Ramel For the sake of your honor, do not say that, without the most convincing proofs, otherwise—
The Magistrate Madame, is it true that, yesterday, you, knowing Doctor Vernon was to dine with you, sent him—
Gertrude Oh! you,—your questions are so many daggers at my heart! And yet you go on, you still go on.
The Magistrate
Did you send him away to attend a workman at Pre-l'Eveque?
Gertrude
I did, sir.
The Magistrate
This workman, madame, was found in a tavern, and in excellent help.
Gertrude
Champagne had told me that he was sick.
The Magistrate We have questioned Champagne, and he denies this, averring that he said nothing about sickness. The fact of it was, you wished to preclude the possibility of medical aid.
Gertrude (aside) It was Pauline! It was she who made me send away Vernon! O Pauline! You have dragged me down with yourself into the tomb, to which I sink bearing the name of criminal! No! No! No! (To Ramel) Sir, I have but one avenue of escape. (To Vernon) Is Pauline still alive?
Vernon (pointing to the General)
Here is my answer.