Produced by Dagny and John Bickers
Presented for the First Time in Paris
At the Theatre-Historique
May 25, 1848
Comte de Grandchamp, a Napoleonic General
Eugene Ramel, a State's Attorney
Ferdinand Marcandal
Doctor Vernon
Godard
An Investigating Magistrate
Felix, servant to General de Grandchamp
Champagne, a foreman
Baudrillon, a druggist
Napoleon, son to General de Grandchamp by his second wife
Gertrude, second wife to General de Grandchamp
Pauline, daughter to General de Grandchamp by his first wife
Marguerite, maid to Pauline
Gendarmes, Sheriff's Officer, the Clergy
(A richly decorated drawing-room; on the walls are portraits ofNapoleon I. and his son. The entry is by a large double glass door,which opens on a roofed veranda and leads by a short stairway to apark. The door of Pauline's apartments are on the right; those of theGeneral and his wife are on the left. On the left side of the centraldoorway is a table, and on the right is a cabinet. A vase full offlowers stands by the entrance to Pauline's room. A richly carvedmarble mantel, with a bronze clock and candelabras, faces theseapartments. In the front of the stage are two sofas, one on the left,the other on the right. Gertrude enters, carrying the flowers whichshe has just plucked, and puts them in the vase.)
Gertrude and the General.
GertrudeI assure you, my dear, that it would be unwise to defer any longergiving your daughter in marriage. She is now twenty-two. Pauline hasbeen very slow in making her choice; and, in such a case, it is theduty of parents to see that their children are settled. Moreover, I amvery much interested in her.
The General
In what way?
GertrudeThe position of stepmother is always open to suspicion; and for sometime it has been rumored in Louviers that I am the person who throwsobstacles in the way of Pauline's marriage.
The GeneralThat is merely the idle gossip of little towns. I should like to cutout some of those silly tongues. And to think that they should attackyou of all people, Gertrude, who have been a real mother toPauline—whom you have educated most excellently!
GertrudeIt is the way of the world! They will never forgive us for living soclose to the town, yet never entering it. The society of the placerevenges itself upon us for slighting it. Do you think that ourhappiness can escape envy? Even our doctor—
The General
Do you mean Vernon?
GertrudeYes, Vernon is very envious of you; he is vexed to think that he hasnever been able to inspire any woman with such affection as I have foryou. Moreover, he pretends that I am merely playing a part,—as if Icould do it for t