Ah, how grateful I am. [_Kisses her hands; then immediately after, with emotion._] But here another anguish seizes me. I have promised this poor woman to take and cherish this child in my own home. [Gilberte _makes a movement_.] That is not all. Do you know what her last thought, her last prayer was? She entreated me to commend the child to you. GILBERTE To me! JEAN To you, Gilberte. GILBERTE [_profoundly moved_] She did this, the poor woman? Did she believe that I would take-- JEAN She hoped it, and in that hope her death was made easier. GILBERTE [_in exalted mood, crosses_ R.] Yes, I will take it! where is it? JEAN At my house. GILBERTE At your house? You must go to it immediately. JEAN What! leave you now, at this moment? GILBERTE We will go together, since I was to have accompanied you to your house this evening. JEAN [_joyously_] Oh, Gilberte! But your father will not let us go. GILBERTE Well, do you know what we must do, since my packing is finished, and my maid awaits me at your house? You must carry me off. JEAN Carry you off? GILBERTE Give me my cloak and let us go. All can be explained tomorrow. [_Shows the cloak that she had left upon the chair in the first act._] My cloak, please. JEAN [_picks up the cloak quickly and throws it over her shoulders_] You are the most adorable creature! [Gilberte _takes his arm and they go toward door_ R.] SCENE VIII. (_Enter_ Mme. de Ronchard, M. Petitpré, M. Martinel, _and_ Léon C.) MME. DE RONCHARD Well, what are they doing? Are they going away now? PETITPRÉ Why, what does it mean? GILBERTE Yes; father, I am going away. I am going with my husband; but I shall be here to-morrow to ask pardon for this hurried flight, and to explain to you the reason for it. PETITPRÉ Were you going without saying good-bye to us--without embracing us? GILBERTE Yes, in order to avoid more discussions. LÉON She is right. Let them go. GILBERTE [_throws herself upon_ Petitpré's _neck_] Till to-morrow, father; till to-morrow, my dear Aunt. Good night, all; I have had enough of emotion and fatigue. MME. DE RONCHARD [_goes to_ Gilberte _and embraces her_] Yes, run along, darling--there is a little one over there who waits for a mother! _Curtain._ THE LANCER'S WIFE AND OTHER TALES THE LANCER'S WIFE