The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 62

The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 62

Of such a mistress one can well be proud!


Its honorable, and it gives one style.


Tis in good taste. If men ask who you are They say, "Beloved of Marion de Lorme."


[_Didier gives him back the portrait; he refuses it._


No, keep the portrait; since the ladys yours, It should belong to you. Keep it, I pray.


DIDIER.


I thank you! [_Puts it in his breast._


SAVERNY.


She is charming in that dress.


So you are my successor! One might say, As King Louis succeeded Pharamond.


The Brissacs, both of them, supplanted me.


[_Laughing._] Then, yes, the Cardinal himself came next, Then little DEffiat, then the three Sainte-Mesmes, The four Argenteans! In her heart youll find The best society. [_Laughing._] A little numerous.


DIDIER (_aside_).


My G.o.d!


SAVERNY.


Tell me about it some time. Now, To be quite frank with you, I pa.s.s for dead, And in the morning shall be buried. You Must have escaped police and seneschals.


Your Marion can manage everything!


You joined a strolling company by chance; What a delightful history!


DIDIER.


Yes, true It is a history!


SAVERNY.


To get you out She probably made love to all the jailers.


DIDIER (_in a voice of thunder_).


Do you think that?


SAVERNY.


You are not jealous--what?


Oh, joke incredible!--of Marion!


A man jealous of Marion! The poor child!


Dont go and scold her!


DIDIER.


Have no fear. [_Aside._] The angel-- It was a demon! Oh, my G.o.d!


[_Enter Laffemas and Gracieux. Didier goes out; Saverny follows him._


SCENE VIII


Laffemas, Gracieux


GRACIEUX (_to Laffemas_).


My lord, I do not understand you!


[_Aside._] Humph! A costume Of Alcaid and a figure of police; Small eyes, adorned with big eyebrows! I think He plays the part of Alguazil in this Locality.


LAFFEMAS (_pulling out his purse_).


My friend!


GRACIEUX (_drawing near, low to Laffemas_).


My lord--I see!


Chimene has interested you. You wish To know--


LAFFEMAS (_low, smiling_).


Who is her Roderick?


GRACIEUX.


You mean Her lover?


LAFFEMAS.


Yes!


GRACIEUX.


Who groans beneath her spell?


LAFFEMAS (_impatiently_).


Theres one?


GRACIEUX.


Of course!


LAFFEMAS (_approaching him eagerly_).


Then show him to me, quick!