Mme. du Brocard We ought to do something to make her happy! I acknowledge that this young person is a succor sent from heaven! Only a noble heart could make the sacrifice that she has made! She deserves a fortune for it! Thirty thousand francs! That is what she ought to have. Jules owes his life to her. (Aside) Poor boy, will his life be saved? (Mme. du Brocard looks toward the window.) Mme. Rousseau Well, Justine, do you see anything? Justine Nothing, madame. Mme. Rousseau Nothing yet! Yes, you are right, sister, it is only the heart that can prompt such noble actions. I do not know what you and my husband would think about it, but if we considered what was right, and had full regard to the happiness of Jules, apart from the brilliant prospect of an alliance with the family of De Verby, if my son loved her and she loved my son--it seems to me reasonable-- Mme. du Brocard and Justine No! No! Mme. Rousseau Oh, sister! Say yes! Has she not well deserved it? But there is some one coming. (The two women remain in their seats with clasped hands.) SCENE FOURTH The same persons and De Verby. Justine M. le General de Verby! Mme. Rousseau and Mme. du Brocard Ah! De Verby Everything is going on well! My presence was no longer necessary, so I return to you. There are great hopes of your son's acquittal. The charge of the presiding judge is decidedly in his favor. Mme. Rousseau (joyfully) Thank God! De Verby Jules has behaved admirably! My brother the Comte de Verby is very much interested in his favor. My niece looks upon him as a hero, and I know courage and honorable conduct when I see them. When once this affair has been settled, we will hasten the marriage. Mme. Rousseau We ought to tell you, sir, that we have made certain promises to this young girl. Mme. du Brocard Never mind that, sister. De Verby Doubtless the young girl deserves some recompense, and I suppose you will give her fifteen or twenty thousand francs,--that is due her. Mme. du Brocard You see, sister, that M. de Verby is a noble and generous man, and since he has fixed upon this sum, I think it will be sufficient. Justine M. Rousseau! Mme. du Brocard O brother! Mme. Rousseau Dear husband! SCENE FIFTH The same persons and Rousseau. De Verby (to Rousseau) Have you good news? Mme. Rousseau Is he acquitted? Rousseau No, but it is rumored that he is going to be; the jury are in consultation; I couldn't stay there any longer; I couldn't stand the suspense; I told Antoine to hurry here as soon as the verdict is given. Mme. Rousseau We shall learn what the verdict is from this window; we have agreed upon a signal to be given by that youth, Joseph Binet. Rousseau Ah! keep a good look out, Justine.