Pauline No one has seen me. Listen, Marguerite, first of all, take away the money that I gave you, and then let me think about the resolution which I have taken.
Marguerite
If I were in your place, mademoiselle, I would tell everything to the
General.
Pauline To my father? Unhappy woman, do not betray me! And let both of us respect the illusions, in the midst of which he lives.
Marguerite
Ah! Illusions! That is the very word.
Pauline
You may leave me now.
(Exit Marguerite.)
SCENE THIRTEENTH
Pauline, then Vernon.
Pauline (holding in her hand the parcel of poison, which was shown in the first act) Here stands death before me! The doctor told us yesterday, in reference to Champagne's wife, that this terrible substance required some hours, almost a whole night, to produce its deadly effects, and that it was possible, during the first hours, to nullify these effects; if the doctor remains at the house, he will provide this antidote.
(Some one knocks.)