The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 19

The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 19

SCENE VII


_The same._ Fabiani


THE QUEEN.


Ah, here he is!


[_She continues to speak to Simon Renard in a low voice._


FABIANI (_everybody salutes him; he looks around him. Aside_).


What does this mean? There are only my enemies here, this morning!


The Queen is speaking in a low tone to Simon Renard. The devil! She is laughing! It is a bad sign.


THE QUEEN (_graciously to Fabiani_).


G.o.d be with you, my lord!


FABIANI (_seizing her hand which he kisses_).


Madame-- [_Aside._] She smiled at me! The danger is not for me!


THE QUEEN (_still graciously_).


I want to speak to you.


[_She advances to the front of the stage with him._


FABIANI.


And I also, I want to speak to you, madame. I have a right to reproach you! To keep me away, to exile me so long! Ah, it wouldnt be thus if you thought of me during these hours of absence as I think of you!


THE QUEEN.


You are unjust. Since you left me, I have thought of no one but you!


FABIANI.


Is that really true? Does so much happiness belong to me? Say it to me again!


THE QUEEN (_always smiling_).


I swear it to you!


FABIANI.


Then you do indeed love me as I love you?


THE QUEEN.


Yes, my lord! Truly, I have thought of no one but you. So much so, that I have tried to plan a pleasant surprise for your return.


FABIANI.


What do you mean? What surprise?


THE QUEEN.


A meeting which will give you pleasure!


FABIANI.


A meeting with whom?


THE QUEEN.


Guess! Cant you guess?


FABIANI.


No, madame!


THE QUEEN.


Turn around!


[_He turns and sees Jane on the threshold of the little door, which is half open._


FABIANI (_aside_).


Jane!


JANE (_aside_).


It is he!


THE QUEEN (_with the same smile_).


My lord, do you know this young woman?


FABIANI.


No, madame!


THE QUEEN.


Young woman, do you know this lord?