TABLEAU III.
The Park of the Chateau Laroque. Alain discovered arranging Portfolio and Drawing materials.
Alain. Now really I do thank Madame for deputing me to wait more especially on Monsieur Manuel. Steward or no steward, he's a perfect gentleman; of that there can't be a doubt. What a pity it is that Mademoiselle Marguerite and he don't like one another. When he says white, she says black. When she goes one way, he goes another, yet everybody else likes him. M'lle Helonin, our Governess, is absolutely in love with him, and the wonderful influence he has obtained over old Mons. Laroque, in this short time, is unaccountable. He has hardly been here three months, and they say that all the money will be left according to his advice—but that's going rather far, even for gossip. Well, now, his drawing materials are all ready for him, and—here he is to employ them.
Enter Manuel.
Man. Alain, did you, by chance, pick up a half finished letter anywhere in my room?
Alain. No, sir.
Man. Strange! I commenced it yesterday, and left it on my table, intending to finish it this morning. I have searched the room thoroughly, and it is nowhere to be found.
Alain. Was it of much importance?
Man. Merely inasmuch as it related to family and business matters. It was for the Doctor, in case he should call when I was from home. However, let it go. I'll write another when I return. [Sits down and prepares drawing materials.] Did not Mademoiselle Marguerite go out on horseback yesterday alone?
Alain. Yes, sir.