put a stop to. So long as Louise wasresigned our life was not intolerable; but disputes like this wouldrender it extremely disagreeable. I was able to control my wife solong as we were abroad, but in this country my only power over herlies in skillful handling, and a display of authority. I shall telleverything to the king. I shall submit myself to his dictation, andMadame de Montsorel must be compelled to submit. I must however bidemy time. The detective, whom I am to employ, if he is clever, willsoon find out the cause of this revolt; I shall see whether theduchess is merely deceived by a resemblance, or whether she has seenher son. For myself I must confess to having lost sight of him sincemy agents reported his disappearance twelve years ago. I was very muchexcited last night. I must be more discreet. If I keep quiet she willbe put off her guard and reveal her secrets. 

Joseph (re-entering the room)Her grace the duchess has not yet rung for her maid. 

The DukeVery well. 

SCENE SECOND. The preceding and Felicite. (To explain his presence in his wife's room, the duke looks overarticles lying on the table, and discovers a letter in a book. )

The Duke (reading)"To Mademoiselle Inez de Christoval. " (aside) Why should my wife haveconcealed a letter of such slight importance? She no doubt wrote itafter our quarrel. Is it concerning Raoul? This letter must not go tothe Christoval house. 

Felicite (looking for the letter in the book)Now, where is that letter of madame's? Can she have forgotten it?

The DukeAren't you looking for a letter?

FeliciteYes, your grace. 

The DukeIsn't this it?

FeliciteThe very one, your grace. 

The DukeIt is astonishing that you should leave the very hour your mistressmust need your services; she is getting up. 

FeliciteHer grace the duchess has Therese; and besides I am going out by herorders. 

The DukeVery good. I did not wish to interfere with you. 

SCENE THIRD. The preceding, and Blondet, alias the Chevalier de Saint-Charles. (Joseph and Saint-Charles walk together from the centre door, and eyeeach other attentively. )

Joseph (aside)The look of that man is very distasteful to me. (To the duke) TheChevalier de Saint-Charles. 

(The duke signs to Saint-Charles to approach, and examines hisappearance. )

Saint-Charles (giving him a letter, aside)Does he know my antecedents, or will he simply recognize me asSaint-Charles?

The DukeMy dear sir--

Saint-CharlesI am to be merely Saint-Charles. 

The DukeYou are recommended to me as a man whose ability, if it had fairscope, would be called genius. 

Saint-CharlesIf his grace the duke will give me an opportunity, I will prove myselfworthy of that flattering opinion. 

The DukeYou shall have one at once. 

Saint-CharlesWhat are your commands?

The DukeYou see that maid. She is going to leave the house. I do not wish tohinder her doing so; yet she must not cross the threshold, until shereceives a fresh order. (Calls her) Felicite!

FeliciteWhat is it, your grace?

(The Duke gives her the letter. Exit Felicite. )

Saint-Charles (to Joseph)I recognize you, I know all about you: See that this maid remains inthe house with the letter, and I will not recognize you, and will knownothing of you, and will let you stay here so long as you behaveyourself. 

Joseph (aside)This fellow on one side, and Jacques Collin on the other! Well; I musttry to serve them both honestly. 

(Exit Joseph in pursuit of Felicite. )

SCENE FOURTH. The Duke and Saint-Charles. 

Saint-CharlesYour grace's commands are obeyed. Do you wish to know the contents ofthe letter?

The DukeWhy, my dear sir, the power you seem to exercise is something terribleand wonderful. 

Saint-CharlesYou gave me absolute authority in the matter, and I used it well. 

The DukeAnd what if you had abused it?

Saint-CharlesThat would have been impossible, for such a course would ruin me. 

The DukeHow is it that men endowed with such faculties are found employingthem in so lowly a sphere?

Saint-CharlesEverything is against our rising above it; we protect our protectors, we learn too many honorable secrets, and are kept in ignorance of toomany shameful ones to be liked by people, and render such importantservices to others that they can only shake off the obligation byspeaking ill of us. People think that things are only words with us;refinement is thus mere silliness, honor a sham, and acts of treacherymere diplomacy. We are the confidants of many who yet leave us much toguess at. Our programme consists in thinking and acting, finding outthe past from the present, ordering and arranging the future in thepettiest details, as I am about to--and, in short, in doing a hundredthings that might strike dismay to a man of no mean ability. When onceour end is gained, words become things once more, and people begin tosuspect that possibly we are infamous scoundrels. 

The DukeThere may be some justice in all this, but I do not suppose you expectto change the opinion of the world, or even mine?

Saint-CharlesI should be a great fool if I did. I don't care about changing anotherman's opinion; what I do want to change is my own position. 

The DukeAccording to you that would be very easy, wouldn't it?

Saint-CharlesWhy not, your grace? Let some one set me to play the spy overcabinets, instead of raking up the secrets of private families. Instead of dogging the footsteps of shady characters, let them put mein charge of the craftiest diplomats. Instead of pandering to thevilest passions, let me serve the government. I should be delighted toplay a modest part in a great movement. And what a devoted servantyour grace would have in me!

The DukeI am really sorry to employ such talents as yours in so petty anaffair, my friend, but it will give me an opportunity of testing, andthen we'll see. 

Saint-Charles (aside)Ah--We shall see? That means, all has already been seen. 

The DukeI wish to see my son married--

Saint-CharlesTo Mademoiselle Inez de Christoval, Princesse d'Arjos--a good match!Her father made the mistake of entering Joseph Bonaparte's service, and was banished by King Ferdinand. He probably took part in theMexican revolution. 

The DukeMadame de Christoval and her daughter have made the acquaintance of acertain adventurer, named--

Saint-CharlesRaoul de Frescas. 

The DukeIs there nothing I can tell you that you do not know?

Saint-CharlesIf your grace desires it, I will know nothing. 

The DukeOn the contrary, I should like you to speak out, so that I may knowwhat secrets you will permit us to keep. 

Saint-CharlesLet us make one stipulation; whenever my frankness displeases yourgrace, call me chevalier, and I will sink once more into my humblerole of paid detective. 

The DukeGo on, my friend. (Aside) These people are very amusing. 

Saint-CharlesM. De Frescas will not be an adventurer so long as he lives in thestyle of a man who has an income of a hundred thousand francs. 

The DukeWhoever he is you must pierce through the mystery which surrounds him. 

Saint-CharlesYour grace requires a very difficult thing. We are obliged to usecircumspection in dealing with foreigners. They are our masters; theyhave turned Paris upside down. 

The DukeThat's the trouble!

Saint-CharlesDoes your grace belong to the opposition?

The DukeI should like to have brought back the king without his following--that is my position. 

Saint-CharlesThe departure of the king resulted from the disorganization of themagnificent Asiatic police created by Bonaparte. An effort is beingmade nowadays to form a police of respectable people, a procedurewhich disbands the old police. Hemmed in by the military police of theinvasion, we dare not arrest any one, for fear we might lay hands onsome prince on his way to keep an assignation, or some margrave whohad dined too well. But for your grace a man will attempt theimpossible. Has this young man any vices? Does he play?

The DukeYes, in a social way. 

Saint-CharlesDoes he cheat?

The DukeChevalier!

Saint-CharlesThis young man must be very rich. 

The DukeInquire for yourself. 

Saint-CharlesI ask pardon of your grace; but people without passions cannot knowmuch. Would you have the goodness to tell me whether this young man issincerely attached to Mademoiselle de Christoval?

The DukeWhat! That princess! That heiress! You alarm me, my friend. 

Saint-CharlesHas not your grace told me that he is a young man? Now, pretended loveis more perfect than genuine love; that is the reason why so manywomen are deceived! Undoubtedly he has thrown over many mistresses, and heart-free, tongue-free, you know--

The DukeTake care! Your mission is peculiar, and you had best not meddle withthe women; an indiscretion on your part may forfeit my good will, forall that relates to Monsieur Frescas must go no further than you andmyself. I demand absolute secrecy, both from those you employ, andthose who employ you. In fact, you will be a ruined man, if Madame deMontsorel has any suspicion of your designs. 

Saint-CharlesIs Madame de Montsorel then interested in this young man? I must keepan eye on her, for this girl is her chambermaid. 

The DukeChevalier de Saint-Charles, to order you to do this would be unworthyof me, and to ask for such an order is quite unworthy of you. 

Saint-CharlesYour grace and I perfectly understand each other. But what is to bethe main object of my investigations?

The DukeYou must find out whether Raoul de Frescas is the real name of thisyoung man; find out where he was born, ransack his whole life, andconsider all you learn about him a secret of state. 

Saint-CharlesYou must wait until to-morrow for this information, my lord. 

The DukeThat is a short time. 

Saint-CharlesBut it involves a good deal of money. 

The DukeDo not suppose that I wish to hear of evil things; it is the method ofyou people to pander to depraved passions. Instead of showing them up, you prefer to invent rather than to reveal occurrences. I should bedelighted to learn that this young man has a family--

(The marquis enters, sees his father engaged, and turns to go out; theduke asks him to remain. )

SCENE FIFTH. The preceding and the Marquis de Montsorel. 

The Duke (continuing)If Monsieur de Frescas is a gentleman, and the Princesse d'Arjosdecidedly prefers him to my son, the marquis must withdraw his suit. 

The MarquisBut, father, I am in love with Inez. 

The Duke (to Saint-Charles)You may go, sir. 

Saint-Charles (aside)He takes no interest in the proposed marriage of his son. He isincapable of feeling jealous of his wife. There is something veryserious in these circumstances; I am either a ruined man or my fortuneis made. (Exit. )

SCENE SIXTH. The Duke and the Marquis. 

The DukeTo marry a woman who does not love you is a mistake which I shallnever allow you to commit, Albert. 

The MarquisBut there is nothing that indicates that Inez will reject me; and, inany case once she is my wife, it will be my object to win her love, and I believe, without vanity, that I shall succeed. 

The DukeAllow me to tell you, my son, that your barrack-room ideas are quiteout of place here. 

The MarquisOn any other subject your words would be law to me; but every era hasa different art of love--I beg of you to hasten my marriage. Inez hasall the pliability of an only daughter, and the readiness with whichshe accepts the advances of a mere adventurer ought to rouse youranxiety. Really, the coldness with which you receive me this morningamazes me. Putting aside my love for Inez, could I do better? I shallbe, like you, a Spanish grandee, and, more than that, a prince. Wouldthat annoy you, father?

The Duke (aside)The blood of his mother shows itself all the time! Oh! Louise hasknown well my tender spot! (Aloud) Recollect, sir, that there is norank higher than the glorious title, Duc de Montsorel. 

The MarquisHow have I offended you?

The DukeEnough! You forget that I arranged this marriage after my residence inSpain. You are moreover aware that Inez cannot be married without herfather's consent. Mexico has recently declared its independence, andthe occurrence of this revolution explains the delay of his answer. 

The MarquisBut, my dear father, your plans are in danger of being defeated. Yousurely did not see what happened yesterday at the Spanishambassador's? My mother took particular notice there of this Raoul deFrescas, and Inez was immensely pleased with him. Do you know that Ihave long felt, and now at last admit to myself, that my mother hatesme? And that I myself feel, what I would only say to you father, whomI love, that I have little love for her?

The Duke (aside)I am reaping all that I have sown; hate as well as love isinstinctively divined. (To the marquis) My son, you should not judge, for you can never understand your mother. She has seen my blindaffection for you, and she wishes to correct it by severity. Do notlet me hear any more such remarks from you, and let us drop thesubject! You are on duty at the palace to-day; repair thither at once:I will obtain leave for you this evening, when you can go to the balland rejoin the Princesse d'Arjos. 

The MarquisBefore leaving, I should like to see my mother, and beg for her kindoffices in my favor, with Inez, who calls upon her this morning. 

The DukeAsk whether she is to be seen, for I am waiting for her myself. (Exitthe marquis. ) Everything overwhelms me at the same time; yesterday theambassador inquired of me the place of my son's death; last night, myson's mother thought she had found him again; this morning the son ofJuana Mendes harrows my feelings! The princess recognizes himinstinctively. No law can be broken without a nemesis; nature is aspitiless as the world of men. Shall I be strong enough, even with thebacking of the king, to overcome this complication of circumstances?

SCENE SEVENTH. The Duke, the Duchess and the Marquis. 

The DuchessExcuses? Nonsense! Albert, I am only too happy to see you here; it isa pleasant surprise; you are come to kiss your mother before going tothe palace--that is all. Ah! if ever a mother found it in her heart todoubt her son, this eager affection, which I have not been accustomedto, would dispel all such fear, and I thank you for it, Albert. Atlast we understand each other. 

The MarquisI am glad to hear you say that, mother; if I have seemed lacking in myduty to you, it is not that I forget, but that I feared to annoy you. 

The Duchess (seeing the duke)What! Your grace here also!--you really seem to share your son'scordiality, --my rising this morning is actually a fete. 

The DukeAnd you will find it so every day. 

The Duchess (to the duke)Ah! I understand-- (To the marquis) Good-bye! The king is strict aboutthe punctuality of his red-coated guards, and I should be sorry tocause you to be reprimanded. 

The DukeWhy do you send him off? Inez will soon be here. 

The DuchessI do not think so, I have just written to her. 

SCENE EIGHTH. The same persons and Joseph. 

Joseph (announcing a visitor)Their graces the Duchesse de Christoval and the Princess d'Arjos. 

The Duchess (aside)How excessively awkward!

The Duke (to his son)Do not go; leave all to me. They are trifling with us. 

SCENE NINTH. The same persons, the Duchesse de Christoval and the Princessed'Arjos. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelAh! madame, it is extremely kind of you thus to anticipate my visit toyou. 

The Duchesse de ChristovalI come in this way that there may be no formality between us. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (to Inez)Have you read my letter?

InezOne of your maids has just handed it to me. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (aside)It is evident that Raoul is also coming. 

The Duke (to the Duchesse de Christoval, whom he leads to a seat)I hope we see in this informal visit the beginning of a familyintimacy?

The Duchesse de ChristovalPray do not exaggerate the importance of a civility, which I look uponas a pleasure. 

The MarquisYou are seriously afraid, madame, I perceive, of encouraging my hopes?Did I not suffer sufficiently yesterday? The princess did not noticeme, even by a look. 

InezI didn't expect the pleasure of meeting you again so soon, sir. Ithought you were on duty; I am glad to have an opportunity ofexplaining that I never saw you till the moment I left the ball-room, and this lady (pointing to the Duchesse de Montsorel) must be theexcuse of my inattention. 

The MarquisYou have two excuses, mademoiselle, and I thank you for mentioningonly one--my mother. 

The DukeHis reproaches spring only from his modesty, mademoiselle. Albert isunder the impression that Monsieur de Frescas can give him ground foranxiety! At his age passion is a fairy that makes trifles appear vast. But neither yourself nor your mother, mademoiselle, can attach anyserious importance to the claims of a young man, whose title isproblematical and who is so studiously silent about his family. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (to the Duchesse de Christoval)And are you also ignorant of the place where he was born?

