2

a trailing gown of light color, her hair hanging loose
on her neck, a little cap of pearls on her head. She
comes in falteringly, stops in centre of room and
glances fearfully at the Maletroit. She tries to speak;
at last says with a gasp)

## Blanche

Uncle.

## Maletroit

(Slowly, without turning)

Ah, my dear Blanche, I have been waiting some time.

## Blanche

I-- I was undressing when you sent for me.

## Maletroit

Ah? You were then not expecting any visitor tonight?

(Turns in his chair and motions to Lebrun. Exit Lebrun,
R.B. Maletroit then fixes his eyes sharply on Blanche.
She droops her head)

## Maletroit

Then I misunderstood the little note I took from your hand
this morning, as we came from church? That must be the fault
of my wits, for its meaning seems plain enough.

(Rises and approaches Blanche, who shrinks slightly.
Opens his hand and shows a crumpled bit of paper, which
he smooths out and reads)

"Mademoiselle: I pray you, if it be possible, to leave the
great door unfastened again this night, and to speak with me
for a moment on the stair, I shall be there at midnight. I am
your very humble, very devoted servant," who has forgotten to
sign his name. There is your note, my dear Blanche.

(Giving her the paper)

Perhaps the sight of the handwriting may refresh your memory
so that you can tell me the name of the author.

## Blanche

No-- no--- I--I- have forgotten it.

## Maletroit

Really? That is a strange misfortune, but it may perhaps
be remedied. The whole affair is in fact a little peculiar.

4

## Blanche

What-- do you mean-- to do with me?

## Maletroit

I am coming to that. You have been much in my thoughts of late, Blanche, I have been waiting. I guessed that your captain would not be satisfied with that interview the other night-- so cruelly cut short as it was. I have been waiting for another little note, such as he gave you this morning. You thought my eyes closed in prayer, but I saw his hand slip it into yours. I even got a little glimpse of my gentleman as he slid away-- enough to see that he has a fine tall figure, and that his gay dress becomes it well. As for his face, I expect to have the pleasure of seeing that tonight.

## Blanche

Tonight!

## Maletroit

Certainly, my dear. You surely cannot think that the Captain will fail of his appointment, at midnight, on the stair? I have taken good care that no one should wrong my hospitality by bidding him not to come. You have been locked in your room, my dear, since we returned from church this morning, and so well guarded that not a mouse could slip in or out unseen-- for you, Blanche, are the only person in my household who is capable of the folly of trying to deceive me. I can trust my servants, for they have a wholesome fear for their necks-- but with you, I have been over-tender.

## Blanche

Tender!

## Maletroit

Well, well, while you have been meditating today on my kindness and your ingratitude, I have been arranging what I should say to your admirer at our little conference, and having made up my mind, I have sent for you to tell you.

## Blanche

Tell me then! Do not torment me any longer, you cruel man!

6

Maletroit

He will not refuse you, Blanche. I shall see to that.

Blanche

But you cannot-- force him to marry me---

Maletroit

Can I not? We shall soon see, if he make any objection.

Blanche

What do you mean?

Maletroit

(Harshly)

I mean that this marriage shall take place tonight-- or that
the Captain--- the nameless Captain--- will never go out of
my house-- alive.

Blanche

Oh, Holy Virgin!

(Sinks into chair and hides her face, then drops to her knees)

Have pity on me, uncle! Let me go into a convent-- I will
never see him again--- or any one. Only do not force me to
this!

Maletroit

Stop, Blanche!

(Lifts her to her feet)

For shame! Have some spirit-- pay your forfeit as becomes
one of noble blood-- even a woman. You played a dangerous
game, and against me. You have lost, and you must pay.

I will not bury you in a convent and let him go scot-free to
boast of the adventure. Never! You two have put a stain on
the dignity of Maletroit, and it must be wiped away. After
the marriage, settle your affairs to suit yourselves. Love,
coo and be happy, or part, as you like-- you will then be no
longer my ward-- you can then no longer disgrace my name!

