Act 5 - Scene 4

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_ ACT V - SCENE FOURTH

Dupre and De Verby.

DUPRE. Strange, sir, to find you here, when every one believes that you are fifty leagues away from Paris.

DE VERBY. I arrived this morning.

DUPRE. Without doubt some powerful motive brought you here?

DE VERBY. No selfish motive; but I couldn't remain wholly indifferent to the affairs of others! You may prove useful to me.

DUPRE. I shall be only too happy to have an opportunity of serving you.

Du Verby M. Dupre, the circumstances under which we have become acquainted have put me in a position fully to appreciate your value. You occupy the first place among the men whose talents and character claim my attention.

DUPRE. Ah! sir, you compel me to say that you, a veteran of the Empire, have always seemed to me by your loyalty and your independence to be a fitting representative of that glorious epoch. (Aside) I hope I have paid him back in full.

DE VERBY. I suppose I may rely upon you for assistance?

DUPRE. Certainly.

DE VERBY. I would like to ask for some information with regard to young Pamela Giraud.

DUPRE. I felt sure that was your object.

DE VERBY. The Rousseau family have behaved abominably.

DUPRE. Would you have behaved any better?

DE VERBY. I intend to espouse her cause! Since her arrest as a perjurer, how do things go on?

DUPRE. That can have very little interest for you.

DE VERBY. That may be true, but--

DUPRE. (aside) He is trying to make me talk in order to find out whether he is likely to be compromised in the case. (Aloud) General de Verby, there are some men who cannot be seen through, either in their plans or in their thoughts; the actions and events which they give rise to alone reveal and explain such men. These are the strong men. I humbly beg that you will pardon my frankness when I say that I don't look upon you as being one of them.

DE VERBY. Sir! What language to use to me! You are a singular man!

DUPRE. More than that! I believe that I am an original man! Listen to me. You throw out hints to me, and you think that as a future ambassador you can try on me your diplomatic methods; but you have chosen the wrong man and I am going to tell you something, which you will take no pleasure in learning. You are ambitious, but you are also prudent, and you have taken the lead in a certain conspiracy. The plot failed, and without worrying yourself about those whom you had pushed to the front, and who eagerly strove for success, you have yourself sneaked out of the way. As a political renegade you have proved your independence by burning incense to the new dynasty! And you expect as a reward to be made ambassador to Turin! In a month's time you will receive your credentials; meanwhile Pamela is arrested, you have been seen at her house, you may possibly be compromised by her trial for perjury! Then you rush to me, trembling with the fear of being unmasked, of losing the promotion which has caused you so many efforts to attain! You come to me with an air of obsequiousness, and with the words of flattery, expecting to make me your dupe, and thus to show your sincerity! Well, you have sufficient reason for alarm--Pamela is in the hands of justice, and she has told all.

DE VERBY. What then is to be done?

DUPRE. I have one suggestion to make: Write to Jules that you release him from his engagement, and the Mlle. de Verby withdraws her promise to be his wife.

DE VERBY. Is that your advice?

DUPRE. You find that the Rousseau family have behaved abominably, and you ought to despise them!

DE VERBY. But you know--engagements of this sort--

DUPRE. I'll tell you what I know; I know that your private fortune is not equal to the position which you aspire to. Mme. du Brocard, whose wealth is equal to her pride, ought to come to your assistance, if this alliance--

DE VERBY. Sir! How dare you to affront my dignity in this way?

DUPRE. Whether what I say be true or false, do what I tell you! If you agree, I will endeavor to save you from being compromised. But write--or get out of the difficulty the best way you can. But stay, I hear some clients coming.

DE VERBY. I don't want to see anybody! Everybody, even the Rousseau family, believes that I have left the city.

A servant (announcing a visitor) Madame du Brocard!

DE VERBY. Oh, heavens!

(De Verby rushes into an office on the right.) _

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