Mme. de Céran. It’s useless for you to wait, my dear, we are here. You have your Tumuli, run along! (She urges him to the door)
Roger. Please, mother! It’s a matter that——
Mme. de Céran. It concerns your position. Go now, run away!
Roger. (Resisting.) I should be very sorry to disobey you, but——
Mme. de Céran. Now, Roger!
Roger. Please, mother!—I couldn’t write a line this evening, I am too—I don’t know what—I am very disturbed. My conscience tells me that I have not acted toward that young girl as I ought. I’m very—Think of it, Mother—Suzanne!—It would be awful—! I am in a fearful position.
Duchess. Surely you exaggerate!
Roger. (Flaring up) Really!
Mme. de Céran. Roger! Roger! What do you mean!
Roger. I am her tutor; it is my duty to look after her moral welfare!—Think of my responsibility; that child’s honor is in my hands! It is a sacred charge placed in my keeping; if I violate my trust I should be worse than a criminal. And then you talk to me about Tumuli! Tumuli! Tumuli! The devil take the Tumuli!