It is now half past eleven. Your gallant will be here, no
doubt, at twelve. I am ready for him. The great door is
left on the latch, as he asked. Once inside, that door will
shut-- and shut him in. If he can break or open it, I give
him his liberty. But he will not try long. I give him
brains enough to see that he is caught--- and then like a bold
cavalier he will march up the stairs to face his reckoning--
and he will find me waiting for him. It will not take him
long to make up his mind between a fair bride of a noble

7

house, or six feet of rope out of that window. And now,
that all may be ready, and that we may not keep the noble
Captain waiting, go, and make yourself beautiful, as all
maidens love to do for their bridals.

### Blanche

I will kill myself!

### Maletroit

Not while you are under my fatherly care. You will not be
left alone until you are safely married. After--- will be
your husband's affair.

(During the last five minutes, a low voice in rapid
prayer is heard from the chapel)

There our good chaplain is praying for your welfare.

(Raises the arras from door, R. L.B., showing altar with
lighted candle and priest kneeling. Maletroit bends
and crosses himself. Priest rises and comes forward)

Father, I beg you will attend Mademoiselle to her room. She
may need your counsel.

### Blanche

Oh, father, help me! Intercede for me! Beg my uncle to let
me enter a convent! Surely, surely, I cannot be forced into
this marriage-- surely the church will not bless such a mar-
riage.---

### Chaplain

My daughter, you should bow to the will of your guardian. He
stands in the place of a father to you-- it is your place to
obey him.

### Blanche

(Bitterly)

A father! A loving father he has been to me, truly. Had he
ever shown me one sign of affection, I had not tried to de-
ceive him, even in a small thing.

### Chaplain

But you did try to deceive him. You have done wrong, my
daughter, and you should bow to the judgment of your superiors
and repair that wrong so far as you can. The church will
bless your penitence.

(Blanche bursts into tears. Sounds from the street be-
low, distant shouts and clatter of arms, approaching.
Footsteps of men running)

9

hat, and bows low)

Denis

(Panting slightly)

I beg you to pardon my intrusion, sir---

Maletroit

(Has bent forward in his chair, staring at Denis keenly,
now leans back, smiling)

Pray, step in. I have been expecting you.

Denis

(In astonishment)

I fear, sir, this is a double accident. You certainly can-
not have been expecting me. For my part, nothing was fur-
ther from my thoughts than this intrusion.

Maletroit

Well, well, here you are, which is the main point. Seat
yourself, my friend, and put yourself entirely at your ease.
We shall <u>arrange</u> our little affairs presently.

Denis

(Gazing in perplexity at Maletroit)

Our little affairs? I am perfectly at a loss to understand
you, sir. Your door---

Maletroit

About my door? A little piece of ingenuity. A hospitable
fancy! By your own account you had no idea of making my
acquaintance. We old people look for such reluctance now and
then. When it touches <u>our honor</u> we cast <u>about</u> to find some
way of overcoming it. You arrive uninvited, but, believe me,
very welcome!

Denis

You persist in error, sir. There can be no question between
you and me. I am a stranger in this town, arrived but to-
day. My name is Denis, damoiseau de Beaulieu. If you see
me in your house it is only by the strangest accident. Being
on my way to visit a friend I was attacked by a score of
drunken men in the street below, and---

Maletroit

My young friend, you will permit me to have my own ideas
on the subject of your visit. They probably differ from
yours at the present moment, but time will show which of us
is right.

10

### Denis

This old gentleman is mad.

(Hotly)

Sir, if you are in your wits, you have, I repeat, made a
strange error. If you are out of them, I flatter myself I
can find better employment for my brains than to talk with
lunatics. You have refused to heed my explanations, and I
certainly shall not stay here longer. Goodnight, sir.

### Maletroit

My dear nephew-- sit down.

### Denis

Nephew? You lie in your throat! If you have mistaken me for some other person and think to keep me here, I tell you that you are either blind or a fool. I am going, and if I cannot make my way out in a more decent fashion, I will hack your door in pieces with my sword!

### Maletroit

(Harshly)

Sit down, you rogue! Do you fancy that when I made my little
contrivance for the door I stopped short at that? If you pre-
fer to be seized and tied hand and foot till your bones ache,
try to go away! If you choose to remain a free young buck,
agreeably conversing with an old gentleman, --- why sit down
in peace, and may God be with you.

