Pamela Giraud | Page 3

his name is.
He must have told them when he came up stairs--he, and the voice you
heard.
Joseph Mlle. Pamela, forgive a poor youth who is mad with love. It is
not only my heart that I have lost, but my head also, when I think of
you. I know that you are just as good as you are beautiful, I know that
you have in your soul more treasures of sweetness than you ever show,
and so I know that you are right, and were I to hear ten voices, were I to
see ten men 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