The Duchesse de ChristovalI am not intimate enough with him to ask for such information. 

The DukeThere are three of us here who would be well pleased to have it. Youalone, ladies, would be discreet, for discretion is a virtue thepossession of which profits only those who require it in others. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelAs for me, I do not believe that curiosity is always blameless. 

The MarquisIs mine then ill-timed? And may I not inquire of madame whether theFrescas of Aragon are extinct or not?

The Duchesse de Christoval (to the duke)Both of us have known at Madrid the old commander, who was last of hisline. 

The DukeHe died, of course, without issue. 

InezBut there exists a branch of the family at Naples. 

The MarquisSurely you are aware, mademoiselle, that your cousins, the house ofMedina-Coeli, have succeeded to it?

The Duchesse de ChristovalYou are right; there are no De Frescas in existence. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelWell! Well! If this young man has neither title nor family, he can beno dangerous rival to Albert. I do not know why you should beinterested in him. 

The DukeBut there are a great many ladies interested in him. 

InezI begin to see your meaning--

The MarquisIndeed!

InezYes, this young man is not, perhaps, all he wishes to appear; but heis intelligent, well educated, his sentiments are noble, he shows usthe most chivalric respect, he speaks ill of no one; evidently, he isacting the gentleman, and exaggerates his role. 

The DukeI believe he also exaggerates the amount of his fortune; but it isdifficult at Paris to maintain that pretension for any length of time. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (to the Duchesse de Christoval)I am told that you mean to give a series of brilliant entertainments?

The MarquisDoes Monsieur de Frescas speak Spanish?

InezJust as well as we do. 

The DukeSay no more, Albert; did you not hear that Monsieur de Frescas is ahighly accomplished young man?

The Duchesse de ChristovalHe is really a very agreeable man, but if your doubts were wellfounded, I confess, my dear duke, I should be very sorry to receiveany further visits from him. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (to the Duchesse de Christoval)You look as fresh to-day as you did yesterday; I really admire the wayyou stand the dissipations of society. 

The Duchesse de Christoval (aside to Inez)My child, do not mention Monsieur de Frescas again. The subject annoysMadame de Montsorel. 

Inez (also aside)It did not annoy her yesterday. 

SCENE TENTH. The same persons, Joseph and Raoul de Frescas. 

Joseph (to the Duchesse de Montsorel)As Mademoiselle de Vaudrey is not in, and Monsieur de Frescas is here, will your grace see him?

The Duchesse de ChristovalIs Raoul here?

The DukeSo he has already found her out!

The Marquis (to his father)My mother is deceiving us. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (to Joseph)I am not at home. 

The DukeIf you have asked Monsieur de Frescas to come why do you begin bytreating so great a personage with discourtesy? (To Joseph, despite agesture of protest from the Duchesse de Montsorel) Show him in! (Tothe marquis) Try to be calm and sensible. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (aside)In trying to help, I have hurt him, I fear. 

JosephM. Raoul de Frescas. 

Raoul (entering)My eagerness to obey your commands will prove to you, Madame laDuchesse, how proud I am of your notice, and how anxious to deserveit. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelI thank you, sir, for your promptitude. (Aside) But it may prove fatalto you. 

Raoul (bowing to the Duchesse de Christoval and her daughter, aside)How is this? Inez here?

(Raoul exchanges bows with the duke; but the marquis takes up anewspaper from the table, and pretends not to see Raoul. )

The DukeI must confess, Monsieur de Frescas, I did not expect to meet you inthe apartment of Madame de Montsorel; but I am pleased at the interestshe takes in you, for it has procured me the pleasure of meeting ayoung man whose entrance into Parisian society has been attended withsuch success and brilliancy. You are one of the rivals whom one isproud to conquer, but to whom one submits without displeasure. 

RaoulThis exaggerated eulogy, with which I cannot agree, would be ironicalunless it had been pronounced by you; but I am compelled toacknowledge the courtesy with which you desire to set me at my ease, (looking at the marquis, who turns his back on him), in a house whereI might well think myself unwelcome. 

The DukeOn the contrary, you have come just at the right moment, we were justspeaking of your family and of the aged Commander de Frescas whommadame and myself were once well acquainted with. 

RaoulI am highly honored by the interest you take in me; but such an honoris generally enjoyed at the cost of some slight gossip. 

The DukePeople can only gossip about those whom they know well. 

The Duchesse de ChristovalAnd we would like to have the right of gossiping about you. 

RaoulIt is my interest to keep myself in your good graces. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelI know one way of doing so. 

RaoulWhat is that?

The Duchesse de MontsorelRemain the same mysterious personage you are at present. 

The Marquis (rejoining them, newspaper in hand)Here is a strange thing, ladies; one of those foreigners who claim tobe noblemen has been caught cheating at play at the field marshal'shouse. 

InezIs that the great piece of news in which you have been absorbed?

RaoulIn these times, everyone seems to be a foreigner. 

The MarquisIt is not altogether the piece of news that set me thinking, but I wasstruck by the incredible readiness with which people receive at theirhouses those about whose antecedents they know positively nothing. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (aside)Is he to be insulted in my house?

RaoulIf people distrust those whom they do not know, aren't they sometimeslikely, at very short notice, to know rather too much about them?

The DukeAlbert, how can this news of yours interest us? Do we ever receive anyone without first learning what his family is?

RaoulHis grace the duke knows my family. 

The DukeIt is sufficient for me that you are found at Madame de Montsorel'shouse. We know what we owe to you too well to forget what you owe tous. The name De Frescas commands respect, and you represent itworthily. 

The Duchesse de Christoval (to Raoul)Will you immediately announce who you are, if not for your own sake, at least out of consideration for your friends?

RaoulI shall be extremely distressed if my presence here should occasionthe slightest discussion; but as certain hints are as galling as themost direct charges, I suggest that we end this conversation, which isas unworthy of you, as it is of me. Her grace the duchess did not, Iam sure, invite me here to be cross-examined. I recognize in no onethe right to ask a reason for the silence which I have decided tomaintain. 

The MarquisAnd you leave us the right to interpret it?

RaoulIf I claim liberty of action, it is not for the purpose of refusingthe same to you. 

The Duke (to Raoul)You are a noble young man, you show the natural distinction whichmarks the gentleman; do not be offended at the curiosity of the world;it is our only safeguard. Your sword cannot impose silence upon allidle talkers, and the world, while it treats becoming modesty withgenerosity, has no pity for ungrounded pretensions--

RaoulSir!

The Duchesse de Montsorel (whispering anxiously to Raoul)Not a word about your childhood; leave Paris, and let me alone knowwhere you are--hidden! Your whole future depends on this. 

The DukeI really wish to be your friend, in spite of the fact that you are therival of my son. Give your confidence to a man who has that of hisking. How can you be descended from the house of De Frescas, which isextinct?

Raoul (to the duke)Your grace is too powerful to fail of proteges, and I am not so weakas to need a protector. 

The Duchesse de ChristovalSir, I am sure you will understand a mother's feeling that it would beunwise for her to receive many visits from you at the Christovalhouse. 

Inez (to Raoul)A word would save us, and you keep silence; I perceive that there issomething dearer to you than I am. 

RaoulInez, I could hear anything excepting these reproaches. (Aside) OVautrin! Why did you impose absolute silence upon me. (He bowsfarewell to the ladies. To the Duchesse de Montsorel) I leave myhappiness in your charge. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelDo what I order; I will answer for the rest. 

Raoul (to the marquis)I am at your service, sir. 

The MarquisGood-bye Monsieur Raoul. 

RaoulDe Frescas, if you please. 

The MarquisDe Frescas, then!

(Exit Raoul. )

SCENE ELEVENTH. The same persons, except Raoul. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (to the Duchesse de Christoval)You were very severe. 

The Duchesse de ChristovalYou may not be aware, madame, that for the last three months thisyoung man has danced attendance on my daughter wherever she went, andthat his admission into society was brought about a littleincautiously. 

The Duke (to the Duchesse de Christoval)He might easily be taken for a prince in disguise. 

The MarquisIs he not rather a nobody disguised as a prince?

The Duchesse de MontsorelYour father will tell you that such disguises are difficult to assume. 

Inez (to the marquis)A nobody sir? We women can be attracted by one who is above us, neverby him who is our inferior. 

The Duchesse de ChristovalWhat are you talking about, Inez?

InezIt is of no consequence, mother! Either this young man is crazed orthese people are ungenerous. 

The Duchesse de Christoval (to the Duchesse de Montsorel)I can plainly see, madame, that any explanation is impossible, especially in the presence of the duke; but my honor is at stake, andI shall expect you to explain. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelTo-morrow, then. 

(Exit the duke with the Duchesse de Christoval and her daughter, followed by the Duchesse de Montsorel. )

SCENE TWELFTH. The Marquis and the Duke. 

The MarquisThe appearance of this adventurer, father, seems to throw both you andmy mother into a state of the most violent excitement; it would almostseem as if not only was the marriage of your son jeopardized, but yourvery existence menaced. The duchess and her daughter went off in highdudgeon--

The DukeWhat could have brought them here in the very midst of our discussion?

The MarquisAnd you also are interested in this fellow Raoul?

The DukeAre not you? Your fortune, your name, your future and your marriage, all that is more to you than life, is now at stake!

The MarquisIf all these things are dependent upon this young man, I willimmediately demand satisfaction from him. 

The DukeWhat! A duel? If you had the wretched luck to kill him, the success ofyour suite would be hopeless. 

The MarquisWhat then is to be done?

The DukeDo like the politicians; wait!

The MarquisIf you are in danger, father, do you think I can remain quiet?

The DukeLeave the burden to me; it would crush you. 

The MarquisAh! but you will speak, father, you will tell me--

The DukeNothing! For we should both of us have too much to blush for. 

SCENE THIRTEENTH. The same persons and Vautrin. (Vautrin is dressed all in black; at the beginning of the scene heputs on an air of compunction and humility. )

VautrinExcuse me, your grace, for having forced my way in, but (whispering soas not to be overheard) we have both of us been victimized by an abuseof confidence--allow me to say a word or two to you alone. 

The Duke (with a sign to his son to leave them)Say on, sir. 

VautrinIn these days success is in the power of those alone who exertthemselves to obtain office, and this form of ambition pervades allclasses. Every man in France desires to be a colonel, and it isdifficult to see where the privates are to come from. As a matter offact society is threatened by disintegration, which will simply resultfrom this universal desire for high positions, accompanied with ageneral disgust for the low places. Such is the fruit of revolutionaryequality. Religion is the sole remedy for this corruption. 

The DukeWhat are you driving at?

VautrinI beg pardon, but it is impossible to refrain from explaining to astatesman, with whom I am going to work, the cause of a mistake whichannoys me. Has your grace confided any secrets to one of my people whocame to you this morning, with the foolish idea of supplanting me, andin the hope of making himself known to you as one who could serve yourinterests?

The DukeWhat do you mean? That you are the Chevalier de Saint-Charles?

VautrinLet me tell your grace, that we are just what we desire to be. Neitherhe nor I is simple enough to be his real self--it would cost us toomuch. 

The DukeRemember, that you must furnish proofs. 

VautrinIf your grace has confided any important secret to him, I shall haveimmediately to put him under surveillance. 

The Duke (aside)This man seems more honest and reliable than the other. 

VautrinWe put the secret police on such cases. 

The DukeYou ought not to have come here, sir, unless you were able to justifyyour assertions. 

VautrinI have done my duty. I hope that the ambition of this man, who iscapable of selling himself to the highest bidder, may be of service toyou. 

The Duke (aside)How can he have learned so promptly the secret of my morninginterview?

Vautrin (aside)He hesitates; Joseph is right, some important secret is at stake. 

The DukeSir!

VautrinYour grace!

The DukeIt is the interest of both of us to defeat this man. 

VautrinThat would be dangerous, if he has your secret; for he is tricky. 

The DukeYes, the fellow has wit. 

VautrinDid you give him a commission?

The DukeNothing of importance; I wish to find out all about a certain Monsieurde Frescas. 

Vautrin (aside)Merely that! (Aloud) I can tell your grace all about him. Raoul deFrescas is a young nobleman whose family is mixed up in an affair ofhigh treason, and he does not like to assume his father's name. 

The DukeHe has a father, then?

VautrinHe has a father. 

The DukeAnd where does he come from? What is his fortune?

VautrinWe are changing our roles, and your grace must excuse my not answeringuntil you tell me what special interest your grace has in Monsieur deFrescas. 

The DukeYou are forgetting yourself, sir!

Vautrin (with assumed humility)Yes, I am forgetting the fact that there is an enormous differencebetween spies and those who set them. 

The DukeJoseph!

Vautrin (aside)The duke has set his spies upon us; I must hurry. 

(Vautrin disappears through the side door, by which he entered in thefirst act. )

The Duke (turning back)You shall not leave the house. Heavens! Where is he? (He rings andJoseph answers. ) Let all the doors of the house be locked, a man hasgot into the house. Quick! Let all look for him, and let him beapprehended. (He goes to the room of the duchess. )

Joseph (looking through the postern)He is far away by this time. 

Curtain to the Second Act. 

 ACT III. 

SCENE FIRST. (A room in the house of Raoul de Frescas. )

Lafouraille (alone)Would my late excellent father, who advised me to frequent none butthe best society, have been satisfied with me yesterday? I spent allnight with ministers' valets, attendants of the embassy, princes', dukes', peers' coachmen--none but these, all reliable men, in goodluck; they steal only from their masters. My master danced with a finechit of a girl whose hair was powdered with a million's worth ofdiamonds, and he had no eyes for anything but the bouquet she carriedin her hand; simple young man, we sympathize with you. Old JacquesCollin--Botheration! There I trip again, I cannot reconcile myself tothis common name--I mean Monsieur Vautrin, will arrange all that. In alittle time diamonds and dowry will take an airing, and they have needof it; to think of them as always in the same strong boxes! 'Tisagainst the laws of circulation. What a joker he is!--He sets you upas a young man of means. He is so kind, he talks so finely, theheiress comes in, the trick is done, and we all cry shares! The moneywill have been well earned. You see we have been here six months. Haven't we put on the look of idiots! Everybody in the neighborhoodtakes us for good simple folk. And who would refuse to do anything forVautrin? He said to us: "Be virtuous, " and virtuous we became. I fearhim as I fear the police, and yet I love him even more than money. 

Vautrin (calling from outside)Lafouraille!

LafourailleThere he is! I haven't seen his face this morning--that means a storm;I prefer it should fall upon some one else, and will get out. (Hestarts to the door but encounters Vautrin. )

SCENE SECOND. Vautrin and Lafouraille. (Vautrin is dressed in long white duck trousers and a waistcoat of thesame material, slippers of red morocco, --the morning dress of abusiness man. )

VautrinLafouraille. 

