You cannot do such a thing, sir. We both know my sister, poor little girl, and I am sure that if this marriage is annulled, she will die. [_Rises_.] When a man has for three years enjoyed the love of such a woman as the one who sends for him, he cannot refuse to see her on her deathbed whatever may happen. MARTINEL What will Gilberte do? LÉON She worships Jean--but you know how proud she is. MARTINEL Will she accept the situation? Will she forgive it? LÉON Of that I am very doubtful, especially after all that has been said about this poor girl in the family circle. But what does that matter? Jean must be warned at once. I am going to find him and bring him to you. [_Rises as if to go out_ C.] MARTINEL Well, how would you like me to tell him? LÉON Simply give him the letter. [_Exit_ Léon C.] SCENE VII. MARTINEL [_alone_] Poor children! in the midst of their happiness and at the zenith of joy! And that other poor girl, who is now suffering and slowly dying! Heavens! How unjust and how cruel life is at times. SCENE VIII. (_Re-enter_ Léon _with_ Jean) JEAN [_walks briskly to_ C. _of stage_] What is it all about? MARTINEL One minute, my poor boy; read this, and forgive me for having opened your letter. I opened it because I thought it was intended for me. [_Gives letter to_ Jean, _and watches him read it._ Léon _also watches him, standing_ L.] JEAN [_after reading the letter, speaks to himself in a low tone, touched with deep but contained emotion_] I must do it! I owe it to her! [_To Martinel._] Uncle, I leave my wife in your charge. Say nothing until I return, and remain here till I come back. Wait for me. [_Turns to_ Léon.] I know you well enough to realize that you do not disapprove of what I am doing. To you I confide my future. I am going. [_Turns to the door_ R., _but after casting a glance at the door_ L., _which leads to his wife's chamber, says to_ Léon.] To you I owe the love your sister has bestowed upon me. Help me now to preserve it. [_Exit quickly_ R.] SCENE IX. (Martinel _and_ Léon.) MARTINEL [_seated_ R.] What shall we do now? What are we going to say? What explanations can we give? LÉON Let me manage it. It is only right that I should do it since I brought about this marriage. MARTINEL [_rises_] Well, I'd dearly love to be forty-eight hours older. [_Rising_.] I confess I do not like these love tragedies, and moreover the fact of the child entering into the case is awful. What is going to become of that poor little mortal? We cannot send him to the foundling asylum. [_Enter_ Gilberte L.] Gilberte! SCENE X. Gilberte _has removed her marriage robes, and now wears a handsome house gown. She carries an opera cloak, which she throws over a chair neat the door_. GILBERTE Where is Jean? LÉON Do not be disturbed, he will be back directly. GILBERTE [_in astonishment_] Has he gone out? LÉON Yes. GILBERTE Gone out? And on this evening, above all others! LÉON