Mademoiselle de Vaudrey And was the duke present? The Duchess Could I give a thought to my husband? I listened only to this young man, who was talking with Inez. I believe they are in love with each other. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey Inez, who is engaged to your son, the marquis? And do you think the warm reception given by her to his son's rival could escape the duke's notice? The Duchess Of course not, and I quite see the dangers to which Fernand is exposed. But I must not detain you longer; I could talk to you about him till morning. You shall see him. I have told him to come at the hour the duke goes to the king's, and then we will question him about his childhood. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey For goodness' sake, calm yourself; you will never be able to sleep this night. And send Felicite to bed, she is not accustomed to these late hours. (She rings the bell.) Felicite (entering the room) His grace the duke has come in with his lordship the marquis. The Duchess I have already told you, Felicite, never to inform me of his grace's movements. (Exit Felicite.) Mademoiselle de Vaudrey I should hate to rob you of an illusion which causes you such happiness; but when I see the height of expectation to which you have soared, I fear a terrible fall for you. The soul, like the body, is bruised by a fall from an excessive height, and you must excuse my saying that I tremble for you. The Duchess While you fear the effect of despair for me, I fear that of overwhelming joy. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey (watching the duchess go out) If she should be deceived, she might lose her senses. The Duchess (re-entering the room) Fernand, dear aunt, calls himself Raoul de Frescas. (Exit.) SCENE SECOND. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey (alone) She does not see that the recovery of her son would be a miracle. All mothers believe in miracles. We must keep watch over her. A look, a word might ruin her, for if she is right, if God restores her son to her, she is on the brink of a catastrophe more frightful even than the deception she had been practicing. Does she think she can dissemble under the eyes of women? SCENE THIRD. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey and Felicite. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey Already here? Felicite Her grace the duchess dismissed me early. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey Has my niece given you no orders for the morning? Felicite None, madame. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey A young man, named Monsieur Raoul de Frescas, is coming to call upon me towards noon; he may possibly ask for the duchess, but you must instruct Joseph to bring him to my apartment. (Exit.) SCENE FOURTH.