### Denis

Do you mean I am a prisoner?

### Maletroit

I state the facts. I would rather leave the conclusion to
yourself.

(Enter CHAPLAIN from corridor. With a stare at Denis, he
bows and addresses Maletroit)

### Chaplain

Mademoiselle asks an interview with you.

### Maletroit

She is in a better frame of mind?

### Chaplain

She is in much distress, messire.

12

## Maletroit

Bring her here yourself.

(Chaplain bows and goes out into corridor. Denis shrugs his shoulders and looks down at his sword, which he has held bare all this time)

M.

I would suggest, monsieur, that you sheathe your sword. You will scarcely need it in your interview with the lady.

(Denis puts up his sword. Enter BLANCHE from corridor. She is in the same dress, somewhat disordered.)

The cap is gone from her head, and her hair hanging loose almost hides her face, as she comes in slowly with drooping head)

## Maletroit

Blanche, my little girl, here is your friend; turn round and give him your pretty hand.

(Blanche stands for a moment, her head sinking on her breast, then with an effort, she looks up and meets Denis' gaze. She sinks to her knees with a cry)

## Blanche

That is not the man! My uncle, that is not the man!

## Denis

Thank Heaven, she is sane!

## Maletroit

Of course not-- I expected as much. It was so unfortunate you could not remember his name.

## Blanche

Indeed, indeed, I have never seen this person until this moment-- I have never so much as set eyes upon him-- I never wish to see him again. Sir,

(To Denis, springing to her feet)

if you are a gentleman you will bear me out. Have I ever seen you-- have you ever seen me, before this accursed hour?

## Denis

To speak for myself, I have never had the pleasure. This is the first time, messire, that I have met with your engaging niece.

14

## Blanche

And pray how came you here ?

## Denis

By an accident so strange that I can scarcely credit it myself. I arrived in this town this very afternoon, and after I had put up my horse and supped at the inn I set out--though it was late-- to pay a visit to a friend, who lives at the farther side of the town. The night is dark, and the streets of this place can be none too easy to find one's way in, even by daylight. I have a safe-conduct, but with the town full of roaring Burgundian and English troops, I knew that to keep out of the way of chance encounters was the best means of safety. Therefore when I lost my way up here among these lanes, and when I was hailed by a party of drunken soldiers--the watch, for all I know, but drunk they were to a certainty-- I stood not on ceremony, but took to my heels and ran. I got into a blind alley, and they caught up with me opposite your house here. I sprang into the porch and set my back against the great door, drawing my sword to defend myself when suddenly the door swung open, I found myself inside and the door shut again in an instant. When those fellows had gone, I tried to get out-- in vain-- the door was fastened by some catch that I could not find. The staircase was dark-- I saw light at the top-- I mounted the stairs. Sitting over there, by the fire, I found your venerable relative. And now, Mademoiselle, if you can tell me the answer to his riddles and what is likely to be the end of this, I shall be infinitely your debtor.

## Blanche

(Wearily, holding her face in her hands)

Ah, how my head aches-- to say nothing of my poor heart! But it is due to you to hear my story, unmaidenly as it must seem. I am, as you have heard, called Blanche de Maletroit.

I have been without father or mother for-- oh! for as long as I can recollect, and indeed I have been most unhappy all my life. My uncle is a very stern man-- the good chaplain, whom you saw, knows nothing of youth-- my gouvernante is a very pious old lady, but she is sad and often harsh with me. I have lived with these three old people, in this old old, solemn house, since I was a little girl. I have had no young companions. Oh! I cannot tell you how lonely I was. Three weeks ago a young man began to stand near me every day in church. I could see that I pleased him. I am much to blame, but I was so glad that any one should love me; and when he

