Pamela Giraud | Page 3

here, I would care nothing about it. But one--
Pamela Well, what of it?
Joseph A single one--that is what wounds me. But I must be off; it seems funny that I should have said all that to you. I know quite well that there is no one here but you. Till we meet again, Mlle. Pamela; I am going--I trust you.
Pamela (aside) He evidently does not feel quite sure.
Joseph (aside) There is some one here! I will run down and tell the whole matter to her father and mother. (Aloud) Adieu, Mlle. Pamela. (Exit.)
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.)
SCENE THIRD
Pamela, M. Giraud and Mme. Giraud.
Pamela (who stands in such a way as to prevent her parents from entering fully into the room; aside) Evidently here is a man in danger--and a man who loves me--two reasons why I should be interested in him.
Mme. Giraud How is this, Pamela--you the solace of all our misfortunes, the prop of our old age, our only hope!
Giraud A girl brought up on the strictest principles.
Mme. Giraud Keep quiet, Giraud! You don't know what you are talking about.
Giraud Certainly, Madame Giraud.
Mme. Giraud And besides all this, Pamela, your example was cited in all the neighborhood as a girl who'd be useful to your parents in their declining years!
Giraud And worthy to receive the prize of virtue!
Pamela Then what is the meaning of all these reproaches?
Mme. Giraud Joseph has just told us that you had a man hidden in your room.
Giraud Yes--he heard the voice.
Mme. Giraud Silence, Giraud!--Pamela--pay no attention to your father--
Pamela And do you, mother, pay no attention to Joseph.
Giraud What did I tell you on the stairs, Madame Giraud? Pamela knows how we count upon her. She wishes to make a good match as much on our account as on her own; her heart bleeds