Pamela Giraud | Page 8

interested in my
client, monsieur?
De Verby Very much indeed.
Dupre I have yet to understand what motive could have led him, young,
rich and devoted to pleasure as he is, to implicate himself in a
conspiracy--
De Verby The passion for glory.
Dupre Don't talk in that way to a lawyer who for twenty years has
practiced in the courts; who has studied men and affairs well enough to
know that the finest motives are only assumed as a disguise for
trumpery passions, and has never yet met a man whose heart was free
from the calculations of self-interest.
De Verby Do you ever take up a case without charging anything?
Dupre I often do so; but I never act contrary to my convictions.
De Verby I understand that you are rich?
Dupre I have some fortune. Without it, in the world as at present
constituted, I should be on the straight road for the poor-house.
De Verby It is then from conviction, I suppose, that you have
undertaken the defence of young Rousseau?
Dupre Certainly. I believe him to be the dupe of others in a higher
station, and I like those who allow themselves to be duped from
generous motives and not from self-interest; for in these times the dupe
is often as greedy after gain as the man who exploits him.
De Verby You belong, I perceive, to the sect of misanthropes.

Dupre I do not care enough for mankind to hate them, for I have never
yet met any one I could love. I am contented with studying my
fellow-men; for I see that they are all engaged in playing each, with
more or less success, his own little comedy. I have no illusion about
anything, it is true, but I smile at it all like a spectator who sits in a
theatre to be amused. One thing I never do; I hiss at nothing; for I have
not sufficient feeling about things for that.
De Verby (aside) How is it possible to influence such a man? (Aloud)
Nevertheless, monsieur, you must sometimes need the services of
others?
Dupre Never!
De Verby But you are sometimes sick?
Dupre Then I like to be alone. Moreover, at Paris, anything can be
bought, even attendance on the sick; believe me I live because it is my
duty to do so. I have tested everything--charity, friendship, unselfish
devotion. Those who have received benefits have disgusted me with the
doing of kindnesses. Certain philanthropists have made me feel a
loathing for charity. And of all humbugs that of sentiment is the most
hateful.
De Verby And what of patriotism, monsieur?
Dupre That is a very trifling matter, since the cry of humanity has been
raised.
De Verby (somewhat discouraged) And so you take Jules Rousseau for
a young enthusiast?
Dupre No, sir, nothing of the sort. He presents a problem which I have
to solve, and with your assistance I shall reach the solution. (De Verby
changes countenance.) Come, let us speak candidly. I believe that you
know something about all this.
De Verby What do you mean, sir?
Dupre You can save the young man.
De Verby I? What can I do?
Dupre You can give testimony which Antoine will corroborate--
De Verby I have reasons for not appearing as a witness.
Dupre Just so. You are one of the conspirators!
De Verby Monsieur!
Dupre It is you who have led on this poor boy.
De Verby Monsieur, this language--!

Dupre Don't attempt to deceive me, but tell me how you managed to
gain this bad influence over him? He is rich, he is in need of nothing.
De Verby Listen!--If you say another word--
Dupre Oh! my life is of no consideration with me!
De Verby Sir, you know very well that Jules will get off; and that if he
does not behave properly, he will lose, through your fault, the chance of
marriage with my niece, and thus the succession to the title of my
brother, the Lord Chamberlain.
Dupre Ah, that's what he was after, then! He's like all the rest of the
schemers. Now consider, sir, what I am going to propose to you. You
have powerful friends, and it is your duty--
De Verby My duty! I do not understand you, sir.
Dupre You have been able to effect his ruin, and can you not bring
about his release? (Aside) I have him there.
De Verby I shall give my best consideration to the matter.
Dupre Don't consider for a moment that you can escape me.
De Verby A general who fears no danger can have no fear of a lawyer--
Dupre As you will!
(Exit De Verby, who jostles against Joseph.)
SCENE SEVENTH
Dupre and Joseph Binet.
Joseph I heard only yesterday, monsieur, that