LafourailleSir?

VautrinWhere are you going?

LafourailleTo get your letters. 

VautrinI have them. Have you anything else to do?

LafourailleYes, your chamber--

VautrinIn so many words you want to avoid me. I have always found thatrestless legs never go with a quiet conscience. Stay where you are. I want to talk with you. 

LafourailleI am at your service. 

VautrinI hope you are. Come here. You told us, under the fair sky ofProvence, a certain story which was little to your credit. A stewardbeat you at play; do you recollect?

LafourailleA steward? Yes, that fellow Charles Blondet, the only man who everrobbed me! Can a fellow forget that?

VautrinHad you not on one occasion sold your master to him? That's commonenough. 

LafourailleOn one occasion? I sold him three times over. 

VautrinThat was better. And what business was the steward then engaged in?

LafourailleI was going to tell you. I was footman at eighteen with the DeLangeacs--

VautrinI thought it was in the Duc de Montsorel's house. 

LafourailleNo; the duke, fortunately, has only twice set eyes on me, and has, Ihope, forgotten me. 

VautrinDid you rob him?

LafourailleWell, to some small extent. 

VautrinWhy do you want him to forget you?

LafourailleBecause, after seeing him again, yesterday, at the embassy, I shouldthen feel safe. 

VautrinAnd it is the same man?

LafourailleWe are both older by twenty-five years, and that is the onlydifference. 

VautrinTell me all about him. I knew I had heard you mention his name. Go on. 

LafourailleThe Vicomte de Langeac, one of my masters, and this Duc de Montsorelwere like peas in the same pod. When I was forced to choose betweenthe nobles and the people, I did not hesitate; from a mere footman, Ibecame a citizen, and citizen Philip Boulard was an earnest worker. Ihad enthusiasm, and acquired influence in the faubourg. 

VautrinAnd so you have been a politician, have you?

LafourailleNot for long. I did a pretty thing, and that ruined me. 

VautrinAha! My boy, pretty things are like pretty women--better light shy ofthem; they often bring trouble. What was this pretty thing?

LafourailleI'll tell you. In the scrimmage of the Tenth of August, the dukeconfided to my care the Vicomte de Langeac; I disguised and hid him, Igave him food at the risk of my popularity and my life. The duke hadgreatly encouraged me by such trifles as a thousand gold pieces, andthat Blondet had the infamy to offer me a bigger pile to give up ouryoung master. 

VautrinDid you give him up?

LafourailleImmediately. He was jugged in the Abbaye, and I became the happypossessor of sixty good thousands of francs in gold, in real gold. 

VautrinAnd what has this to do with the Duc de Montsorel?

LafourailleWait a little. When the days of September came, my conduct seemed tome slightly reprehensible; and to quiet my conscience, I determined topropose to the duke, who was leaving the country that I should rescuehis friend. 

VautrinDid your remorse prove a good investment?

LafourailleThat it did; for it was rare in those days! The duke promised metwenty thousand francs if I delivered the viscount from the hands ofmy comrades, and I succeeded in doing so. 

VautrinTwenty thousand francs for a viscount!

LafourailleAnd he was all the more worth it, because he was the last. I foundthat out too late. The steward had disposed of all the other Langeacs, even to the poor grandmother whom he had sent to the Carmelites. 

VautrinThat was good!

LafourailleBut then something else happened. That Blondet heard of my devotion, he traced me out and found me in the neighborhood of Mortagne, wheremy master was at the house of one of my uncles waiting for a chance toreach the sea. The noodle offered me as much money as he had alreadygiven me. I saw before me an honest life for the rest of my days; andI was weak. My friend Blondet caused the viscount to be shot as a spy;and my uncle and myself were imprisoned as his accomplices. We werenot released until I had disgorged all my gold. 

VautrinThat is the way a knowledge of the human heart is acquired. You weredealing with a stronger man than yourself. 

LafourailleThat remains to be seen; for I am still alive. 

VautrinEnough of that! There is nothing of use to me in your tale. 

LafourailleCan I go now?

VautrinCome, come. You seem to experience a keen longing to be where I amnot. But you went into society yesterday; did you do anything?

LafourailleThe servants said such funny things about their masters, that I couldnot leave the antechamber. 

VautrinYet I saw you nibbling at the sideboard; what did you take?

LafourailleNothing--but stay--I took a wineglass of Madeira. 

VautrinWhat did you do with the dozen of gold spoons that went with the glassof Madeira?

LafourailleGold spoons! I've searched diligently, but find nothing of that kindin my memory. 

VautrinPossibly; but you will find them in your mattress. And was Philosopheralso absent-minded?

LafouraillePoor Philosopher! Since morning he has been a laughing-stock belowstairs. He induced a coachman who was very young to strip off his goldlace for him. It was all false on the underside. In these days mastersare thieves. You cannot be sure of anything, more's the pity. 

Vautrin (whistles)This is no joking matter. You will make me lose the house: this mustbe put a stop to--Here, father Buteux, ahoy! Philosopher! Come here. Fil-de-Soie! My dear friends, let us have a clearing up. You are apack of scoundrels. 

SCENE THIRD. The same persons, Buteux, Philosopher and Fil-de-Soie. 

ButeuxPresent! Is the house on fire?

Fil-de-SoieIs it some one burning with curiosity?

ButeuxA fire would be better, for it can be put out. 

PhilosopherBut the other can be choked. 

LafourailleBah! He has had enough of this trifling. 

ButeuxSo we are to have more moralizing--thank you for that. 

Fil-de-SoieHe cannot want me for I have not been out. 

Vautrin (to Fil-de-Soie)You? The evening when I bade you exchange your scullion's cap for afootman's hat--poisoner--

Fil-de-SoieWe will drop the extra names. 

VautrinAnd you accompanied me as my footman to the field marshal's; whilehelping me on with my cloak, you stole the watch of the Cossackprince. 

Fil-de-SoieOne of the enemies of France. 

VautrinYou, Buteux, you old malefactor, carried off the opera-glass of thePrincesse d'Arjos the evening she set down your young master at ourgate. 

ButeuxIt dropped on the carriage step. 

VautrinYou should have respectfully handed it back to her; but the gold andthe pearls appealed to your tigerish talons. 

LafourailleNow, now, surely people can have a little fun? Devil take it! Did notyou, Jacques--

VautrinWhat do you mean?

LafourailleDid not you, Monsieur Vautrin, require thirty thousand francs thatthis young man might live in princely style? We succeeded insatisfying you in the fashion of foreign governments, by borrowing, and getting credit. All those who come to ask for me leave some withus. And you are not satisfied. 

Fil-de-SoieAnd if, when I am sent to buy provisions without a sou, I may not beallowed to bring back some cash with me, --I might as well send in myresignation. 

PhilosopherAnd didn't I sell our custom to four different coach-builders--5, 000francs each clip--and the man who got the order lost all? One eveningMonsieur de Frescas starts off from home with wretched screws, and webring him back, Lafouraille and I, with a span worth ten thousandfrancs, which have cost him only twenty glasses of brandy. 

LafourailleNo, it was Kirchenwasser. 

PhilosopherYes, and yet you fly into a rage--

Fil-de-SoieHow are you going to keep house now?

VautrinDo you expect to do things of this kind for long? What I havepermitted in order to set up our establishment, from this day forth Iforbid. You wish, I suppose, to descend from robbery to swindling? Ifyou do not understand what I say I will look out for better servants. 

ButeuxAnd where will you find them?

LafourailleLet him hunt for them!

VautrinYou forget, I see, that I have pledged myself to save your necks!Dear, dear, do you think I have sifted you, like seeds in a colander, through three different places of residence, to let you hover round agibbet, like flies round a candle? I wish you to know that anyimprudence that brings you to such a position, is, to men of my stamp, a crime. You ought to appear as supremely innocent as you, Philosopher, appeared to him who let you rip off his lace. Neverforget the part you are playing; you are honest fellows, faithfuldomestics, and adore Raoul de Frescas, your master. 

ButeuxDo you take this young man for a god? You have harnessed us to hiscar; but we know him no better than he knows us. 

PhilosopherTell me, is he one of our kind?

Fil-de-SoieWhat is he going to bring us to?

LafourailleWe obey on condition that the Society of the Ten Thousand bereconstituted, so that never less than ten thousand francs at a timebe assigned to us; at present we have not any funds in common. 

Fil-de-SoieWhen are we all to be capitalists?

ButeuxIf the gang knew that for the last six months I have been disguisingmyself as an old porter, without any object, I should be disgraced. IfI am willing to risk my neck, it is that I may give bread to my Adele, whom you have forbidden me to see, and who for six months must havebeen as dry as a match. 

Lafouraille (to the other two)She is in prison. Poor man! Let us spare his feelings. 

VautrinHave you finished? Come now, you have made merry here for six months, eaten like diplomats, drunk like Poles, and have wanted nothing. 

ButeuxYes, we are rusting out!

VautrinThanks to me, the police have forgotten you! You owe your good luck tome alone! I have erased the brand from your foreheads. I am the head, whose ideas you, the arms, carry out. 

PhilosopherWe are satisfied. 

VautrinYou must all obey me blindly. 

LafourailleBlindly. 

VautrinWithout a murmur. 

Fil-de-SoieWithout a murmur. 

VautrinOr else let us break our compact, and be off with you! If I meet withingratitude from you, to whom can I venture hereafter to do a service?

PhilosopherTo no one, my emperor. 

LafourailleI should rather say, our great teacher!

ButeuxI love you more than I love Adele. 

Fil-de-SoieWe worship you. 

VautrinIf necessary, I shall even have to beat you. 

PhilosopherWe'll take it without a murmur. 

VautrinTo spit in your face; to bowl over your lives like a row of skittles. 

ButeuxBut I bowl over with a knife. 

VautrinVery well--Kill me this instant. 

ButeuxIt is no use being vexed with this man. Do you wish me to restore theopera-glass? I intended it for Adele!

All (surrounding Vautrin)Would you abandon us, Vautrin?

LafourailleVautrin! Our friend. 

PhilosopherMighty Vautrin!

Fil-de-SoieOur old companion, deal with us as you will. 

VautrinYes, and I can deal with you as I will. When I think what trouble youmake, in your trinket-stealing, I feel inclined to send you back tothe place I took you from. You are either above or below the level ofsociety, dregs or foam; but I desire to make you enter into society. People used to hoot you as you went by. I wish them to bow to you; youwere once the basest of mankind, I wish you to be more than honestmen. 

PhilosopherIs there such a class?

ButeuxThere are those who are nothing at all. 

VautrinThere are those who decide upon the honesty of others. You will neverbe honest burgesses, you must belong either to the wretched or therich; you must therefore master one-half of the world! Take a bath ofgold, and you will come forth from it virtuous!

Fil-de-SoieTo think, that, when I have need of nothing, I shall be a good prince!

VautrinOf course. And you, Lafouraille, you can become Count of Saint Helena;and what would you like to be, Buteux?

ButeuxI should like to be a philanthropist, for the philanthropist alwaysbecomes a millionaire. 

PhilosopherAnd I, a banker. 

Fil-de-SoieHe wishes to be a licensed professional. 

VautrinShow yourselves then, according as occasion demands it, blind andclear-sighted, adroit and clumsy, stupid and clever, like all thosewho make their fortune. Never judge me, and try to understand mymeaning. You ask who Raoul de Frescas is? I will explain to you; hewill soon have an income of twelve hundred thousand francs. He will bea prince. And I picked him up when he was begging on the high road, and ready to become a drummer-boy; in his twelfth year he had neithername nor family; he came from Sardinia, where he must have got intosome trouble, for he was a fugitive from justice. 

ButeuxOh, now that we know his antecedents and his social position--

VautrinBe off to your lodge!

ButeuxLittle Nini, daughter of Giroflee is there--

VautrinShe may let a spy pass in. 

ButeuxShe! She is a little cat to whom it is not necessary to point out thestool-pigeons. 

VautrinYou may judge my power from what I am in process of doing for Raoul. Ought he not to be preferred before all? Raoul de Frescas is a youngman who has remained pure as an angel in the midst of our mire-pit; heis our conscience; moreover, he is my creation; I am at once hisfather, his mother, and I desire to be his guiding providence. I, whocan never know happiness, still delight in making other people happy. I breathe through his lips, I live in his life, his passions are myown; and it is impossible for me to know noble and pure emotionsexcepting in the heart of this being unsoiled by crime. You have yourfancies, here I show you mine. In exchange for the blight whichsociety has brought upon me, I give it a man of honor, and enter upona struggle with destiny; do you wish to be of my party? Obey me. 

AllIn life, and death--

Vautrin (aside)So my savage beasts are once more brought to submission. (Aloud)Philosopher, try to put on the air, the face, the costume of an_employe_ of the lost goods bureau, and take back to the embassy theplate borrowed by Lafouraille. (To Fil-de-Soie) You, Fil-de-Soie, mustprepare a sumptuous dinner, as Monsieur de Frescas is to entertain afew friends. You will afterwards dress yourself as a respectable man, and assume the air of a lawyer. You will go to number six, Rue Oblin, ring seven times at the fourth-story door, and ask for Pere Giroflee. When they ask where you come from, you will answer from a seaport inBohemia. They will let you in. I want certain letters and papers ofthe Duc de Christoval; here are the text and patterns. I want anabsolute fac-simile, with the briefest possible delay. Lafouraille, you must go and insert a few lines in the newspapers, notifying thearrival of . . . (He whispers into his ear. ) This forms part of myplan. Now leave me. 

LafourailleWell, are you satisfied?

VautrinYes. 

PhilosopherYou want nothing more of us?

VautrinNothing. 

Fil-de-SoieThere will be no more rebellion; every one will be good. 

ButeuxLet your mind rest easy; we are going to be not only polite, buthonest. 

VautrinThat is right, boys; a little integrity, a great deal of address, andyou will be respected. 

(Exeunt all except Vautrin. )

SCENE FOURTH. 

