Act 1 - Scene 2

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_ ACT I - SCENE SECOND

Pamela and Jules.

PAMELA. M. Adolph, you see to what you are exposing me. That poor lad is a workman, a most kind-hearted fellow; he has an uncle rich enough to set him up in business; he wishes to marry me, and in one moment I have lost my prospects--and for whom? I do not know you, and from the manner in which you imperil the reputation of a young girl who has no capital but her good behavior, I conclude that you think you have the right to do so. You are rich and you make sport of poor people!

JULES. No, my dear Pamela. I know who you are, and I take you at your true value. I love you, I am rich, and we will never leave one another. My traveling carriage is with a friend, at the gate of St. Denis; we will proceed on foot to catch it; I intend embarking for England. You must come with me. I cannot explain my intentions now, for the least delay may prove fatal to me.

PAMELA. What do you mean?

JULES. You shall see--

PAMELA. Are you in your right senses, M. Adolph? After having followed me about for a month, seen me twice at a dance, written me several declarations, such as young men of your sort write to any and every woman, you point-blank propose an elopement!

JULES. Oh, I beg of you, don't delay an instant! You'll repent of this for the rest of your life, and you will see too late what mischief you have done.

PAMELA. But, my dear sir, you can perhaps explain yourself in a couple of words.

JULES. No,--for the secret is a matter of life and death to several persons.

PAMELA. If it were only to save your life, whoever you are, I would do a good deal; but what assistance could I be to you in your flight! Why do you want to take me to England?

JULES. What a child you are! No one, of course, would suspect anything of two runaway lovers! And, let me tell you, I love you well enough to disregard everything else, and even to brave the anger of my parents-- Once we are married at Gretna Green--

PAMELA. Oh, /mon Dieu/! I am quite non-plussed! Here's a handsome young man urges you--implores you--and talks of marriage--

JULES. They are mounting the staircase--I am lost!--You have betrayed me!--

PAMELA. M. Adolph, you alarm me! What is going to happen? Wait a moment, I will go and see.

JULES. In any case, take and keep this twenty thousand francs. It will be safer with you than in the hands of the police--I have only half an hour longer and all will be over.

PAMELA. There is nothing to fear--It is only my father and mother.

JULES. You have the kindness of an angel. I trust my fate with you. But you must know that both of us must leave this house at once; and I swear on my honor, that nothing but good shall result to you.

(He hides again under the roof.) _

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