15

gave me a letter secretly I took it home with me and read
it very gladly. He had found out who I was. He was so
anxious to speak with me, poor fellow, and he asked me to
unfasten the door some evening that we might have two words
upon the stair. Perhaps he knew how my uncle treated me.
He is a hard man, my uncle, and very shrewd. How he came to
suspect I cannot tell, but it is hard to keep anything from
his knowledge. This morning as we came from mass, he took
my hand into his, forced it open, and read my little billet,
walking by my side all the while. It contained another request
to have the door left open-- and this has been the ruin of us
all. My uncle kept me strictly in my room until evening, and
then called me here and ordered me to dress for-- for my bri-
dal. A hard mockery for a young girl, do you not think so?
And then when he could not prevail upon me to tell the young
captain's name, he laid a trap for him, into which, alas!
You have fallen. I looked for much confusion-- for how could
I tell whether he was willing to take me for his wife upon
these sharp terms? He might have been trifling with
me-- or I might have made myself too cheap in his eyes--
though indeed I did not think so ill of my actions as my
uncle does. But truly I had not looked for such a punishment
as this! And now I have told you all-- I can scarcely hope
that you will not-- despise me.

## Denis

(Bowing low)

Mademoiselle, you have honored me by your confidence. It re-
mains for me to prove that I am not unworthy of that honor.
Is Messire de Maltroit at hand?

## Blanche

He cannot be far away. I will send for him.

(As she approaches the door into corridor, LEBRUN appears, raising the arras slightly)

(To Lebrun)

This gentleman would speak with Messire.

(Exit Lebrun. Enter M. de Maltroit, same door)

## Denis

(Loftily)

Sir, I believe I am to have some say in the matter of this
marriage; and let me tell you at once that I will be no par-
ty to forcing the inclination of this young lady. Had it
been freely offered me I should have been proud to accept her
hand-- for I perceive she is as good as she is beautiful.

16

But as things are I have now the honor, Messire, of refusing
your proposal.

(Blanche smiles at him)

Maletroit

(Smiling unctuously)

I am afraid, M. de Beaulieu, that you do not perfectly
understand the choice I have offered you. Follow me, I
beseech you, to this window. It opens on the courtyard,
though it is now too dark to see. But you observe at any
rate that iron rring in the masonry, and, reived through it,
see, a very efficacious-- rope?

Denis

Rope?

Maletroit

Now mark me, if you should find your disinclination to my
niece's person unsurmountable-- I shall have-- you-- hanged--
out of this window at sunrise.

Denis

Hanged?

Maletroit

I shall proceed to such an extremity with the greatest regret,
believe me. For it is not at all your death I desire but
my niece's establishment in life. At the same time it
must come to that, if you prove obdurate. Your family,
M. de Beaulieu, is very well in its way, but though you
sprang from Charlemagne himself you should not refuse the hand
of a Maletroit with impunity-- not if she had been as common
as the Paris road-- not if she were as hideous as the gar-
goyle over my door. Neither my niece, nor you, nor my own
private feelings move me at all in this matter. The honorof
my house has been compromised. I believe you to be the guil-
ty person-- at least you are now in the secret-- and you can
hardly wonder if I take measures to have that secret go no
further abroad. If you will not submit, your blood be upon
your own head! It will be no great sat isfaction to me to
have your interesting relics kicking their heels in the breeze
below my windows, but half a loaf is better than no bread,and
if I cannot cure the dishonor I shall at least stop the scan-
dal.

(Goes to door, and draws back the arras, showing the
men, at arms drawn up in the corridor, Lebrun in advance)

17

### Denis

I believe there are other ways of settling such imbroglios
among gentlemen. You wear a sword, and I know you have used
it with distinction.

### Maletroit

When I was a little younger I should have been delighted
M. de Beaulieu, but I am now too old for that pleasure.
Faithful retainers are the sinews of age, and I must employ
the strength I have. And now with your permission I shall
leave you for what remains of your two hours. No haste!
If your mind revolt against hanging it will be time enough,
two hours hence to throw yourself out of the window or upon
the pikes of my men. Two hours of life are always two hours.
A great many things may happen in even so short a time.
And besides, if I understand her appearance, my niece has
something to say to you. You will not disfigure your last
hours by want of politeness to a lady?

(Blanche makes an imploring gesture to Denis-- He bows,
Maletroit smiles sweetly on both)

If you will give me your word of honor, M. de Beaulieu, to await
my return at sunrise before attempting anything desperate,
I shall withdraw my men and let you speak in greater privacy
with Mademoiselle.

