Wittich.
May I ask whether the lady has made any arrangements for the future?
Julia (_still timidly_).
I was thinking of making my home in Paris, wasn"t I, Pierre?
Pierre.
Yes. You see, Julia wants to live a life suited to her tastes and inclinations--a life such as she cannot have even here--a life consecrated to Beauty and Art.
Wittich.
They say that an existence of that sort comes high. Has my wife--er--has the lady made any provision for her expenses?
Pierre (_embarra.s.sed_).
From the moment that I become of age I shall be in a position to--h"m--h"m----
Wittich.
I see. But _until_ that moment--?
Pierre.
I--er----
Wittich.
Well, I consider it my duty--and mine alone--to protect the woman whom--until recently--I called my wife. And to save her from ruin, I am willing to make any sacrifice whatsoever.
Pierre.
Oh, as for that, of course----
Wittich.
I intend to put no obstacle in the way of your desire to legitimize your relations.
Pierre.
Very kind of you--really--very thoughtful indeed.
Wittich.
Not because--not that I don"t dare insist upon _my_ rights in this affair, but because I want to guard _her_ from lifelong misery.
Pierre.
Really, you wouldn"t believe how often we have discussed this question--would he, Julia, dear?
Julia.
But I am never going to grant your wish, Pierre, dear. You shall keep your liberty--you shall be free! Even as I ask nothing better than to follow my own inclinations. If I am ruined because of them--well, it"s no one"s concern but my own--no one"s! (_Tosses her head._)
Wittich.
May I inquire what those inclinations are?
Julia.
It"s hard to say--off-hand.--You must feel it--you must-- Well, I want to be free!--I want to hold my fate in my own hands!--I want-- Oh, why talk about it? What is one poor, human life?--especially a life like mine!--I am branded--doomed to the gutter!--One need use no ceremony with me now!
Wittich.
Really! Well--h"m--if I had known that you felt that way about it--I should have made you--a different proposition--Julia, dear.
Julia.
Tell me! Please!
Pierre.
Yes--tell us--please!
Wittich.
I suppose I may a.s.sume that the people at the castle know nothing of this little adventure of the young Count"s?
Pierre.
You may rest a.s.sured, my dear sir, that I know what is due a woman"s honour.
Wittich.
Ah--really!--Well, I"m sure no one saw me coming here. So then, there need be no scandal.
Pierre.
That would certainly be most agreeable to all parties concerned.
Wittich.
But--how did the lady propose to leave here without being seen?
Pierre.
Pray, my dear sir, let that be my concern.