The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 70

The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 70

LAFFEMAS (_unrolls the parchment and spreads it out before her eyes_).


Signed by The King!


MARION (_glances at it, then buries her face in her hands_).


Good G.o.d!


LAFFEMAS (_speaking in her ear_).


Will you?


[_Marion shivers and looks him in the face; he fixes his eyes on hers: lowering his voice._


Wilt thou?


MARION (_pushing him away_).


Away!


Foul tempter!


LAFFEMAS (_straightening himself up, sneeringly_).


You will not!


MARION.


I have no fear!


The King can pardon: tis the King who reigns.


LAFFEMAS.


Go try him. See what his good will is worth!


[_He turns away, then turns back: folds his arms and whispers to her._


Beware of waiting until I refuse!


[_Exits. Duke de Bellegarde enters._


SCENE IV


Marion, Duke de Bellegarde


MARION (_going toward Duke de Bellegarde_).


Here you are captain, my lord duke.


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.


Tis you, My beauty! [_Bowing._ Speak! What does my queen desire?


MARION.


To see the King.


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.


When?


MARION.


Now!


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.


This is short notice!


Why?


MARION.


For something!


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_bursting into a laugh_).


We will send for him!


How she goes on!


MARION.


Then you refuse me?


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.


Nay!


Am I not yours? Have we refused each other Anything?


MARION.


Thats very well, my lord!


When shall I see the King?


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.


After the Duke.


I promise you shall see him when he pa.s.ses Through this hall. But while waiting, talk with me!


Ah, little woman, are we good? In black?


Lady-in-waiting you might be. You used To laugh so much.