The Vampire, a drama by Alexandre Dumas p�re

At Rise, the court offers a very animated aspect. Men, women, and children are arriving and greeted affectionately. A Bohemian sings to the accompaniment of his mandolin. They dance to the refrain with the sound of castanets. People are everywhere at windows, gates, and on the tops of walls.

BOHEMIANS AND PEASANTS

(Chorus)

In the bowers,
In the green grass
Dance girls!
Dance boys!

A BOHEMIAN

I was on the way from Huesias
My heart was heavy
My step was slow
Guitar on my back
But my lips were silent
Because everyone is quiet
By the ruins of Tormenar

(Refrain by Chorus)

A traveller passes by
"What castle is this
Gigantic, knifelike,
Mr. Mandolin man?
Is it the alcazar?
--"No, señor --
It's the ruins of Tormenar"

(Refrain by Chorus)

What living soul dwells in the castle?
By day -- the terrified
And by night, the dead.
-- Hey Mr. Mandolin man
I am late
Come sleep in the ruins
of Tormenar!

(Refrain by Chorus)

(Juan Rozo, Petra, Botaro and Lazare enter.)

ROZO

Come on, come on, enough of dances and songs like that. Get out -- all the vagabonds -- beggars and gypsies. We won't have enough room here even after you get out.

(The courtyard empties little by little.)

LAZARE

The fact is I don't know how Father Rozo will be able to lodge everyone.

ROZO

Come, children, put your mules in the stable -- give the porter your baggage and come embrace the kids.

BOTARO

Say, father-in-law -- it seems to me your house can't possibly hold our two families.

ROZO

Bah! We've lodged as many as fifty Christians here at one time -- they all ate, and slept under my roof.

LAZARE

Yes, but the next day you should have heard them. The fifty Christians swore like a hundred pagans.

BOTARO

Ah, yes -- fifty ate and slept with you? Good, then! But look here father-in-law -- there are 67 of us. After this a night is soon over, right? And sure the bride must be well brought to bed.

LAZARE

(aside)

Egoist!

BOTARO

Why, by the way, father-in-law --

ROZO

What?

BOTARO

Suppose some travellers arrive?

ROZO

Well?

BOTARO

What will you do?

ROZO

I will say that there is no more room, and they will go away.

BOTARO

Still, an innkeeper.

ROZO

The day my daughter is married there is no more inn. That day, the house is mine -- too bad about the travellers! They were free to come yesterday and they are free to come tomorrow. Those who are here already, it goes without saying I won't put them out the door. So we have a Moorish lady, well, I'll keep her although she doesn't spend much . She only eats a few grains of rice and so comically -- like this with two little ivory sticks.

LAZARE

I am sure that she gets up at night to eat olla podrida and gaspacho since it is impossible that a human creatures lives on 3 or 4 grains of rice a day.

BOTARO

Father-in-law, we are counting just now 67 people in the house.

ROZO

Yes -- everyone understands.

BOTARO

Including the scullions?

ROZO

Including the scullions.

BOTARO

Well, we were mistaken -- we are only 66.

ROZO

Ha! Ha! -- Who's leaving?

BOTARO

You forget that we agreed.

ROZO

What?

BOTARO

(pointing to Lazare)

That this comedian Lazare --

ROZO

Ah, yes, Lazare.

BOTARO

Leave the house.

ROZO

It's true.

LAZARE

(aside)

Decidedly it's about me. I believe the groom is asking Mr. Rozo to take me to his service -- that won't go with the husband, but it will go well with the wife's side.

BOTARO

(to Rozo)

In love and a piggish eater.

ROZO

Piggish eater -- I don't say -- but in love -- are you really sure?

BOTARO

Listen, father-in-law -- you know it was agreed, that he would leave the day of my wedding. I have your word -- he's got to go.

ROZO

Oh well, since you absolutely insist.

BOTARO

Absolutely!