Vautrin (alone)In order to lead them it is only necessary to let them think they havean honorable future. They have no future, no prospects! Pshaw! Ifgenerals took their soldiers seriously, not a cannon would be fired!In a few days, following upon years of subterranean labors, I shallhave won for Raoul a commanding position; it must be made sure to him. Lafouraille and Philosopher will be necessary to me in the countrywhere I am to give him a family. Ah, this love! It has put out of thequestion the life I had destined him to. I wished to win for him asolitary glory, to see him conquering for me and under my direction, the world which I am forbidden to enter. Raoul is not only the childof my intellect and of my malice, he is also my instrument of revenge. These fellows of mine cannot understand these sentiments; they arehappy; they have never fallen, not they! They were born criminals. ButI have attempted to raise myself. Yet though a man can raise himselfin the eyes of God, he can never do so in the eyes of the world. People tell you to repent, and then refuse to pardon. Men possess intheir dealings with each other the instincts of savage animals. Oncewounded, one is down-trodden by his fellows. Moreover, to ask theprotection of a world whose laws you have trampled under foot is likereturning to a house which you have burnt and whose roof would falland crush you. I have well polished and perfected the magneticinstrument of my domination. Raoul was brave, he would have sacrificedhis life, like a fool; I had to make him cold and domineering, and todispel from his mind, one by one, his exalted ideas of life; to renderhim suspicious and tricky as--an old bill-broker, while all the whilehe knew not who I was. And at this moment love has broken down thewhole scaffolding. He should have been great; now, he can only behappy. I shall therefore retire to live in a corner at the height ofhis prosperity; his happiness will have been my work. For two days Ihave been asking myself whether it would not be better that thePrincesse d'Arjos should die of some ailment--say brain fever. It'ssingular how many plans a woman can upset!

SCENE FIFTH. Vautrin and Lafouraille. 

VautrinWhat is the matter? Cannot I be alone one moment? Did I call?

LafourailleWe are likely to feel the claws of justice scratch our shoulders. 

VautrinWhat new blunder have you committed?

LafourailleThe fact is little Nini has admitted a well-dressed gentleman who asksto see you. Buteux is whistling the air, _There's No Place Like Home_, so it must be a sleuth. 

VautrinNothing of the kind, I know who it is; tell him to wait. Everybody inarms! Vautrin must then vanish; I will be the Baron de Vieux-Chene. Speak in a German account, fool him well, until I can play the masterstroke. (Exit. )

SCENE SIXTH. Lafouraille and Saint-Charles. 

Lafouraille (speaking with a German accent)M. De Frescas is not at home, sir, and his steward, the Baron deVieux-Chene, is engaged with an architect, who is to build a grandhouse for my master. 

Saint-CharlesI beg your pardon, my dear sir, you said--

LafourailleI said Baron de Vieux-Chene. 

Saint-CharlesBaron!

LafourailleYes! Yes!

Saint-CharlesHe is a baron?

LafourailleBaron de Vieux-Chene. 

Saint-CharlesYou are a German. 

LafourailleNot I! Not I! I am an Alsatian, a very different thing. 

Saint-Charles (aside)This man has certainly an accent too decidedly German to be aParisian. 

Lafouraille (aside)I know this man well. Here's a go!

Saint-CharlesIf the baron is busy, I will wait. 

Lafouraille (aside)Ah! Blondet, my beauty, you can disguise your face, but not yourvoice; if you get out of our clutches now, you will be a wonder. (Aloud) What shall I tell the baron brings you here? (He makes as ifto go out. )

Saint-CharlesStay a moment, my friend; you speak German, I speak French, we maymisunderstand one another. (Puts a purse into his hand. ) There can beno mistake with this for an interpreter. 

LafourailleNo, sir. 

Saint-CharlesThat is merely on account. 

Lafouraille (aside)Yes, on account of my eighty thousand francs. (Aloud) And do you wishme to shadow my master?

Saint-CharlesNo, my friend, I merely ask for some information, which cannotcompromise you. 

LafourailleIn good German we call that spying. 

Saint-CharlesBut no--that is not it--it is--

LafourailleTo shadow him. And what shall I say to his lordship the baron?

Saint-CharlesAnnounce the Chevalier de Saint-Charles. 

LafourailleWe understand each other. I will induce him to see you. But do notoffer money to the steward; he is more honest than the rest of us. (Hegives a sly wink. )

Saint-CharlesThat means he will cost more. 

LafourailleYes, sir. (Exit. )

SCENE SEVENTH. 

Saint-Charles (alone)A bad beginning! Ten louis thrown away. To shadow him indeed! It istoo stupid not to have a spice of wit in it, this habit of callingthings by their right name, at the outset. If the pretended steward, for there is no steward here, if the baron is as clever as hisfootman, I shall have nothing to base my information on, exceptingwhat they conceal from me. This room is very fine. There is neitherportrait of the king, nor emblem of royalty here. Well, it is plainthey do not frame their opinions. Is the furniture suggestive ofanything? No. It is too new to have been even paid for. But for theair which the porter whistled, doubtless a signal, I should beinclined to believe in the De Frescas people. 

SCENE EIGHTH. Saint-Charles, Vautrin and Lafouraille. (Vautrin wears a bright maroon coat, of old-fashioned cut, with largeheavy buttons; his breeches are black silk, as are his stockings. Hisshoes have gold buckles, his waistcoat is flowered, he wears twowatch-chains, his cravat belongs to the time of the Revolution; hiswig is white, his face old, keen, withered, dissipated looking. Hespeaks low, and his voice is cracked. )

Vautrin (to Lafouraille)Very good; you may go. (Exit Lafouraille. Aside) Now for the tug ofwar, Monsieur Blondet. (Aloud) I am at your service, sir. 

Saint-Charles (aside)A worn out fox is still dangerous. (Aloud) Excuse me, baron, fordisturbing you, while yet unknown to you. 

VautrinI can guess what your business is. 

Saint-Charles (aside)Indeed?

VautrinYou are an architect, and have a proposal to make to me; but I havealready received most excellent offers. 

Saint-CharlesExcuse me, your Dutchman must have mispronounced my name. I am theChevalier de Saint-Charles. 

Vautrin (raising his spectacles)Let me see--we are old acquaintances. You were at the Congress ofVienna, and then bore the name of Count of Gorcum--a fine name!

Saint-Charles (aside)Go choke yourself, old man! (Aloud) So you were there also?

VautrinI should think so! And I am glad to have come upon you again. You werea deuced clever fellow, you know. How you fooled them all!

Saint-Charles (aside)We'll stick to Vienna, then. (Aloud) Ah, baron! I recall you perfectlynow; you also steered your bark pretty cleverly there. 

VautrinOf course I did, and what women we had there! Yes, indeed! And haveyou still your fair Italian?

Saint-CharlesDid you know her? She was a woman of such tact. 

VautrinMy dear fellow, wasn't she, though? She actually wanted to find outwho I was. 

Saint-CharlesAnd did she find out?

VautrinWell, my dear friend, I know you will be glad to hear it, shediscovered nothing. 

Saint-CharlesCome, baron, since we are speaking freely to each other to-day, I formy part must confess that your admirable Pole--

VautrinYou also had the pleasure?

Saint-CharlesOn my honor, yes!

Vautrin (laughing)Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Saint Charles (laughing)Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

VautrinWe can safely laugh now, for I suppose you left her there?

Saint-CharlesImmediately, as you did. I see that we are both come to throw away ourmoney in Paris, and we have done well; but it seems to me, baron, thatyou have accepted a very secondary position, though one which attractsnotice. 

VautrinAh! thank you, chevalier. I hope, however, we may still be friends formany a day. 

Saint-CharlesForever, I hope. 

VautrinYou can be extremely useful to me, I can be of immense service to you, we understand each other! Let me know what your present business is, and I will tell you mine. 

Saint-Charles (aside)I should like to know whether he is being set on me, or I on him. 

Vautrin (aside)It is going to be a somewhat slow business. 

Saint-CharlesI will tell you. 

VautrinI am attention!

Saint-CharlesBaron, between ourselves, I admire you immensely. 

VautrinWhat a compliment from a man like you!

Saint-CharlesNot at all! To create a De Frescas in the face of all Paris shows aninventive genius which transcends by a thousand points that of ourcountesses at the Congress. You are angling for the dowry with rarenerve. 

VautrinI angling for a dowry?

Saint-CharlesBut, my dear friend, you would be found out, unless I your friend hadbeen the man chosen to watch you, for I am appointed your shadower bya very high authority. Permit me also to ask how can you dare tointerfere with the family of Montsorel in their pursuit of an heiress?

VautrinTo think that I innocently believed you came to propose we should workin company, and speculate, both of us, with the money of Monsieur deFrescas, of which I have entire control--and here you talk to me ofsomething entirely different! Frescas, my good friend, is one of thelegal titles of this young man, who has seven in all. Stringentreasons prevent him from revealing the name of his family, which Iknow, for the next twenty-four hours. Their property is vast, I haveseen their estate, from which I am just returned. I do not mind beingtaken by you for a rogue, for there is no disgrace in the vast sums atstake; but to be taken for an imbecile, capable of dancing attendanceon a sham nobleman, and so silly as to defy the Montsorels on behalfof a counterfeit--Really, my friend, it would seem that you have neverbeen to Vienna! We are not in the same class!

Saint-CharlesDo not grow angry, worthy steward! Let us leave off entanglingourselves in a web of lies more or less agreeable; you cannot expectto make me swallow any more of them. Our cash box is better furnishedthan yours, therefore come over to us. Your young man is as muchFrescas as I am chevalier and you baron. You picked him up on thefrontier of Italy; he was then a vagabond, to-day he is an adventurer, and that's the whole truth of it. 

VautrinYou are right. We must leave off entangling ourselves in the web offalsehoods more or less agreeable; we must speak the truth. 

Saint-CharlesI will pay you for it. 

VautrinI will give it you for nothing. You are an infamous cur, my friend. Your name is Charles Blondet; you were steward in the household of DeLangeac; twice have you bought the betrayal of the viscount, and neverhave you paid the money--it is shameful! You owe eighty thousandfrancs to one of my footmen. You caused the viscount to be shot atMortagne in order that you might appropriate the property entrusted toyou by the family. If the Duc de Montsorel, who sent you here, knewwho you are, ha! ha! He would make you settle some old accounts! Takeoff your moustache, your whiskers, your wig, your sham decorations andyour badges of foreign orders. (He tears off from him his wig, hiswhiskers and decorations. ) Good day, you rascal! How did you manage toeat up a fortune so cleverly won? It was colossal; how did you loseit?

Saint-CharlesThrough ill-luck. 

VautrinI understand. . . . What are you going to do now?

Saint-CharlesWhoever you are, stop there; I surrender, I haven't a chance left! Youare either the devil or Jacques Collin!

VautrinI am and wish to be nothing but the Baron de Vieux-Chene to you. Listen to my ultimatum. I can cause you to be buried this instant inone of my cellars, and no one will inquire for you. 

Saint-CharlesI know it. 

VautrinIt would be prudent to do so. But are you willing to do for me inMontsorel's house, what Montsorel sent you to do here?

Saint-CharlesI accept the offer; but what are the profits?

VautrinAll you can take. 

Saint-CharlesFrom either party?

VautrinCertainly! You will send me by the person who accompanies you back allthe deeds that relate to the De Langeac family; they must still be inyour possession. In case Monsieur de Frescas marries Mademoiselle deChristoval, you cannot be their steward, but you shall receive ahundred thousand francs. You are dealing with exacting masters. Walkstraight, and they will not betray you. 

Saint-CharlesIt is a bargain!

VautrinI will not ratify it until I have the documents in hand. Until then, be careful! (He rings; all the household come in. ) Attend Monsieurle Chevalier home, with all the respect due his high rank. (ToSaint-Charles, pointing out to him Philosopher) This man willaccompany you. (To Philosopher) Do not leave him. 

Saint-Charles (aside)Once I get safe and sound out of their clutches, I will come downheavy on this nest of thieves. 

VautrinMonsieur le Chevalier, I am yours to command!

SCENE NINTH. Vautrin and Lafouraille. 

LafourailleM. Vautrin!

VautrinWell?

LafourailleAre you letting him go?

VautrinUnless he considers himself at liberty, what can we hope to learn fromhim? I have given my instructions; he will be taught not to put ropesin the way of hangmen. When Philosopher brings for me the documentswhich this fellow is to hand him, they will be given to me, wherever Ihappen to be. 

LafourailleBut afterwards, will you spare his life?

VautrinYou are always a little premature, my dear. Have you forgotten howseriously the dead interfere with the peace of the living? Hush! Ihear Raoul--leave us to ourselves. 

SCENE TENTH. Vautrin and Raoul de Frescas. 

Raoul (soliloquizing)After a glimpse of heaven, still to remain on earth--such is my fate!I am a lost man; Vautrin, an infernal yet a kindly genius, a man whoknows everything, and seems able to do everything, a man as harsh toothers as he is good to me, a man who is inexplicable except by asupposition of witchcraft, a maternal providence if I may so call him, is not after all the providence divine. (Vautrin enters wearing aplain black peruke, a blue coat, gray pantaloons, a black waistcoat, the costume of a stock-broker. ) Oh! I know what love is; but I did notknow what revenge was, until I felt I could not die before I hadwreaked my vengeance on these two Montsorels. 

Vautrin (aside)He is in trouble. (Aloud) Raoul, my son, what ails you?

RaoulNothing ails me. Pray leave me. 

VautrinDo you again repulse me? You abuse the right you have to ill-treat afriend--What are you thinking about?

RaoulNothing. 

VautrinNothing? Come, sir, do you think that he who has taught you thatEnglish coldness, under the veil of which men of worth would concealtheir feelings, was not aware of the transparency which belongs tothis cuirass of pride? Try concealment with others, but not with me. Dissimulation is more than a blunder, for in friendship a blunder is acrime. 

RaoulTo game no more, to come home tipsy no more, to shun the menagerie ofthe opera, to become serious, to study, to desire a position in life, this you call dissimulation. 

VautrinYou are as yet but a poor diplomatist. You will be a great one, whenyou can deceive me. Raoul, you have made the mistake which I havetaken most pains to save you from. My son, why did you not take womenfor what they are, creatures of inconsequence, made to enslave withoutbeing their slave, like a sentimental shepherd? But instead, myLovelace has been conquered by a Clarissa. Ah, young people willstrike against these idols a great many times, before they discoverthem to be hollow!

RaoulIs this a sermon?

VautrinWhat? Do you take me, who have trained your hand to the pistol, whohave shown you how to draw the sword, have taught you not to dread thestrongest laborer of the faubourg, who have done for your brains whatI have done for your body, have set you above all men, and anointedyou my king, do you take me for a dolt? Come, now, let us have alittle more frankness. 

RaoulDo you wish me to tell you what I was thinking?--But no, that would beto accuse my benefactor. 

VautrinYour benefactor! You insult me. Do you think I have devoted to you mylife, my blood, shown myself ready to kill, to assassinate your enemy, in order that I may receive that exorbitant interest called gratitude?Have I become an usurer of this kind? There are some men who wouldhang the weight of a benefit around your heart like a cannon-ballattached to the feet of----, but let that pass! Such men I would crushas I would a worm, without thinking that I had committed homicide! No!I have asked you to adopt me as your father, that my heart may be toyou what heaven is to the angels, a space where all is happiness andconfidence; that you may tell me all your thoughts, even those whichare evil. Speak, I shall understand everything, even an act ofcowardice. 

