Vernon (alone) What can have set by the ears two women who have hitherto lived in peace? All doctors, little though they be philosophers, can tell. The poor General, who all his life has had no other idea excepting that of escaping the common lot! Yet I see no one here likely to cause him jealousy, but myself and Ferdinand. It is not probable that I am the man; but Ferdinand—Yet I have so far noticed nothing—I hear her coming! Now for the tug-of-war!
SCENE FOURTEENTH
Vernon and Gertrude.
Gertrude (aside)
I have them!—I am going to burn them in my chamber. (She meets
Vernon.) Ah!
Vernon
Madame, I have sent everybody away.
Gertrude
May I ask you why?
Vernon
In order that we may have our explanation without witnesses.
Gertrude Explanation! By what right do you—you, the parasite of the house, pretend to have an explanation with the Comtesse de Grandchamp?
Vernon I, a parasite? Madame! I have an income of ten thousand francs, besides my pension; I have the rank of general, and my fortune will be bequeathed to the children of my old friend! A parasite indeed! You forget that I am not only here as a friend but as a doctor, and—you poured certain drops of laudanum into Pauline's tea.
Gertrude
I?