SCENE III.—Same as First—Music.
Reading edition
Manuel discovered asleep—Mad. Aubrey opens door and looks in.
Mad. A. Worn out with the day's excitement, he's asleep at last. [Comes in.] What could that paper have been, I saw him burn? Ah! there's the envelope he threw away, when he put it in the flame. [Picks it up.] So, so—what's that? a footstep.
[Exit.
Monsieur Laroque opens door and looks in—He is very pale and appears much exhausted—He looks back and beckons, as if to followers—Music ceases.
Lar. This way—this way—quickly—but silently. Silently, men or we shall spoil all. Remember, they are English, and spare not! no quarter! no quarter, mind—but softly—softly—and fire not until I give the word! Then—then—every drop of Saxon blood shall float a world of crime from off my soul! One moment—now! now!
He raises his arm, as if to strike, when he sees Manuel, upon whose face the lamp throws a powerful light—A pause.
Heaven have mercy! 'tis he. At such an hour as this I can not be mistaken! It is he—[Manuel awakes.]—My Lord Marquis!
Marguerite appears.
Man. What is this?
Lar. Pity—pity—and forgive me.
[Manuel all at once comprehending, advances to M. Laroque.
Man. Miserable man, I pity, and I forgive.
Mar. What does this mean?
Man. Oh, nothing, Mademoiselle, but I thought it better to humor his delirium.
[Laroque staggers. Manuel places him in chair.
Enter Alain, Desmarets, Madame Laroque and Mlle Helouin.
Mar. Grandfather, dearest, speak to me—it is Marguerite, your child, to whom you were always so good, who loves you so. You have some thought, some remembrance which torments you. Is it not so? Tell me, dearest, tell your own Marguerite.
[Music.
Laroque looks up, makes one or two endeavors to speak, when his head again falls on his breast.
Mar. Mother! mother! Oh Heavens! Can nothing be done?
Dr. Desmarets places his hand on Laroque's heart, and looks at Manuel, who, in answer to an appeal from Marguerite and Madame Laroque, points upwards.