RaoulGod and Satan must have conspired to cast this man of bronze. 

VautrinIt is quite possible. 

RaoulI will tell you all. 

VautrinVery good, my son; let us sit down. 

RaoulYou have been the cause to me of opprobrium and despair. 

VautrinWhere? When? Blood of a man! Who has wounded you? Who has proved falseto you? Tell me the place, name the people--the wrath of Vautrin shalldescend upon them!

RaoulYou can do nothing. 

VautrinChild, there are two kinds of men who can do anything. 

RaoulAnd who are they?

VautrinKings, who are, or who ought to be, above the law; and--this will giveyou pain--criminals, who are below it. 

RaoulBut since you are not king--

VautrinWell! I reign in the region below. 

RaoulWhat horrible mockery is this, Vautrin?

VautrinDid you not say that God and the devil hobnobbed to cast me?

RaoulHeavens, sir, you make me shudder!

VautrinReturn to your seat! Calm yourself, my son. You must not be astonishedat anything, if you wish to escape being an ordinary man. 

RaoulAm I in the hands of a demon, or of an angel? You have brought me upwithout debauching the generous instincts I feel within me; you haveenlightened without dazzling me; you have given me the experience ofthe old, without depriving me of the graces of youth; but it is notwith impunity that you have whetted the edge of my intellect, expandedmy view, roused my perspicacity. Tell me, what is the source of yourwealth, is it an honorable one? Why do you forbid me to confess to youthe sufferings of my childhood? Why have you given me the name of thevillage where you found me? Why do you prevent me from searching outmy father and mother? Why do you bow me down under a load offalsehoods? An orphan may rouse the interest of people; an imposter, never. I live in a style which makes me a equal to the son of a dukeor a peer; you have educated me well, without expense to the state;you have launched me into the empyrean of the world, and now theyfling into my face the declaration, that there are no longer suchpeople as De Frescas in existence. I have been asked who my familyare, and you have forbidden me to answer. I am at once a greatnobleman and a pariah. I must swallow insults which would drive me torend alive marquises and dukes; rage fills my heart; I should like tofight twenty duels, and to die. Do you wish me to suffer any furtherinsults? No more secrets for me! Prometheus of hell, either finishyour work, or shatter it to pieces!

VautrinWho could fail to respond with a glow of sympathy to this burst ofyouthful generosity? What flashes of courage blaze forth! It isinspiring to see sentiment at its full tide! You must be the son of anoble race. But, Raoul, let us come down to what I call plain reason. 

RaoulAh! At last!

VautrinYou ask me for an account of my guardianship. Here it is. 

RaoulBut have I any right to ask this? Could I live without you?

VautrinSilence, you had nothing, I made you rich. You knew nothing, I havegiven you a good education. Oh! I have not yet done all for you. Afather--all fathers give their life to their children, and as for me, happiness is a debt which I owe you. But is this really the cause ofyour gloom? There are here--in this casket (he points to a casket) aportrait, and certain letters. Often while reading the letters yousign as if--

RaoulThen you know all--?

VautrinI know all. --Are you not touched to the heart?

RaoulTo the heart. 

VautrinO fool! Love lives by treachery, friendship by confidence. --And you--you must seek happiness in your own way. 

RaoulBut have I the power? I will become a soldier, and--wherever thecannot oars, I will win a glorious name, or die. 

VautrinIndeed! Why should you? You talk nonsense. 

RaoulYou are too old to possess the power of understanding me, and it is nouse trying to explain. 

VautrinWell, I will explain to you. You are in love with Inez de Christoval, Princesse d'Arjos in her own right, daughter of a duke banished byKing Ferdinand--an Andalusian who loves you and pleases me, not as awoman, but as a ravishing money-box, whose eyes are the finest in theworld, whose dowry is captivating, and who is the most delightfulpiece of cash, graceful and elegant as some black corvette with whitesails which convoys the long-expected galleons of America, and yieldsall the joys of life, exactly like the Fortune which is painted overthe entrance of the lottery agencies. I approve of you here. You didwrong to fall in love, love will involve you in a thousand follies--but I understand. 

RaoulDo not score me with such frightful sarcasms. 

VautrinSee how quickly he feels his ardor damped, and his hat wreathed increpe!

RaoulYes. For it is impossible for the child flung by accident into thebosom of a fisher family at Alghero to become Prince of Arjos, whileto lose Inez is for me to die of grief. 

VautrinAn income of twelve thousand francs, the title of prince, grandeur, and amassed wealth are not things to be contemplated with melancholy. 

RaoulIf you love me, why do you mock me thus in the hour of my despair?

VautrinAnd what is the cause of your despair?

RaoulThe duke and the marquis have insulted me, in their own house, in herpresence, and I have seen then all my hopes extinguished. The door ofthe Christoval mansion is closed upon me. I do not know why theDuchesse de Montsorel made me come and see her. For the last few daysshe has manifested an interest in me which I do not understand. 

VautrinAnd what brought you to the house of your rival?

RaoulIt seems you know all about it. 

VautrinYes, and many other things besides. Is it true you desire Inez deChristoval? Then you can get over this present despondency. 

RaoulYou are trifling with me. 

VautrinLook here, Raoul! The Christovals have shut their doors upon you. Well--to-morrow you shall be the accepted lover of the princess, andthe Montsorels shall be turned away, Montsorels though they be. 

RaoulThe sight of my distress has crazed you. 

VautrinWhat reason have you ever had for doubting my word? Did I not give youan Arabian horse, to drive mad with envy the foreign and nativedandies of the Bois de Boulogne? Who paid your gambling debts? Whomade provision for your excesses? Who gave you boots, you who oncewent barefoot?

RaoulYou, my friend, my father, my family!

VautrinMany, many thanks. In those words is a recompense for all mysacrifices. But, alas! when once you become rich, a grandee of Spain, a part of the great world, you will forget me; a change of atmospherebrings a change of ideas; you will despise me, and--you will be rightin doing so. 

RaoulDo I see before me a genie, a spirit materialized from the ArabianNights? I question my own existence. But, my friend, my protector, Ihave no family. 

VautrinWell, we are making up a family for you at this very moment. TheLouvre could not contain the portraits of your ancestors, they wouldovercrowd the quays. 

RaoulYou rekindle all my hopes. 

VautrinDo you wish to obtain Inez?

RaoulBy any means possible. 

VautrinYou will shrink from nothing? Magic and hell will not intimidate you?

RaoulHell is nothing, if it yields me paradise. 

VautrinWhat is hell but the hulks and the convicts decorated by justice andthe police with brandings and manacles, and driven on their course bythat wretchedness from which they have no escape? Paradise is a finehouse, sumptuous carriages, delightful women, and the prestige ofrank. In this world there exist two worlds. I put you in the fairestof them, I remain myself in the foulest, and if you remember me, it isall I ask of you. 

RaoulWhile you make me shudder with horror, you fill me with the frenzy ofdelight. 

Vautrin (slapping him on the shoulder)You are a child! (Aside) Have I not said too much to him? (He rings. )

Raoul (aside)There are moments when my inmost nature revolts from the acceptanceof his benefits. When he put his hand on my shoulder it was like ared-hot iron; and yet he has never done anything but good to me! Heconceals from me the means, but the ends are all for me. 

VautrinWhat are you saying there?

RaoulI am resolved to accept nothing, unless my honor--

VautrinWe will cake care of your honor! Is it not I who have fostered yoursense of honor? Have I ever compromised it?

RaoulYou must explain to me--

VautrinI will explain nothing. 

RaoulNothing?

VautrinDid you not say, "By any possible means"? When Inez is once yours, does it matter what I have done, or who I am? You will take Inez away;you will travel. The Christoval family will protect the Prince ofArjos. (To Lafouraille) Put some bottles of champagne on ice; yourmaster is to be married, he bids farewell to bachelor life. Hisfriends are invited. Go and seek his mistresses, if there are anyleft! All shall attend the wedding--a general turn-out in full dress. 

Raoul (aside)His confidence terrifies me, but he is always right. 

VautrinNow for the dinner!

AllNow for the dinner!

VautrinDo not take your pleasure gloomily; laugh for the last time, whileliberty is still yours; I will order none but Spanish wines, for theyare in fashion to-day. 

Curtain to the Third Act. 

 ACT IV. 

SCENE FIRST. (Drawing-room of the Duchesse de Christoval. )The Duchesse de Christoval and Inez. 

InezIf Monsieur de Frescas is of obscure birth, mother, I will at oncegive him up; but you, on your part, must be good enough not to insistupon my marriage with the Marquis de Montsorel. 

The DuchessIf I oppose this unreasonable match, it is certainly not for thepurpose of making another with a designing family. 

InezUnreasonable? Who knows whether it be so or not? You believe him to bean adventurer, I believe he is a gentleman, and we have nothing torefute either view. 

The DuchessWe shall not have to wait long for proofs; the Montsorels are tooeager to unmask him. 

InezAnd he, I believe, loves me too much to delay proving himself worthyof us. Was not his behavior yesterday noble in the extreme?

The DuchessDon't you see, silly child, that your happiness is identical withmine? Let Raoul satisfy the world, and I shall be ready to fight foryou not only against the intrigues of the Montsorels, but in the courtof Spain, itself. 

InezAh, mother, I perceive that you also love him. 

The DuchessIs he not the man of your choice?

SCENE SECOND. The same persons, a footman and Vautrin. 

(The footman brings the duchess a card, wrapped up and sealed. )

The Duchess (to Inez)General Crustamente, the secret envoy of his Majesty Don Augustine I, Emperor of Mexico. What can he have to say to me?

InezOf Mexico! He doubtless brings news of my father!

The Duchess (to the footman)Let him come in. 

(Vautrin enters dressed like a Mexican general, his height increasedfour inches. His hat has white plumes; his coat blue, with the richlace of a Mexican general officer; his trousers white, his scarfcrimson, his hair long and frizzed like that of Murat; he wears a longsabre, and his complexion is copper-hued. He stutters like theSpaniards of Mexico, and his accent resembles Provencal, plus theguttural intonation of the Moors. )

VautrinIs it indeed her grace, the Duchesse de Christoval that I have thehonor to address?

The DuchessYes, sir. 

VautrinAnd mademoiselle?

The DuchessMy daughter, sir. 

VautrinMademoiselle is then the Senorita Inez, in her own right Princessed'Arjos. When I see you, I understand perfectly Monsieur deChristoval's idolatry of his daughter. But, ladies, before anythingfurther, let me impose upon you the utmost secrecy. My mission isalready a difficult one, but, if it is suspected that there is anycommunication between you and me, we should all be seriouslycompromised. 

The DuchessI promise to keep secret both your name and your visit. 

InezGeneral, if the matter concerns my father, you will allow me to remainhere?

VautrinYou are nobles, and Spaniards, and I rely upon your word. 

The DuchessI shall instruct my servants to keep silence on the subject. 

VautrinDon't say a word to them; to demand silence is often to provokeindiscreet talk. I can answer for my own people. I pledged myself tobring you news of Monsieur de Christoval, as soon as I reached Paris, and this is my first visit. 

The DuchessTell us at once about my husband, general; where is he now?

VautrinMexico has become what was sooner or later inevitable, a stateindependent of Spain. At the moment I speak there are no moreSpaniards, only Mexicans, in Mexico. 

The DuchessAt this moment?

VautrinEverything seems to happen in a moment where the causes are notdiscerned. How could it be otherwise? Mexico felt the need of herindependence, she has chosen an emperor! Although nothing could bemore natural, it may still surprise us: while principles can wait tobe recognized men are always in a hurry. 

The DuchessWhat has happened to Monsieur de Christoval?

VautrinDo not be alarmed, madame; he is not emperor. His grace the duke hasbeen unsuccessful, in spite of a desperate struggle, in keeping thekingdom loyal to Ferdinand VII. 

The DuchessBut, sir, my husband is not a soldier. 

VautrinOf course he is not; but he is a clever loyalist, and he acquittedhimself well. If he does eventually succeed, he will be received backagain into royal favor. Ferdinand cannot help appointing him viceroy. 

The DuchessIn what a strange century do we live!

VautrinRevolutions succeed without resembling each other. France sets theexample to the world. But let me beg of you not to talk politics; itis dangerous ground. 

InezHas my father received our letters, general?

VautrinIn the confusion of such a conflict letters may go astray, when evencrowns are lost. 

The DuchessAnd what has become of Monsieur de Christoval?

VautrinThe aged Amoagos, who exercises enormous influence in those regions, saved your husband's life at the moment I was going to have him shot--

The Duchess and InezAh!

VautrinIt was thus that he and I became acquainted. 

The DuchessYou, general?

InezAnd my father?

VautrinWell, ladies, I should have been either hanged by him, as a rebel, orhailed by others as the hero of an emancipated nation, and here I am. The sudden arrival of Amoagos, at the head of his miners, decided thequestion. The safety of his friend, the Duc de Christoval, was thereward of his interference. Between ourselves, the Emperor Iturbide, my master, is no more than a figurehead; the future of Mexico isentirely in the hands of the aged Amoagos. 

The DuchessAnd who, pray, is this Amoagos, the arbiter, as you say, of Mexico'sdestiny?

VautrinIs he not known here? Is it possible? I do not know what can possiblybe found to weld the old and new worlds together. I suppose it will besteam. What is the use of exploiting gold mines, of being such a manas Don Inigo Juan Varago Cardaval de los Amoagos, las Frescas y Peral--and not be heard over here? But of course he uses only one of hisnames, as we all do; thus, I call myself simply Crustamente. Althoughyou may be the future president of the Mexican republic, France willignore you. The aged Amoagos, ladies, received Monsieur de Christovaljust as the ancient gentleman of Aragon that he was would receive aSpanish grandee who had been banished for yielding to the spell ofNapoleon's name. 

InezDid you not mention Frescas among other names?

VautrinYes, Frescas is the name of the second mine worked by Don Cardaval;but you will learn all that monsieur the duke owes to his host fromthe letters I have brought you. They are in my pocket-book. (Aside)They are much taken by my aged Amoagos. (Aloud) Allow me to send forone of my people. (He signs Inez to ring. To the duchess) Permit me tosay a few words to him. (To the footman) Tell my negro--but no, youwon't understand his frightful patois. Make signs to him to come here. 

The DuchessMy child, leave the room for a moment. 

(Enter Lafouraille, made up as a negro, and carrying a largeportmanteau. )

Vautrin (to Lafouraille)Jigi roro flouri. 

LafourailleJoro. 

Inez (to Vautrin)The confidence my father has reposed in you ensures you a warmwelcome; but, general, you have won my gratitude by your promptness inallaying our anxieties. 

VautrinYour gratitude! Ah, senorita, if we are to reckon accounts I shouldconsider myself in debt to your illustrious father, after having thehappiness to see you. 

LafourailleJo. 

VautrinCaracas, y mouli joro, fistas, ip souri. 

