Pauline
I will, madame.
Gertrude (she lets her handkerchief fall in the excitement of her passionate speech) You are deceiving me! You tell me this, because he loves you, because he has already insulted me by avowing it, and because you believe that he will not love me any longer. Now this will not do, Pauline, you must give me some pledge of your sincerity.
Pauline (aside) Her handkerchief! Ah! I see with it the key of her desk. It is there that the poison is locked up! (Aloud) Did you say pledges of my sincerity? I will give them to you. What do you demand?
Gertrude Really, I do not care for more than one proof that you mean what you say, and that is, that you should marry the other suitor.
Pauline
I will marry him.
Gertrude
And you must, at this very moment, plight your troth with him.
Pauline Go to him yourself, madame, and tell him; and then come here with my father, and—
Gertrude
And what?
Pauline
And I will give him my word; even though this be to give away my life.
Gertrude (aside) In what a tone she uttered that. With what resolution! And without tears—I feel sure she is keeping something back! (Aloud) And so you are quite resigned to this?