I should go.

MARTINEL

But how about your sister?

LÉON [sadly, seating himself by the table]

Yes, my poor little sister! What an awakening for her!

MARTINEL [after a few seconds' hesitation, crosses abruptly from L. to R.]

No; it is too hard a thing to do. I shall not give him this letter. I shall be blamed perhaps, but so much the worse. In any case, I save him.

LÉON

You cannot do such a thing, sir. We both know my sister, poor little girl, and I am sure that if this marriage is annulled, she will die. [Rises.] When a man has for three years enjoyed the love of such a woman as the one who sends for him, he cannot refuse to see her on her deathbed whatever may happen.

MARTINEL