LafourailleSouri, joro. 

Vautrin (to the ladies)Ladies, here are your letters. (Aside to Lafouraille) Go round fromthe antechamber to the court, close your lips, open your ears; handsoff, eye on the watch. 

LafourailleJa, mein herr. 

Vautrin (angrily)Souri joro, fistas. 

LafourailleJoro. (whispering) There are the de Langeac papers. 

VautrinI am not for the emancipation of the negroes! When there are no moreof them, we shall have to do with whites. 

Inez (to her mother)Mother, allow me to go and read my father's letter. (To Vautrin)General-- (She bows. )

VautrinShe is charming, may she be happy!

(Exit Inez, accompanied to the door by her mother. )

SCENE THIRD. The Duchess and Vautrin. 

Vautrin (aside)If Mexico saw herself represented in this way, the government would becapable of condemning me to embassades for life. (Aloud) Pray excuseme, madame. I have so many things to think about. 

The DuchessIf absent-mindedness may be excused in any one, it is in a diplomat. 

VautrinYes, to civil diplomats, but I mean to remain a frank soldier. Thesuccess which I derive must be the result of candor. But now that weare alone, let us talk, for I have more than one delicate mission todischarge. 

The DuchessHave you any news which my daughter should not hear?

VautrinIt may be so. Let me come to the point; the senorita is young andbeautiful, she is rich and noble born; she probably has four times asmany suitors as any other lady. Her hand is the object of rivalry. Well, her father has charged me to find whether she has singled outany one in particular. 

The DuchessWith a frank man, general, I will be frank. Your question is sostrange that I cannot answer it. 

VautrinTake care, for we diplomats, in our fear of being deceived, always putthe worst interpretation on silence. 

The DuchessSir, you forget that we are talking of Inez de Christoval!

VautrinShe is in love with no one. That is good; she will be able then tocarry out the wishes of her father. 

The DuchessHow has Monsieur de Christoval disposed of his daughter's hand?

VautrinYou see my meaning, and your anxiety tells me that she has made herchoice. I tremble to ask further, as much as you do to answer. Ah! ifonly the young man whom your daughter loves were a foreigner, rich, apparently without family, and bent on concealing the name of hisnative land!

The DuchessThe name, Frescas, which you lately uttered, is that of a young manwho seeks the hand of Inez. 

VautrinDoes he call himself also Raoul?

The DuchessYes, Raoul de Frescas. 

VautrinA young man of refinement, elegance and wit, and twenty-three years ofage?

The DuchessGifted with manners which are never acquired, but innate. 

VautrinRomantic to the point of desiring to be loved for his own sake, inspite of his immense fortune; he wishes that passion should prevail inmarriage--an absurdity! The young Amoagos, for it is he, madame. 

The DuchessBut the name of Raoul is not--

VautrinMexican--you are right. It was given to him by his mother, aFrenchwoman, an _emigree_, a De Granville, who came from St. Domingo. Is the reckless fellow favored by her?

The DuchessPreferred to all the rest. 

VautrinWell, open this letter, and read it, madame; and you will see that Ihave received full authority from Amoagos and Christoval to concludethis marriage. 

The DuchessOh, let me call in Inez, sir. (Exit. )

SCENE FOURTH. 

Vautrin (alone)The major-domo is on my side, the genuine deeds, if he comes uponthem, will be handed to me. Raoul is too proud to return to thishouse; besides that, he has promised me to wait. I am thus master ofthe situation; Raoul, when once he is a prince, will not lackancestors; Mexico and I will see to that. 

SCENE FIFTH. Vautrin, the Duchesse de Christoval and Inez. 

The Duchess (to her daughter)My child, you have reason to thank the general very warmly. 

InezTo thank you, sir? My father tells me, that among other missions youhave received is that of marrying me to a certain Signor Amoagos, without any regard to my inclinations. 

VautrinYou need not be alarmed, for his name here is Raoul de Frescas. 

InezWhat! He, Raoul de Frescas!--why then his persistent silence?

VautrinDoes it need an old soldier to interpret the heart of a young man? Hewished for love, not obedience; he wished--

InezAh, general, I will punish him well for his modesty and distrust. Yesterday, he showed himself readier to swallow an affront than toreveal the name of his father. 

VautrinBut, mademoiselle, I am still uncertain as to whether the name of hisfather is that of a man convicted of high treason, or of a liberatorof America. 

InezAh! mother, do you hear that?

Vautrin (aside)How she loves him! Poor girl, she does not deserve to be imposed upon. 

The DuchessMy husband's letter does in truth give you the full authority, general. 

VautrinI have the authentic documents, and family deeds. 

A footman (as he enters)Will her grace the duchess see Monsieur de Frescas?

Vautrin (aside)What! Raoul here?

The Duchess (to the footman)Let him come in. 

Vautrin (aside)What a mess! The patient is liable to dose his doctor. 

The DuchessInez, you can see Monsieur de Frescas alone hereafter, since he hasbeen acknowledged by your father. 

(Inez kisses her mother's hand formally. )

SCENE SIXTH. The same persons, and Raoul. 

(Raoul salutes the two ladies. Vautrin approaches him. )

Vautrin (to Raoul)Don Raoul de Cardaval. 

RaoulVautrin!

VautrinNo! General Crustamente. 

RaoulCrustamente!

VautrinCertainly; Mexican Envoy. Bear well in mind the name of your father, --Amoagos, a gentleman of Aragon, friend of the Duc de Christoval. Yourmother is dead; I bring the acknowledged titles, and authentic familypapers. Inez is yours. 

RaoulAnd do you think that I will consent to such villainies? Never!

Vautrin (to the two ladies)He is overcome by what I have told him, not anticipating so prompt anexplanation. 

RaoulIf the truth should kill, your falsehoods would dishonor me, and Iprefer to die. 

VautrinYou wished to obtain Inez by any means possible, yet you shrink frompracticing a harmless stratagem. 

Raoul (in exasperation)Ladies!

VautrinHe is beside himself with joy. (To Raoul) To speak out would be tolose Inez and deliver me to justice: do as you choose, I am at yourdisposal. 

RaoulO Vautrin! In what an abyss you have plunged me!

VautrinI have made you a prince; and don't forget that you are at the summitof happiness. (Aside) He will give in. (Exit. )

SCENE SEVENTH. Inez (standing at the door through which her mother has passed); Raoul(at the other side of the stage). 

Raoul (aside)Honor bids me to speak out, gratitude to keep silence; well, I acceptmy role of happy man, until he is out of danger; but I will write thisevening, and Inez shall learn who I am. Vautrin, after such asacrifice, I may cry quits with you; all ties between us are severed. I will seek, I care not where, a soldier's death. 

Inez (approaching, after gazing at him)My father and yours are friends; they consent to our marriage; we makelove to each other as if they were opposed to it, and you seem lost inthought, and almost sad!

RaoulYou are right, and I have lost my reason. At the very moment you seeno obstacle in our way, it is possible that insurmountabledifficulties may arise. 

InezRaoul, what a damper you are throwing on our happiness!

RaoulOur happiness! (Aside) It is impossible to dissemble. (Aloud) In thename of our common love I implore you to believe in my loyalty. 

InezHas not my confidence in you been boundless? And the general has quitejustified it, even during your silence before the Montsorels. Iforgive you all the little annoyances you were forced to cause me. 

Raoul (aside)Ah! Vautrin! I trust myself to you! (Aloud) Inez, you do not know howgreat is the impression your words make upon me; they give me power tobear the overwhelming rapture your presence causes--Come then, let usbe happy!

SCENE EIGHTHThe same persons and the Marquis de Montsorel. 

The footman (announcing a visitor)Monsieur le Marquis de Montsorel. 

Raoul (aside)Ah! That name recalls me to myself. (To Inez) Whatever happens, Inez, do not judge my conduct until I have myself given an account of it, and believe at the present moment that I am carried along by aninvincible fatality. 

InezRaoul, I cannot understand you; but I shall trust you always. 

The Marquis (aside)Again this little gentleman here! (He salutes Inez. ) I thought youwere with your mother, mademoiselle, and I never dreamed my visitwould be so inopportune. Be good enough to excuse me--

InezI beg that you will not go; there is no one but ourselves here, forMonsieur Raoul has been accepted by my family. 

The MarquisWill Monsieur Raoul de Frescas, then, accept my congratulations?

RaoulYour congratulations? I accept them (they shake hands) in the samespirit as that in which they are offered. 

Inez (to Raoul)Manage that he go away, and do you remain. (To the Marquis) My motherrequires me for a few moments, and I will return with her. 

SCENE NINTH. The Marquis and Raoul; later, Vautrin. 

The MarquisWill you agree to a meeting without seconds--a fight to the death?

RaoulWithout seconds?

The MarquisDo you realize that both of us cannot exist in the same world?

RaoulYour family is a powerful one; your proposition exposes me, in case Iam victorious, to their vengeance. Allow me to say that I do not wantto exchange this house for a prison. (Vautrin appears. ) I will fightto the death--but not without seconds. 

The MarquisWill those on your side stop the duel?

RaoulOur mutual hatred is sufficient guarantee against that. 

Vautrin (aside)Well, now--we always commit some blunder in the moment of success! Tothe death! This child would gamble away his life as if it belonged tohim. 

The MarquisVery well, monsieur; to-morrow at eight o'clock, we meet at theterrace of Saint-Germain, and drive from there to the forest. 

Vautrin (coming forward)You will not go. (To Raoul) A duel? Are the principals of equal rank?Is this gentleman, like you, the only son of a noble house? Would yourfather Don Inigo Juan Varago de los Amoagos de Cardaval las Frescas yPeral, allow you to do it, Raoul?

The MarquisI have consented to fight with an unknown man, but the greatness ofthe house to which the gentleman belongs cannot nullify the agreement. 

Raoul (to the marquis)Nevertheless, it seems to me, monsieur, that we can treat each otherwith courtesy, and act like people who esteem each other too much totake the trouble to hate and to kill. 

The Marquis (looking at Vautrin)May I know the name of your friend?

VautrinBy whom have I to honor to be referred to?

The MarquisBy the Marquis de Montsorel, sir. 

Vautrin (eyeing him from head to foot)I have the right to refuse you, but I will tell you my name, once forall, in a very short time, and you won't repeat it. I am to be one ofthe seconds of Monsieur de Frescas. (Aside) And Buteux shall be theother. 

SCENE TENTH. Raoul, Vautrin, the Marquis and the Duchesse de Montsorel; Later, theDuchesse de Christoval and Inez. 

Footman (announcing a visitor)Her grace the Duchesse de Montsorel. 

Vautrin (to Raoul)Let me have no nonsense; be calm and firm! I stand face to face withthe enemy. 

The MarquisAh, mother dear, and are you come to witness my defeat? All is ended. The De Christoval family has trifled with us. This gentleman (hepoints to Vautrin) represents both families. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelThen Raoul has a family? (The Duchesse de Christoval and her daughterenter and salute the speaker. To the Duchesse de Christoval) Madame, my son has told me what has occurred to frustrate all our hopes. 

The Duchesse de ChristovalThe interest which yesterday you manifested in Monsieur de Frescashas, I see, changed to indifference?

The Duchesse de Montsorel (scrutinizing Vautrin)Is it through this gentleman that all your doubts have been satisfied?Who is he?

The Duchesse de ChristovalHe represents the father of Monsieur de Frescas, don Amoagos, and thefather of Inez, Monsieur de Christoval. He has brought us the news weexpected, and brought letters from my husband. 

Vautrin (aside)Am I to act this part long?

The Duchesse de Montsorel (to Vautrin)Doubtless you have known the family of Monsieur de Frescas for sometime?

VautrinMy acquaintance is limited to a father and an uncle--(to Raoul) Youhave not even the mournful satisfaction of remembering your mother. (To the Duchess) She died in Mexico, shortly after her marriage. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelMonsieur de Frescas, then, was born in Mexico?

VautrinOf course he was. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (to the Duchesse de Christoval)My dear, we are being imposed upon. (To Raoul) Sir, you did not comefrom Mexico. Your mother is not dead, is she? And have you not beenabandoned since your childhood?

RaoulWould that my mother were alive!

VautrinPardon me, madame, but I am here to satisfy your curiosity, if youwish to learn the secret history which it is not necessary you shouldseek from this gentleman. (To Raoul) Not a word!

The Duchesse de MontsorelIt is he! And this man is making him the tool in some sinisterundertaking. (She approaches the marquis) My son--

The MarquisYou have put them out, mother, and I share your impression of this man(he indicated Vautrin); but only a woman has the right to express herthoughts in a way to expose this frightful imposture. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelFrightful indeed! But pray leave us. 

The MarquisLadies, in spite of my ill-fortune, do not blame me if I still havehopes. (To Vautrin) Often between the cup and the lip there is--

VautrinDeath!

(Exit the Marquis, after exchanging bows with Raoul. )

The Duchesse de Montsorel (to the Duchesse de Christoval)My dear duchess, I implore you to excuse Inez. We cannot make ourexplanations before her. 

The Duchesse de Christoval (to her daughter, making signs to her toleave the room)I will rejoin you in a moment. 

Raoul (kissing his hand to Inez)This is perhaps good-bye forever!

(Exit Inez. )

SCENE ELEVENTH. The Duchesse de Christoval, the Duchesse de Montsorel, Raoul andVautrin. 

Vautrin (to the Duchesse de Christoval)Do you suspect the motive that brings madame here?

The Duchesse de ChristovalAfter what happened yesterday I prefer not to say. 

VautrinI guessed her love for him immediately. 

Raoul (to Vautrin)This atmosphere of falsehood stifles me. 

Vautrin (to Raoul)One word more, and the affair will be ended. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelMadame, I know well how strange my present conduct must appear to you, and I won't attempt to justify it. There are solemn duties beforewhich the conventions and even the laws of society must give way. Whatis the character and what the powers of this man?

The Duchesse de Christoval (to whom Vautrin makes a signal)I am forbidden to answer this question. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelWell, I will tell you; this man is either the accomplice or the dupein an imposture of which we are the victims. In spite of the lettersand documents which he brings to you, I am convinced that all evidencewhich gives name and family to Raoul is false. 

RaoulTo tell the truth, madame, I do not know what right you have tointerfere in personal matters of mine. 

The Duchesse de ChristovalMadame, you were wise to send out of the room my daughter and themarquis. 

Vautrin (to Raoul)What right? (To the Duchesse de Montsorel) You need not avow it, for wedivine it. I can well understand, madame, the pain you feel at theprospect of this marriage, and am not therefore offended at yoursuspicions with regard to me, and the authentic documents which I havebrought to the Duchesse de Christoval. (Aside) Now for the finalstroke. (He takes her aside) Before becoming a Mexican I was aSpaniard, and I know the cause of your hatred for Albert. And as tothe motive which brings you here, we will talk about that very soon atthe house of your confessor. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelYou know?

