The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 42

The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 42

DIDIER.


True!


But why this hesitation? [_Going back to her._ Cant you feel The ecstasy of being, each to each, a world, A country, heaven; in some deserted spot To hide a happiness kings could not buy.


MARION.


It would be heaven!


DIDIER.


Will you have it? Come!


MARION.


[_Aside._] Accursed woman! [_Aloud._] No, it cannot be.


[_She tears herself from out his arms, and falls on the armchair._


DIDIER (_freezingly_).


The offer was not generous, I know.


Youve answered me. Ill speak of it no more!


Good-by!


MARION. (_aside_).


Alack, the day I pleased him! [_Aloud._] Stay!


Ill tell you. You have hurt me to the soul.


I will explain--


DIDIER (_coldly_).


What were you reading, madame, When I came?


[_Takes the book from the table and reads._


"To Marion de Lorme.


Loves Garland!" Yes, the beauty of the day!


[_Throwing the book violently to the floor._


Vile creature! a dishonor to her s.e.x!


MARION. (_trembling_).


But--she--


DIDIER.


What are you doing with such books?


How came they here?


MARION. (_inaudibly, and looking down_).


They came by chance.


DIDIER.


Do you-- You who have eyes so pure, a brow so chaste-- Do you know what she is--this woman? Well, Shes beautiful in body, and deformed In soul! A Phryne, selling everywhere, To every man, her love, which is an insult, An infamy!


MARION (_her head in her hands_).


My G.o.d!


[_A noise of footsteps, a clashing of swords outside, and cries._


VOICE IN THE STREET.


Help! Murder! Help!


DIDIER (_surprised_).


What noise is that out there upon the square?


[_Cries continue._


VOICE IN THE STREET.


Help! Murder! Help!


DIDIER (_looking from the balcony_).


Theyre killing some one! Ha!


[_He takes his sword and steps over the bal.u.s.trade. Marion rises, runs to him and tries to hold him back by his cloak._


MARION.


Dont, Didier, if you love me! Theyll kill you!


Dont go!


DIDIER (_jumping down into the street_).


He is the one theyre going to kill!


Poor man! [_Outside, to combatants._


Stand off! Hold firmly, sir, and push!


[_Clashing of swords._ There, wretch!


[_Noise of swords, voices, and footsteps._