### Denis

(Glancing at Blanche, who makes affirmative sign)

I give you my word.

### Maletroit

Lebrun, wait with your men in the hall below.

(Lebrun places himself at the head of the file and they
move off. Maletroit turns on the threshold with a low
bow)

Au revoir, my children.

young friends.

(Exit)

### Blanche

(Advancing toward Denis, her hands extended)

You shall not die!

You shall marry me after all.

18

Denis

You seem to think, Mademoiselle, that I stand much in fear
of death.

Blanche

Oh, no, no! I see well enough you are no coward! It is for
my own sake-- I could not bear to have you lose your life
for such a scruple.

Denis

I am afraid, Mademoiselle, that you underrate the difficulty.
What you may be too generous to refuse, I may be too proud
to accept. In a moment of noble feeling towards me, you for-
get what you perhaps owe to--others.

(He bows profoundly, lowering his eyes. Blanche stands
silent for a moment, then walking toward the fireplace,
sinks into her uncle's chair and bursts into tears.
Denis, with a deep sigh sits down on a stool, (centre)
and falls to playing with his sword. His eyes dwell
admiringly on Blanche)

Blanche

Alas, can I do nothing to help you? Oh, if I had one friend
in this house, one creature that dared serve me against my
uncle! But--- it is hopeless-- we are in a trap.

Denis

Mademoiselle, if I said anything to wound you-- I mean if I
seemed to-- to prefer dying to-- the other alternative, be-
lieve me it was for your sake and not for mine.

Blanche

You are generous indeed.

Denis

I feel your position cruelly. The world has been bitter cold
to you. Y our uncle-- to speak mildly-- is a disgrace to
mankind. Believe me, Mademoiselle, there is no young gentle-
man in all France but would be glad of my opportunity to die
in doing you a momentary service.

Blanche

I know already that you can be very brave and generous. What
I want to know is-- whether I can serve you, now or-- after-
wards.

(She approaches him. He rises)

19

Denis

(Smiling)

Most certainly.

(He moves forward an armchair for her)

Let me sit beside you as if I were a friend instead of a
foolish intruder.

(Blanche sits in chair, Denis, on stool at her knee)

Denis

Try to forget how awkwardly we are placed to one another.
Make my last moments go pleasantly and you will do me the
chief service possible.

Blanche

You are very gallant-- very gallant-- Ah, M. de Beaulieu,
how can I look you in the face?

Denis

Mademoiselle, reflect on the little time I have before me, and
the great bitterness into which I am cast by the sight of your
distress. Spare me, in my last moments, the spectacle of
grief, I cannot cure even with the sacrifice of my life.

Blanche

I am very selfish. I will be braver, M. de Beaulieu, for your
sake. But think if I can do nothing for you in future-- if
I should even be my own mistress-- carry some message,
something, anything-- only put it in my power to do more for
you than-- weep.

Denis

(Kissing her hand)

My mother is married again and has a young family to care
for. My brother Gachard will inherit my lands, and if I am
not in error that will go far toward consoling him for my
death. Life is a little vapour that passeth away, as we
are told by those in holy orders. When a man is young and
sees all life open before him, he seems to himself to make
a very important figure in the world. His horse whinnies to
him, the trumpets blow, and the girls look out of the windows
as he rides into town before his company-- Aha! He is a
brave figure then! And if he is fair and gay, women look at
him kindly. And if he is the head of an old house, persons of
great consequence sometimes give him attention and flatter
him, so it is no wonder if his head is turned a little. But
once he is dead-- were he as brave as Hercules, as wise as
Solomon, he is soon forgotten. It is not ten years since
my father fell, with many other knights round him, in a

20

very fierce encounter--- and I do not think that any one of
them, nor so much as the name of the fight, is now remembered.
No, no, madam, the nearer you come to it, the more you see
that death is a dark and dusty corner, when a man gets into
his tomb and has the door shut after him till the judgment
day. I have few friends now, and once I am dead I shall have
none.