VautrinAll. (Aside) She has some motive. (Aloud) Will you examine thedocuments?

The Duchesse de ChristovalWell, my dear?

The Duchesse de MontsorelBe quick, and send for Inez. Examine the deeds carefully, I imploreyou. This is the request of a despairing mother. 

The Duchesse de ChristovalA despairing mother!

The Duchesse de Montsorel (to herself, looking at Raoul and Vautrin)How is it possible that this man should know my secret and have thishold upon my son?

The Duchesse de ChristovalWill you come, madame?

(Exeunt the two duchesses. )

SCENE TWELFTH. Raoul, Vautrin and later Lafouraille. 

VautrinI thought our star was setting; but it is still in the ascendant. 

RaoulHave I not been humbled sufficiently? I had nothing in the world butmy honor, and that I gave into your keeping. Your power is infernal, Isee that plainly. But from this very moment I withdraw from itsinfluence. You are no longer in danger. Farewell. 

Lafouraille (coming in while Raoul speaks)No one caught, --'twas lucky, --we had time! Ah, sir, Philosopher isbelow, all is lost! The house has been entered by the police. 

VautrinDisgusting! And no one has been taken?

LafourailleWe were too cute for that. 

VautrinPhilosopher is below, as what?

LafourailleAs a footman. 

VautrinGood; let him get up behind my carriage. I want to give you my ordersabout locking up the Prince d'Arjos, who thinks he is going to fight aduel to-morrow. 

RaoulI see that you are in danger. I will not leave you, and I desire toknow--

VautrinNothing. Do not worry about your own security. I will look out foryou, in spite of you. 

RaoulOh! I know what my future will be. 

VautrinI too know. 

LafourailleCome, things are getting hot. 

VautrinNay, the fat is in the fire. 

LafourailleNo time for sentiment, or dilly-dallying, they are on our track andare mounted. 

VautrinLet us be off then. (He takes Lafouraille aside) If the governmentshould do us the honor to billet its gendarmes on us, our duty is tolet them alone. All are at liberty to scatter; but let all be atMother Giroflee's at midnight. Get off post haste, for I do not wishus to meet our Waterloo, and the Prussians are upon us. We must runfor it. 

Curtain to the Fourth Act. 

 ACT V. 

SCENE FIRST. (The scene is laid at the Montsorel house, in a room on the groundfloor. )

Joseph (alone)The cursed white mark appears this evening on the wicket side of thegarden. Things cannot go on long in this way; the devil only knows howit will end. I prefer seeing him there, however, rather than in theapartments; the garden is at least away from the house, and when thewarning comes, one can walk out to meet him. 

SCENE SECOND. Joseph, Lafouraille and Buteux; later, Vautrin. 

(The humming sound of a voice is heard for a moment. )

JosephThere it is, our national air, which I never hear without trembling. (Enter Lafouraille) And who are you? (Lafouraille makes a sign) A newone coming?

LafourailleNo, an old one. 

JosephOh, he whose mark is in the garden. 

LafourailleCan he be waiting here? He intended to be here. (Buteux appears. )

JosephWhy, there will be three of you. 

Lafouraille (pointing to Joseph)There will be four of us. 

JosephAnd what do you come to do at this hour? Do you want to snatch upeverything here?

LafourailleHe takes us for thieves!

ButeuxWe prove that we can be, when we are down in our luck; but we neversay so. 

LafourailleThat is, we make money, like other people. 

JosephBut his grace the duke is going--

LafourailleYour duke cannot return home before two o'clock, and that gives ustime enough: do not therefore interlard with anxious thought theprofessional dish which we have to serve--

ButeuxAnd serve hot. 

(Vautrin wears a brown coat, blue trousers, and a black waistcoat. Hishair is short and he is got up as an imitation of Napoleon in undress. As he enters he abruptly puts out the candle and draws the slide ofhis dark lantern. )

VautrinWhat! You have lights here! You think yourselves still members ofrespectable society. I can understand that this fool should ignore thefirst elements of sane conduct--but you others! (To Buteux, as hepoints out Joseph to him) Put wool in this fellow's ears, and talkwith him over there. (To Lafouraille) And what of the youngster?

LafourailleHe is kept well out of sight. 

VautrinIn what place?

LafourailleIn the other rookery of Giroflee's woman, near here, behind theInvalides. 

VautrinAnd see that he does not escape like that slippery eel of aSaint-Charles, that madman, who came for the purpose of breaking upour establishment--for I--but I never threaten. 

LafourailleUpon the youngster's safety I will stake my head! Philosopher has putbuskins on his hands and frills on his feet, he cannot stir hand orfoot, and will be given up only to me. As for the other, who couldhelp it? Poor Giroflee cannot resist strong liquors, and Blondet knewit. 

VautrinWhat did Raoul say?

LafourailleHe made a terrible uproar; and swore he was disgraced. FortunatelyPhilosopher is insensible to metaphors. 

VautrinDo you think the boy wishes for a fight to the death? A young man isfearful; he has the courage to conceal his terror and the folly toallow himself to be killed. I hope they prevent him from writing toany one. 

Lafouraille (aside)We are in for it! (Aloud) I can conceal nothing from you, before hewas fastened up the prince sent little Nini with a letter to theChristoval house. 

VautrinTo Inez?

LafourailleTo Inez. 

VautrinHe wrote a lot of rubbish, I'll warrant. 

LafourailleA pack of lies and absurdities. 

Vautrin (to Joseph)Hello there! You--the honest man. 

Buteux (leading Joseph to Vautrin)You had better explain things to the master, as he desires. 

JosephIt seems to me that I am not unreasonable to ask what risk I am torun, and what profit is to accrue to me. 

VautrinTime is short, speech long, let us employ the former and drop thelatter. There are two lives in peril, that of a man I am interestedin, and that of a musketeer which I consider useless: we are going tocrush him. 

JosephWhat! Do you mean monsieur the marquis? I will have nothing to do withit. 

LafourailleYou have no say in the matter of your consent. 

ButeuxWe have captured him. Look you, my friend, when the wine is drawn--

JosephIf it is bad, it must not be drunk. 

VautrinAnd you refuse to pledge me in a glass? He who thinks calculates, andhe who calculates betrays. 

JosephYour calculations lead to the scaffold. 

VautrinEnough! You tire me. Your master is to fight a duel to-morrow. In thisduel one of the combatants will never leave the ground alive; imaginethat the duel has taken place, and that your master has had no fairchance. 

ButeuxThat is just it. 

LafourailleThe master is as deep as fate. 

JosephA fine condition to be in. 

ButeuxThe devil to pay and no pitch hot!

Vautrin (to Joseph, pointing out Lafouraille and Buteux)You will conceal these two. 

JosephWhere?

VautrinI tell you, you must conceal them. When all are asleep in the house, excepting us, you must send them up to the musketeer's room. (ToButeux and Lafouraille) Try to go there without him; you must becautions and adroit; the window of his room overlooks the court. (Whispers in their ears) Throw him down. It will be a case of despair(turning to Joseph), and suicide will be a ground for avertingsuspicion from all. 

SCENE THIRD. 

Vautrin (alone)All is saved! There is only one suspect among us, and I will changethat state of affairs. Blondet is the traitor, and in this case baddebts will make good friends, for I will point him out to the duke ina friendly manner as the murderer of Vicomte de Langeac. I mustfinally discover the motive of the duchess's singular behavior. Ifwhat I learn explains the suicide of the marquis, what a master strokeit will be!

SCENE FOURTH. Joseph and Vautrin. 

JosephYour men are well concealed, but you doubtless intend to leave thehouse?

VautrinNo, I am going to do some reading in the study of the Duc deMontsorel. 

JosephBut if he comes home, won't you be afraid?

VautrinIf I feared anything, would I be master of you all?

JosephBut where are you going?

VautrinYou are very curious. 

SCENE FIFTH. 

Joseph (alone)There, he is disposed of for the moment, his two fellows likewise; Ihold them, and, as I don't want to have anything to do with theaffair, I am going--

SCENE SIXTHJoseph, a footman; and afterwards Saint-Charles. 

The footmanMonsieur Joseph, some one is asking for you. 

JosephAt this hour?

Saint-CharlesIt is I. 

Joseph (to the footman)You may go. 

Saint-CharlesHis grace the duke cannot come home until after the king's retirementfor the night. The duchess is on her way home. I wish to speak to herprivately and wait for her here. 

JosephHere?

Saint-CharlesHere. 

Joseph (aside)O my God! And Jacques--

Saint-CharlesIf it inconveniences you--

JosephNot in the least. 

Saint-CharlesTell me the truth, you are expecting some one?

JosephI am expecting the duchess. 

Saint-CharlesAnd not Jacques Collin?

JosephOh! don't talk to me about that man, you make me shudder. 

Saint-CharlesCollin is mixed up with some business that might bring him here. Youmust have seen him lately. I have no time to pump you, and I have noneed to bribe, but you must choose between him and me, and prettyquickly, too. 

JosephWhat do you require of me?

Saint-CharlesTo tell me everything that takes place here. 

JosephWell, the latest thing is the duel of the marquis; he fights to-morrowwith Monsieur de Frescas. 

Saint-CharlesWhat next?

JosephI see her grace the duchess has just returned. 

SCENE SEVENTH. 

Saint-Charles (alone)What a timid beast he is! This duel is a capital excuse for speakingwith the duchess. The duke did not understand me, he saw in me nothingbut a tool, to be taken up and dropped at pleasure. Did he not, byimposing silence upon me towards his wife, betray his suspicion that Iwas dangerous to him? The patrimony of the strong is the faculty ofutilizing the faults of a neighbor. I have already devoured severalpatrimonies, and my appetite is still good. 

SCENE EIGHTH. Saint-Charles, the Duchesse de Montsorel and Mademoiselle de Vaudrey. 

(Saint-Charles disappears till the two ladies have passed, and remainsat the back, while they come to the front of the stage. )

Mademoiselle de VaudreyYou are quite worn out. 

The Duchesse de Montsorel (sinking into an armchair)Yes; I am dead! In despair--

Saint-Charles (coming forward)Madame the duchess. 

The DuchessAh! I had forgotten! Sir, it is impossible at this moment to grant youthe interview you ask. To-morrow--or later in the day. 

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey (to Saint-Charles)My niece, sir, is not in a condition to listen to you. 

Saint-CharlesTo-morrow, ladies, it will be too late! The life of your son, theMarquis de Montsorel, who fights a duel to-morrow with Monsieur deFrescas, is threatened. 

The DuchessThe duel is indeed a frightful thing. 

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey (in a low tone to the duchess)You have already forgotten that Raoul is a stranger to you. 

The Duchess (to Saint-Charles)Sir, my son will know how to acquit himself. 

Saint-CharlesMay I venture to inform you of facts which ordinarily would be keptfrom a mother? Your son will be killed without any fighting. Hisadversary's servants are bravoes, wretches of whom he is theringleader. 

The DuchessAnd what proof have you of this?

Saint-CharlesA former steward of Monsieur de Frescas has offered me a vast sum if Iwould join in this foul conspiracy against the Christoval family. Inorder to make time, I pretended to assent; but just as I was on my wayto warn the authorities, I was dashed to the ground by two men whocame by at full speed, and I lost consciousness; they administered tome in this condition a powerful narcotic, thrust me into a cab, andwhen I came to myself, I was in a den of criminals. Recovering myself-possession, I escaped from my confinement, and set out to trackthese dare-devils. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyYou sometimes come here to see Monsieur de Montsorel, according towhat Joseph tells us?

Saint-CharlesYes, madame. 

The DuchessAnd who, pray, may you be, sir?

Saint-CharlesI am a private detective, whom his grace the duke distrusts, and I amhired for clearing up mysterious occurrences. 

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey (to the duchess)O Louise!

The Duchess (fixing her eyes on Saint-Charles)And who has had the impertinence to send you to address me?

Saint-CharlesA sense of your danger brings me here. I am paid to be your enemy. Youcan keep silence as well as I; prove that your protection is moreadvantageous to me than the hollow promises of the duke, and I canassure you the victory. But time presses, the duke will soon be here, and if he finds us together, the success of our undertaking would beendangered. 

The Duchess (to Mademoiselle de Vaudrey)Ah! we may still hope! (To Saint-Charles) And what were you going todo at the house of Monsieur de Frescas?

Saint-CharlesThat which, at present, I am doing at yours. 

The DuchessSilence, sir. 

Saint-CharlesYour grace has given me no answer; the duke has my word, and he isvery powerful. 

The DuchessAnd I, sir, am immensely rich; but do not expect to take advantage ofme. (She rises) I will never be the dupe of Monsieur de Montsorel, Irecognize his trickery in this secret interview, which you had askedfor. (With emphasis) Let me complete your information. Monsieur deFrescas is not a wretch; his servants are not assassins; he belongs toa family as rich as it is noble, and he is about to marry thePrincesse d'Arjos. 

Saint-CharlesYes, madame, a Mexican envoy has produced letters from Monsieur deChristoval, and documents remarkably authentic. You have sent for asecretary of the Spanish legation, who has endorsed them: seals, stamps, authentications--ah! all are flawless. 

The DuchessYes, sir, the documents are unassailable. 

Saint-CharlesYou are very much interested, madame, in their being proved forgeries, I presume?

The Duchess (to Mademoiselle de Vaudrey)Never has such torture as this wrung the heart of a mother!

Saint-Charles (aside)Whose side shall I take, husband's or wife's?

The DuchessSir, any sum you may ask shall be yours, if you can prove to me thatMonsieur Raoul de Frescas--

Saint-CharlesIs a criminal?

The DuchessNo, but a child--

Saint-CharlesYou mean your child, don't you?

The Duchess (forgetting herself)Yes, yes! Be my deliverer, and I will be your eternal protector. (ToMademoiselle de Vaudrey) Ah me! What have I said? (To Saint-Charles)Where is Raoul?

Saint-CharlesHe has disappeared, and this steward of his, who procured the forgeddeeds in Rue Oblin, and doubtless played the part of the Mexicanenvoy, is one of the most astute of criminals. (The duchess starts. )Oh, you need not be alarmed; he is too clever to shed blood; but he ismore formidable than those who shed it recklessly; and such a man isthe guardian of Raoul. 

The DuchessMy whole fortune for his life!

Saint-CharlesI am for you, madame. (Aside) I know all, and can choose which side Ilike. 

SCENE NINTH. The same persons, the Duc de Montsorel and a footman. 

The DukeAh, well you are getting your own way; there is talk of nothing elsebut the fortune and coming marriage of Monsieur de Frescas; but ofcourse he can claim a family. (Whispers to the Duchesse de Montsorel)He has a mother. (Perceiving Saint-Charles) What! You here, chevalier, and with the duchess?

