Pauline
Yes, madame.
Gertrude
And what means do you possess formidable enough to compel me to do so?
Pauline
Are we not carrying on a warfare of savages?
Gertrude Say rather, of women, which is even more terrible! Savages torment the body alone; while we direct our arrows against the heart, the self-love, the pride, the soul of those whom we attack in the very midst of their happiness.
Pauline That is truly said. It is the whole woman-nature that I attack. Therefore, my dear and truly honored stepmother, you must eliminate by to-morrow, and not later, all the obstacles that stand between me and Ferdinand; or you may be sure my father shall learn from me the whole course of your conduct, both before and after your marriage.
Gertrude Ah! That is the way you are going to do it! Poor child! He will never believe you.
Pauline Oh, I know the domination you exercise over my father; but I have proofs.
Gertrude
Proofs! Proofs!
Pauline I went to Ferdinand's house—I am very inquisitive—and I found there your letters, madame; I took from among them those which would convince even the blindness of my father, for they will prove to him—
Gertrude
What will they prove?