The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 60

I, who'd gladly die for her!

MARION (_smiling through her tears_).

You made me cry, you cruel man!

DIDIER.

My beauty!

[_Sits on the bank beside her._

Just one sweet kiss upon your forehead, pure As is our love!

[_He kisses her forehead. They look at each other with ecstasy._

Yes, look at me! Look thus, Look harder; look until we die of looking!

GRACIEUX (_entering_).

Dona Chimene is wanted in the barn.

[_Marion rises hastily from Didier's side. At the same time that Gracieux enters, Saverny comes in; he stands in the background and looks attentively at Marion without seeing Didier, who remains sitting on the bank and is hidden by a bush._

SAVERNY (_back, without being seen, aside_).

Faith, it is Marion! What brings her here?

[_Laughing._] Chimene!

GRACIEUX (_to Didier, who is about to follow Marion_).

Oh, no! stay there, my jealous friend, I want to tease you!

DIDIER.

Devil take you!

MARION (_low to Didier_).

Hus.h.!.+

Restrain yourself.

[_Didier re-seats himself; she enters the barn._

SAVERNY (_still back, aside_).

What makes her roam the country in this fas.h.i.+on?

Can he be the gallant who succored me?

Who saved my life? Didier! It is indeed!

LAFFEMAS (_enters in traveling costume, and salutes Saverny_).

I take my leave, sir!

SAVERNY (_bowing_).

You are going away? [_He laughs._

LAFFEMAS.

What makes you laugh?

SAVERNY.

A very silly thing.

I'll tell you. Guess whom I have recognized Among those jugglers who have just arrived.

LAFFEMAS.

Among those jugglers?

SAVERNY (_laughing still more_).

Yes. Marion de Lorme!

LAFFEMAS (_with a start_).

Marion de Lorme!

DIDIER (_who has been looking at them fixedly all the time_).

Hein? [_He half rises from the bank._

SAVERNY (_still laughing_).

I would like to send That news to Paris. Are you going there?

LAFFEMAS.

I am, and I will spread the news, trust me!

But are you sure you recognize her?

SAVERNY.

Sure?

Hurrah for France! We know our Marion.

[_Feeling in his pocket._ I think I have her portrait--tender pledge Of love! She had it done by the King's painter.

[_Giving Laffemas a locket._ Look and compare them.

[_Indicating the barn door._ See her, through that door, In Spanish costume, with green petticoat.