Act 1 — Scene V.
Reading edition
John alone at first, afterwards Lionnette.
John, standing alone, lays his hand on the top of a chair; then he pulls off his cravat and loosens the collar of his shirt, as if he were suffocating and wished to breathe more freely. He goes at length to the window, breathes the air strongly two or three times, and walks towards the door by which Lionnette went out: Lionnette enters by the same door when he is half-way towards it.
John (standing still).
Where have you come from?
Lionnette.
I have just come from putting the child to bed, who was very disobedient this evening, and I came back to find the gentlemen again.
John.
They are all three gone.
Lionnette.
What is the matter with you? You are quite pale.... What has happened again?
John.
You want to know?
Lionnette.
Yes, certainly. I ask you to tell me.
John (walking up to her and putting his fist towards her face).
When I think how I failed in respect for my mother, who died cursing me, and all for this creature.
Lionnette (coming up to him).
I do not understand.
John.
You do not understand!
Lionnette.
No; I believe, I hope, that you are still madder than usual. What is it?
John (drawing some papers from his pocket).
What is all this? It is this, that Mr. Nourvady has had all your debts paid. He had no wish to do me the honour of paying mine; but you, you owe nothing any more. That is what it is. Now do you understand?
Lionnette (stupified).
Mr. Nourvady!
John.
Yes, Mr. Nourvady, your lover!
Lionnette (indignantly).
My lover!
John.
Yes, your lover, to whom you have sold yourself and my name, your honour and mine, for some hundreds of thousands of francs. For your own honour it is too much, but for mine it is too little.
Lionnette.
Perhaps you will tell me what all this means?
John.
Mr. Richard has just sent some one for me; on his return home this evening he found all the bills of your creditors sent back to him receipted, at the same time writing that they were all fully paid. By whom? You know well.
(He throws the papers on the table.)
Lionnette.
I swear to you....
John (mad with rage).
'Tis false? 'Tis false! There was a way, painful for you, to free yourself; it was proposed to you at first; you obstinately rejected it.... You had your own reasons, it was useless! The contract was concluded and carried out. Since when, may I ask?
Lionnette.
Ah! when will you have finished insulting me! I tell you that of which you accuse me is not true. At present, if you do not believe me, do whatever you like.
John (exasperated).
I turn you out of doors.
Lionnette.
Unfortunately, this house is mine, and I remain in it.
John.
It is true; I beg your pardon! I forgot that your mother had foreseen all. This house, paid for by me, is yours, but the debts incurred by you are paid by some one else. It is a compensation. It is I who will leave this house, you may rest contented. I am going at once.... I am going to look for some money—at my sister's—it signifies not where. I must find some, even if I have to steal in my turn. And after that we shall see. Adieu!
(He goes away with a menacing gesture.)
Lionnette (alone).
Adieu! (Shrugging her shoulders, and going towards her apartment.) The idiot! (She goes into her room.)