Mme. Rousseau And how is Jules? What a trying time it must be for him! Rousseau Not at all! The unfortunate boy astonishes me by his coolness. Such courage as he has is worthy of a better cause than that of conspiracy. To think of his having put us in such a position! But for this I might have been appointed President of the Chamber of Commerce. De Verby You forget that, after all, his marriage with a member of my family will make some amends for his trouble. Rousseau (struck by a sudden thought) Ah, general! When I left the court room, Jules stood surrounded by his friends, among whom were M. Dupre and the young girl Pamela. Your niece and Madame de Verby must have noticed it, and I hope that you will try to explain matters to them. (While Rousseau speaks with the general the ladies are watching for the signal.) De Verby Rest assured of that! I will take care that Jules appears as white as snow! It is of very great importance to explain this affair of the working-girl, otherwise the Comtesse de Verby might oppose the marriage. We must explain away this apparent amour, and she must be made to understand that the girl's evidence was a piece of self- sacrifice for which she had been paid. Rousseau I certainly intend to do my duty towards that young girl. I shall give her eight or ten thousand francs. It seems to me that that will be liberal, very liberal! Mme. Rousseau (while Mme. du Brocard tries to restrain her) Ah, sir, but what of her honor? Rousseau Well, I suppose that some one will marry her. SCENE SIXTH The same persons and Joseph. Joseph (dashing in) Monsieur! Madame! Give me some cologne or something, I beg you! All Whatever can be the matter? Joseph M. Antoine, your footman, is bringing Pamela here. Rousseau Has anything happened? Joseph When she saw the jury come in to give their verdict she was taken ill! Her father and mother, who were in the crowd at the other end of the court, couldn't stir. I cried out, and the presiding judge made them put me out of court! Mme. Rousseau But Jules! My son! What did the jury say? Joseph I know nothing! I had no eyes except for Pamela. As for your son, I suppose he is all right, but first with me comes Pamela-- De Verby But you must have seen how the jury looked! Joseph Oh, yes! The foreman of the jury looked so gloomy--so severe--that I am quite persuaded-- (He shudders.) Mme. Rousseau My poor Jules! Joseph Here comes Antoine and Mlle. Pamela. SCENE SEVENTH The same persons, Antoine and Pamela. (They lead Pamela to a seat and give her smelling salts.) Mme. du Brocard My dear child! Mme. Rousseau My daughter! Rousseau Mademoiselle!