Act 3 — Scene II.
Reading edition
THE SAME PERSONS, RICHARD.
Richard (in a low voice to John).
I know all, Count.
John (aloud).
These gentlemen also....
Richard (bowing).
Your servant, gentlemen! (To John.) I have received a note from the Countess, who begged me to go at once to the Commissary of Police and take a copy of the accusation, as the lawyer watching her interest, in the law proceedings which will take place. She has appointed an interview.
John.
In what place?
Richard.
Here. She knew very well that I would not go anywhere else.
John.
Then she is here?
Richard.
Yes.
John.
Have you seen her?
Richard.
No; but the footman told me, and he is gone to inform her. I wanted to see you in the meantime.
John.
And people already know it?
Richard.
Nothing; nothing at all. The Commissary has forbidden all communication with the newspapers, and it is neither you, nor Mr. Nourvady, nor we—is it not so, gentlemen? who would reveal the least circumstance in that sad affair. The servants of the house in the Champs Elysées know what took place, but they are ignorant of the name of the lady. The scandal will be great enough at the time of the law proceedings. It is useless to initiate the public beforehand.
John.
Ah! Well, you can see the affair is very simple. The Countess and I were separated, or had a separation of property; now we have a separation of the body, and we shall see each other no more; that is the whole of it.
The Lady's Maid (entering).
The Countess de Hun sends me to say to Mr. Richard, that when he has finished speaking to the Count she will be glad to see him....
John (to the Lady's Maid).
Say to the Countess that Mr. Richard will be with her in a few minutes. (The Lady's Maid goes away.) Ah! she has audacity. When a woman has once taken up the part of infamy and dishonour it is dreadful. (To Richard.) Tell her especially that she has nothing to fear, nothing to hope from me, of whom she will hear nothing more till we meet before the tribunal that will try our case. Good bye, my dear Mr. Richard; you are her lawyer and her friend; you ought, naturally and legally, to act in her cause. I shall think no less of you for all you will be called upon to say against me. Gentlemen, we can retire; give me a few minutes more.
(All three go away.)