[Exit.
Mlle H. Why, why did nature endow me with a heart to suffer, an intellect to comprehend? Had I been born a fool, like that woman, this dependent state would have brought with it calm endurance, if not happiness. But, as I am, it is misery. How easy is bounty to the rich. How natural is virtue to the happy. He heard my words as he came in—must have divined their purport. Well, well, if I have taught him to despise me, he shall learn to fear me, too. He dared to read me a lesson, and I hate him for it, even though I profit by it. If I must fall, he shall share the ruin he has caused.
Enter Marguerite.
Mar. Helouin!
Mlle H. Marguerite!
Mar. Hush! To prevent remark, I came by the small stairway, through the conservatory. My mother has been anxious?
Mlle H. Much alarmed. She has gone to seek you.
Mar. I know it. I have sent Alain to overtake and bring her back. Before she comes, I have a word to say to you. It is of Monsieur Manuel. I have strong reason to believe that you have most strangely misjudged his character and his intentions.
Mlle H. I know him to be the Marquis de Champcey.
Mar. And I know that if his birth be noble, his heart is no less so.