Saint-Charles (taking the duke aside)Your grace will approve of what I have done. (Aloud) You have been atthe palace and I thought it necessary to warn the duchess of thedanger which threatens her only son, the marquis; he is likely to bemurdered. 

The DukeMurdered!

Saint-CharlesBut your grace will listen to my advice--

The DukeCome into my study, my friend, and let us at once take steps to avertthis catastrophe. 

Saint-Charles (exchanging a look of intelligence with the duchess)I have strange things to tell your grace. (Aside) I am certainly goingto take the duke's part. 

SCENE TENTH. The Duchess, Mademoiselle de Vaudrey and Vautrin. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyIf Raoul is your son, how vile is the company he keeps. 

The DuchessAn angel would purify hell itself. 

(Vautrin half opens with caution a French casement that leads to thegarden, where he has been listening to the preceding conversation. )

Vautrin (aside)I know all. Two brothers cannot fight a duel. Ah, here is my duchess!(Aloud) Ladies!

Mademoiselle de VaudreyA man! Help! Help!

The DuchessIt is he!

Vautrin (to the duchess)Silence! Women can do nothing but cry out. (To Mademoiselle deVaudrey) Mademoiselle de Vaudrey, run to the chamber of the marquis. Two infamous murderers are there; be quick, before they cut out histhroat. But let the wretches be seized without making a disturbance. (To the duchess) Stay where you are, madame. 

The DuchessGo, dear aunt; have no fear for me. 

Vautrin (aside)My rascals will be vastly surprised. What will they think? This is theway I bring down judgment upon them. 

(A noise is heard. )

SCENE ELEVENTH. The Duchess and Vautrin. 

The DuchessThe whole house is in commotion! What will be said, when it is knownthat I am here?

VautrinLet us hope that the foundling will be saved. 

The DuchessBut you are known here, and the duke is with--

VautrinThe Chevalier de Saint-Charles. I am imperturbed; you will defend me. 

The DuchessI?

VautrinYes, you. Or you will never again see your son, Fernand de Montsorel. 

The DuchessRaoul is undoubtedly my son then?

VautrinHe is--I hold in my possession complete proofs of your innocence, and--your son. 

The DuchessYou! You shall not leave me until--

SCENE TWELFTH. The same persons and Mademoiselle de Vaudrey on one side of the stage, Saint-Charles on the other, and domestics. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyHere he is! (To Vautrin) Begone! At once!

The Duchess (to Mademoiselle de Vaudrey)You are ruining everything. 

Saint-Charles (to the servants)Behold their ringleader and accomplice! Whatever he may say, seizehim!

The Duchess (to the company)I command you to leave me alone with this man. 

VautrinWhat is it, chevalier?

Saint-CharlesYou are a puzzle to me, baron. 

Vautrin (whispering to the duchess)You behold in this man the murderer of the viscount whom you loved sowell. 

The DuchessHe the murderer?

Vautrin (to the duchess)Let him be closely watched, or he will slip through your fingers likemoney. 

The DuchessJoseph!

Vautrin (to Joseph)What happened upstairs?

JosephHis lordship the marquis drew his sword, and being attacked from therear, defended himself, and was twice slightly wounded. His grace theduke is with him now. 

The Duchess (to her aunt)Return to Albert's room, I implore you. (To Joseph, pointing outSaint-Charles) I shall hold you responsible for this man's detention. 

Vautrin (to Joseph)So shall I. 

Saint-Charles (to Vautrin)I see the situation, you have got ahead of me. 

VautrinI bear no malice towards you, my dear fellow. 

Saint-Charles (to Joseph)Take me before the duke. 

(Exeunt. )

SCENE THIRTEENTH. Vautrin and the Duchess. 

Vautrin (aside)He has a father, an ancestral family, a mother. What a climax! In whomshall I henceforth find an interest? Whom shall I be able to love?After ten years of paternity, the loss is irreparable. 

The Duchess (approaching Vautrin)What is it?

VautrinWhat is it? It is, that I can never give back to you your son, madame;it is, that I do not feel brave enough to survive his separation fromme, nor his contempt for me. The loss of such as Raoul isirretrievable! My life has been bound up in his. 

The DuchessBut could he feel affection for you, you a criminal whom one could atany moment give up--

VautrinTo justice do you mean? I thought you would have been more tender. Butyou do not, I perceive, see the abyss in which I am dragging you, yourson and the duke, and which all descend in company. 

The DuchessOh! What have you made of my poor child?

VautrinA man of honor. 

The DuchessAnd he loves you?

VautrinHe loves me still. 

The DuchessBut has that wretch spoken the truth in revealing what you are andwhence you come?

VautrinYes, madame. 

The DuchessAnd have you taken care of my son?

VautrinYour son, our son--yes--have you not perceived that he is as pure asan angel?

The DuchessAh, may you receive a blessing for what you have done! May the worldpardon you! Oh God! (she kneels) The voice of a mother must reachThee, forgive, forgive this man. (She looks at Vautrin. ) My tearsshall bathe his hands! Oh! grant that he may repent! (Turning toVautrin) You belong to me; I will change you! But people are deceived, you are no criminal, and, whatever you are, all mothers will give youtheir absolution!

VautrinCome, it is time to restore her son to her. 

The DuchessDid you still harbor the horrible thought of refusing him to hismother? But I have waited for him for two and twenty years. 

VautrinAnd I, have I not been for ten years his father? Raoul is my verysoul! Let me endure anguish, let men heap shame upon me; if he ishappy and crowned with honor, I shall see it and my life will oncemore be bright. 

The DuchessI am overwhelmed. He loves like a mother. 

VautrinThe only tie that binds me to the world, to life, is this bright link, purer than gold. 

The DuchessAnd--without stain?

VautrinAh! People know themselves only in their virtues, and are austere forothers alone. But in myself I see but infamy--in him the heart ofhonor. And yet was he found by me on the highroad from Toulon toMarseilles, the route of the convict. He was twelve years old, withoutbread, and in rags. 

The DuchessBare-foot, it may be?

VautrinYes. But beautiful, with curly hair--

The DuchessIt was thus you saw him?

VautrinPoor angel, he was crying. I took him with me. 

The DuchessAnd you brought him up?

VautrinI stole the means to do so. 

The DuchessI should, perhaps, myself have done the like. 

VautrinI did more!

The DuchessHe must have suffered much. 

VautrinNever! I concealed from him the means I took to make his life happyand easy. I would not let him even suspect them--it would haveblighted him. You may ennoble him by parchments, I have made him noblein heart. 

The DuchessAnd he was my son!

VautrinYes, a son full of nobility, of winning grace, of high instincts; heneeded but to have the way made clear to him. 

The Duchess (wringing the hand of Vautrin)You must needs be great indeed, who have so well performed a mother'stask!

VautrinAnd better than you mothers do! Often you love your babes amiss--Ah, you will spoil him for me even now!--He was of reckless courage; hewished to be a soldier, and the Emperor would have accepted him. Ishowed him the world and mankind under their true light--Yet now he isabout to renounce me--

The DuchessMy son ungrateful?

VautrinNO, 'tis mine I speak of. 

The DuchessOh! give him back to me this very instant!

VautrinI and those two men upstairs--are we not all liable to prosecution?And ought not the duke to give us assurance of silence and release?

The DuchessThose two men then are your agents? And you came--

VautrinBut for me, of the two, natural and lawful son, there would not, in afew hours, have survived but one child. And they might perchance bothhave fallen--each by the other's hand. 

The DuchessAh! you are a providence of horror!

VautrinWhat would you have had me do?

SCENE FOURTEENTH. The same persons, the Duke, Lafouraille, Buteux, Saint-Charles, andall the domestics. 

The Duke (pointing to Vautrin)Seize him! (Pointing to Saint-Charles) And obey no one but thisgentleman. 

The DuchessBut you owe to him the life of your Albert! It was he who gave thealarm. 

The DukeHe!

Buteux (to Vautrin)Ah! you have betrayed us! Why did you bring us here?

Saint-Charles (to the duke)Does your grace hear them?

Lafouraille (to Buteux)Cannot you keep silence? Have we any right to judge him?

ButeuxAnd yet he condemns us!

Vautrin (to the duke)I would inform your grace that these two men belong to me, and I claimpossession of them. 

Saint-CharlesWhy, these are the domestics of Monsieur de Frescas!

Vautrin (to Saint-Charles)Steward of the Langeacs, hold your tongue! (He points to Lafouraille)This is Philip Boulard. (Lafouraille bows. ) Will your grace kindlysend every one out of the room?

The DukeWhat! Do you dare give your orders in my house?

The DuchessAh! sir, he is master here. 

The DukeWhat! This wretch?

VautrinIf his grace the duke wishes to have an audience present we willproceed to talk of the son of Dona Mendes. 

The DukeSilence!

VautrinWhom you are passing off as the son of--

The DukeOnce more I say, silence!

VautrinYour grace perceives, evidently, that there are too many people withinhearing. 

The DukeAll of you begone!

Vautrin (to the duke)Set a watch on every outlet from your house, and let no one leave it, excepting these two men. (To Saint-Charles) Do you remain here. (Hedraws a dagger and cuts the cords by which Lafouraille and Buteux arebound. ) Take yourselves off by the postern; here is the key, and go tothe house of mother Giroflee. (To Lafouraille) You must send Raoul tome. 

Lafouraille (as he leaves the room)Oh! our veritable emperor. 

VautrinYou shall receive money and passports. 

Buteux (as he goes out)After all, I shall have something for Adele!

The DukeBut how did you learn all these facts?

Vautrin (handing some documents to the duke)These are what I took from your study. 

The DukeThese comprise my correspondence, and the letters of the duchess tothe Viscount de Langeac. 

VautrinWho was shot at Mortagne, October, 1792, through the kind efforts ofCharles Blondet, otherwise known as the Chevalier de Saint-Charles. 

Saint-CharlesBut your grace very well knows--

VautrinIt was he himself who gave me these papers, among which you willnotice the death certificate of the viscount, which proves that he andher grace the duchess never met after the Tenth of August, for he hadthen left the Abbaye for the Vendee, accompanied by Boulard, whoseized the moment to betray and murder him. 

The DukeAnd so Fernand--

VautrinThe child sent to Sardinia is undoubtedly your son. 

The DukeAnd her grace the duchess--

VautrinIs innocent. 

The DukeMy God! (He sinks back into an armchair. ) What have I done?

The DuchessWhat a horrible proof--his death! And the assassin stands before us. 

VautrinMonsieur le Duc de Montsorel, I have been a father to Fernand, and Ihave just saved your two sons, each from the sword of the other; youalone are the author of all this complication. 

The DuchessStop! I know him better than you do, and he suffers at this moment allthat I have suffered during twenty years. In the name of mercy, whereis my son?

The DukeWhat, Raoul de Frescas?

VautrinFernand de Montsorel is on his way here. (To Saint-Charles) And whatdo you say about all this?

Saint-CharlesYou are a hero; let me be your servant. 

VautrinYou are ambitious. Would you follow me?

Saint-CharlesAnywhere. 

VautrinI can well believe it. 

Saint-CharlesAh! what a master mind you obtain in me, and what a loss to thegovernment!

VautrinGo; and wait for me at the bureau of passports. 

(Exit Saint-Charles. )

SCENE FIFTEENTH. The same persons, the Duchesse de Christoval, Inez and Mademoiselle deVaudrey. 

Mademoiselle de VaudreyHere they are!

The Duchesse de ChristovalMy daughter, madame, has received a letter from Monsieur Raoul, inwhich this noble young man declares that he would rather give up Inez, than deceive us; he has related his whole life's history. He is tofight a duel with your son to-morrow, and as Inez is the involuntarycause of this duel we are come to prevent it; for it is now entirelywithout ground or reason. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelThere will be no duel, madame. 

InezHe will live then!

The Duchesse de MontsorelAnd you shall marry the Marquis de Montsorel, my child. 

SCENE SIXTEENTH. The same persons, Raoul and Lafouraille. (The last named does nottarry. )

Raoul (to Vautrin)What! Would you imprison me to prevent my fighting a duel?

The DukeWith your brother?

RaoulMy brother?

The DukeYes. 

The Duchesse de MontsorelYou are, then, really my child! (She embrace Raoul. ) Ladies, this isFernand de Montsorel, my son, the--

The Duke (taking Raoul by the hand, and interrupting his wife)The eldest son, who was carried off from us in childhood. Albert isnow no more than Comte de Montsorel. 

RaoulFor three days I have been in a dream! You, my mother! You, sir--

The DukeYour father--yes!

RaoulAmong the very people who asked me to name my family--

VautrinYour family has been found. 

RaoulAnd--are you still to have a place in my life?

Vautrin (to the Duchesse de Montsorel)What shall I say to you? (to Raoul) Remember, my lord marquis, that Ihave, in advance, absolved you from all charge of ingratitude. (To theduchess) The child will forget me; will the mother also?

The Duchesse de MontsorelNever. 

The DukeBut what are the misfortunes that plunged you into so dark an abyss?

VautrinCan any one explain misfortune?

The Duchesse de MontsorelDear husband, is it not in your power to obtain his pardon?

The DukeThe sentences under which he has served are irreversible. 

VautrinThat word reconciles me to you, it is a statesman's word. Your graceshould explain that transportation is the last expedient to which youcan resort in overcoming us. 

RaoulMonsieur--

VautrinYou are wrong; I am not even monsieur at present. 

InezI think I understand that you are an outlaw, that my friend owes you avast debt, and cannot discharge it. Beyond the sea, I have extensivelands, which require a man's energy for their right administration;you shall go and exercise there your talents, and become--

VautrinRich, under a new name? Child, can you not realize that in this worldthere are pitiless necessities? Yes, I could acquire a fortune, butwho will give me the opportunity? (To the duke) The king could at yourgrace's intercession grant me a pardon, but who then would take myhand in his?

RaoulI would!

VautrinAh! It was this I waited for before taking leave. You now have amother. Farewell!

SCENE SEVENTEENTH. The same persons, a police officer, guards and servants. 

(The window casements are flung open; and an officer enters; at theback of the stage are gendarmes. )

The officer (to the duke)In the name of the king, of the law, I arrest Jacques Collin, convicted of having broken--

(All persons present fling themselves between the armed force andJacques, in order to give him opportunity for escaping. )

The DukeGentlemen, I take upon myself--

VautrinIn your grace's house the justice of the king must have free course. The matter lies between these gentlemen and me. (To the officer) Iwill follow you. (To the duchess) It was Joseph who brought thepolice; he is one of us; discharge him. 

RaoulAre we separated forever?

VautrinYou will marry very shortly. Within a year, on a day of christening, scan carefully the faces of the poor at the church door; one will bethere who wishes to be certain of your happiness. Till then, adieu. (To the officer) It is time for us to be moving. 

Final Curtain.