_Mlle H._ Now if I can instill but one small drop of the poison called suspicion, her proud, impetuous spirit, will complete the work itself. _Enter MARGUERITE._ _Mar._ Really, a very touching scene. The affection existing between the good doctor and our steward is remarkable. If he had been M. Manuel's father, he could hardly have been more cordially received. _Mlle H._ And I assure you that M. Manuel's father could not serve him at this moment as the doctor can. _Mar._ My dear governess, you seem to know more of this young man than you choose to reveal. I remember well your mysterious words to me the day he first rode and conquered that horse. _Mlle H._ Perhaps I have been to blame for having remained silent so long. But right or wrong, I have, until now, looked upon it as a duty to keep this person's secret inviolate. _Mar._ His secret! _Mlle H._ Nor would I reveal it now, but that his base intentions are no longer doubtful, and silence would be criminal. However, I must exact your promise that the knowledge of it shall remain, for the present, between ourselves. _Mar._ You have my word. Proceed. _Mlle H._ Four years ago, when you were in Paris--you are aware that I was in the habit of visiting some of my old friends at my former school? _Mar._ I remember. _Mlle H._ Well, I often saw there this very M. Manuel. He visited the school to see his little sister. His father was the well known Marquis de Champcey. _Mar._ Ah! _Mlle H._ It was the talk of the school that the family were even then much reduced. Now, they are totally ruined. The father is dead, and the son has, through the good offices of a friend, been placed in a position to regain the fortune he has lost. By what means I leave to your penetration to discover. _Mar._ And is it so! [_A pause._] But, after all, the conduct of this young man in no way justifies suspicion. I see him but seldom. In truth, he actually avoids me. _Mlle H._ Of course he does. Reserve creates inquiry, inquiry, interest. Oh, he has been well tutored. _Mar._ Enough. I thank you sincerely for the warning. But relieve your mind of all anxiety; I shall know how to deal with this conscientious gentleman, be assured. _Mlle H._ Indeed I feel the happier that I have at last confided this fact to you. Ah, my child, to what snares, what treachery, what deceit, does the possession of wealth expose the innocent. The thought of them makes the poor governess almost contented with her humble lot. Come, shall we walk towards the house? As we go, I shall be able to bring to your recollection many circumstances, trifling in themselves, but which, when considered in connection with what I have now told you, will serve to bring full conviction to your mind. [_Exeunt MARGUERITE, leaving her basket of flowers on the bank._ _Enter MANUEL._