### Blanche

Ah, I cannot believe that. A man such as you could not
lack friends, nor--more than friends. Tell me, M. de Beaulieu, is there not someone-- some woman, very beautiful and
young, to whom you have sworn faith? She loves you, and it
is for her sake that you-- that you refuse me. Is it not so?
For she would have you die faithful to her rather than break
your troth-- am I not right? Oh, I could weep for her--- yet
I can envy her!

### Denis

Mademoiselle, I have never sworn faith to any woman-- indeed, I think I never loved one. Sure I am that no woman will weep for me.

### Blanche

Ah, M. de Beaulieu, you forget Blanche de Maletroit?

### Denis

You have a sweet nature, madam, and you are pleased to estimate a little service far beyond its worth.

### Blanche

It is not that. You mistake me if you think I am easily touched by my own concerns. I say so because you are the noblest man I have ever met; because I recognize in you a spirit that would have made even a common person famous. in the land.

### Denis

And yet I die here in a mouse-trap, with no more noise, about it
than my own squeaking!

### Blanche

I cannot have my champion think meanly of himself-- you
have no cause to hang your head! For--- pray, do you
think me beautiful?

21

Denis

(Heartily, kissing her hand)

Indeed, madam, I do! I have never seen any one so beautiful as you.

Blanche

I am glad of that! Do you think there are many men in France who have been asked in marriage by a beautiful maiden,-- with her own lips-- and who have refused her to her face? I know you men would despise such a triumph-- but, believe me, we women know more of what is precious in love. There is nothing that should set a person higher in his own esteem.

Denis

You are very good. But you cannot make me forget that I was asked in pity and not for love.

Blanche

(Faltering)

I am not so sure -- of that. Hear me to an end, M. de Beaulieu. I know how you must despise me. I feel you are right to do so. I am too poor a creature to occupy one thought of your mind, though, alas-- it seems you must-- die for me this morning. But when I asked you to marry me, indeed and indeed it was because I respected and admired you-- and-- loved you with my whole soul-- from the very moment that you took my part against my uncle! If you knew all-- that it was the first time I had ever seen a man's soul shining in his eyes-- and then that it was for me that you braved death, nay, that you faced death so quietly and with such perfect nobleness-- ah, sir, you would pity rather than despise me! How could I but love you for that! Yet -- although I have shown you my heart, remember that I know your feelings to me already. And, I would not, believe me, being nobly born, weary you with importunities into consent. I too have a pride of my own, and I think I would not-- I could not marry you now. Rather will I suffer the worst that my uncle can make me suffer.--

Denis

Why, Mademoiselle, surely-- surely, my death will satisfy--

Blanche

Ah, little you know him. The best, the very best that can happen to me is to be put into a convent, to be shut in for all my life, never to see the world, never to live except to pray, never to be loved by any living soul! That is what I wish,

22

what I begged of my uncle, what now I desire more than ever--
oh, I would spend my whole life praying for you-- I wish never
to be happy, never to have ease or pleasure more, since
I have brought this fate on you--

### Denis

Mademoiselle--- Blanche---I beg you---

### Blanche

But my fate will be worse than the convent--- worse than yours
even--- yes, worse than death!

### Denis

Blanche! What do you mean---

### Blanche

(Shuddering)

Something he said--- my uncle--- he means to force me on
some man--- I am to be married, whatever comes--- who knows,
to some groom perhaps--- then he will turn me adrift into the
world---

### Denis

Heavens, the monster! I will kill him--- then you at least
will be free!

### Blanche

But you--- you cannot escape, the men will cut you down.
And besides--- to kill an old man--- unarmed--- no, you shall
not do that, Denis. Do not think of me--- I deserve to
suffer--- and I shall not suffer long. I can die as well as
you.

### Denis

Blanche! I implore you, let me take you in my arms---let me
bear you away with me, out of reach of this devil here---
let me marry you. Then, if you cannot love me, I will go
to the wars, I will leave you, you shall never see me again.

### Blanche

No, no--- it is out of pity for me that you speak so. If
you loved me--- even a little---

### Denis

(Bitterly)

Love? It is you that have a heart harder than stone. For
the sake of your pride you will let me die and make me suffer
all the torments of hell first. I could die for you blithely,