Vernon
How? Is it in an affair of your heart that she wishes to do you harm?
Pauline
Rather say, it is my life she threatens.
Vernon What a horrible suspicion! Pauline, my child, I love you well, you know I do. Tell me, can nothing save you?
Pauline In order to change my fate, it would be necessary that my father change his ideas. Listen; I am in love with M. Ferdinand.
Vernon
I already know that. But who would hinder you from marrying him?
Pauline
Can you keep a secret? Well, he is the son of General Marcandal!
Vernon My God! You may rely on my keeping that secret! Why, your father would fight with him to the death, if for nothing else, because he has had him under his roof for three years.
Pauline
You will then see very plainly that there is no hope for me.
(Pauline sinks back overwhelmed with emotion in an armchair.)
Vernon
Poor child! I fear she is going to faint. (He rings and calls)
Marguerite! Marguerite!