The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 43

The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 43

MARION. (_on the balcony, terrified_).


Just Heaven! They are six gainst two!


VOICE IN THE STREET.


This man--he is the devil!


[_The clashing of swords subsides little by little, then entirely ceases. The sounds of footsteps become indistinct. Didier reappears scaling the balcony._


DIDIER (_outside of the balcony and turned toward the street_).


You are safe; Now go your way!


SAVERNY (_from outside_).


Not til Ive grasped your hand-- Not til Ive thanked you, if you please!


DIDIER.


Pa.s.s on!


I will consider myself thanked.


SAVERNY.


Not so!


I mean to thank you. [_Scaling balcony._


DIDIER.


Cant you speak from there And say "I thank you" without coming up?


SCENE III


Marion, Didier, Saverny


SAVERNY (_jumping into the room, sword in hand_).


Upon my soul! Tis a strange chivalry To save my life and push me from the door!


The door--that is to say, the window! No, They shall not say one of my family Was bravely rescued by a n.o.bleman And did not in return say "Marquis--" Pray, What is your name?


DIDIER.


Didier.


SAVERNY.


Didier--of what?


DIDIER.


Didier, of nothing! People kill you, and I help you--that is all! Now go!


SAVERNY.


Indeed!


Thats your way, is it? Why not have let Those traitors kill me? Twould have pleased me more.


For without you Id be a dead man now.


Six thieves against me! Dead! Of course! What else?


Six daggers against one thin sword--


[_Perceiving Marion, who has been trying to avoid him._


Oh, ho!


Youre not alone! At last I understand!


Im robbing you of pleasure. Pardon me!


[_Aside._] Id like to see the lady!


[_Approaches Marion, who is trembling: he recognizes her._


It is you!


[_Indicating Didier._ Then hes the one!


MARION (_low_).


Hush! You will ruin all!


SAVERNY (_bowing_).


Madame!


MARION (_low_).


I love for the first time!


DIDIER (_aside_).


Sdeath!


That man is looking at her with bold eyes.


[_He overturns the lamp with a blow._


SAVERNY.


You put the lamp out, sir?


DIDIER.