ROZO

I am going to invite him to pack his bags. Come here, Lazare.

LAZARE

Me?

ROZO

Yes, you.

BOTARO

(to Petra)

Turn your head the other way, my wife.

ROZO

(looking for Lazare)

Hey, where'd you go?

LAZARE

(who has gone to the large gate)

Over here! Don't you see?

ROZO

Travellers. There's no more room.

(Enter a man and a woman followed by 3 children.)

LAZARE

You here -- the boss say there's no more room -- you can go away -- huh? What? -- Ah, damn it's true.

ROZO

What are they saying?

LAZARE

They say that they are man and wife and 3 little children -- that they've been a long way today and that if they have to continue their way, they will die of fatigue.

ROZO

That's possible, but there's no room.

LAZARE

They still say they'll be content with the least cover.

BOTARO

Look, father-in-law, give them the attic where this scapegrace Lazare is lodges since he is leaving.

ROZO

In fact, that's an idea -- Lazare escort them to your room -- they will sleep there tonight.

LAZARE

Well, and me?

ROZO

You?

LAZARE

Yes -- where will I bed down?

ROZO

You, Lazare, will sleep wherever you wish.

LAZARE

Well, in the stable?

ROZO

No.

LAZARE

In the kitchen then.

ROZO

No.

LAZARE

Yes, I understand, in the cellar. The devil -- I won't be hot in the cellar -- hopefully there's a certain little wine from Montello.

ROZO

No.

LAZARE

Not in the cellar either?

ROZO

Lazare, you won't lodge in this house tonight -- pack your bags and go.

LAZARE

You are kicking me out?

ROZO

It's my son-in-law who demands it.

LAZARE

And why's that?

ROZO

It appears you've been courting my daughter.

LAZARE

Me? -- oh! How can they say that?

ROZO

It's Botaro who pretends that -- and he must know.

LAZARE

What! Señor Botaro -- you pretend that I -- ?

BOTARO

That's fine -- one knows what one knows -- one sees what one has seen.

LAZARE

Oh, because of one night that I was worn out from husking, and Señora Petra was watching me, he threw straw in her face, and I socked him in the eye?

BOTARO

Good, good -- enough.

LAZARE

Why ask her, your wife, if I embraced her -- I bet she'll say no.

ROZO

Look, look, your bill is paid -- on your way.

LAZARE

And where do you want me to go?

BOTARO

What's that to me? On your way --

LAZARE

On my way without supper? But you owe me supper for today.

BOTARO

Some bread, some cheese and a fist full of olives and on your way!

LAZARE

Oh! Because today precisely because it's a wedding super -- with ragouts, roasts, pastry and sweets -- because today, for the first time, there's a supper a bit fitting the house -- they send me away -- they kick me out. Fie, master Rozo -- it's rather petty what you are doing -- I never thought this of you!

ROZO

Listen, Botaro, he's a bit -- right. It's a feast day and to make him eat his bread when the spits turn -- heavens -- that reminds me! I forgot to turn the spit. Great! The goose will be burned.

(He runs out hurriedly.)

BOTARO

It's okay -- I agree to wait until you've dined. Drink, eat, fill up like a cask, fill yourself to overflowing like a goatskin but when the gates close, you understand, try to be on the outside rather than on the inside.

LAZARE

So be it! Let them go, Señor Botaro.

BOTARO

(to travellers)

Come this way, my friends. I will escort you to your room.

(to Lazare)

Goodbye, Se�or Glutton.

LAZARE

Goodbye, Señora Bride.

PETRA

(as she goes)

Poor Lazare.

(They leave.)

LAZARE

(alone)

Isn't it shameful to put a poor young man out the door at night, in a desert in the midst of mountains, when all the malefactors take their gambols on the highways and in the rocks -- when this black castle of Tormenar disgorges at midnight, from its ruins bats, vultures, owls and serpents! And all this because I caught the eye of a young girl. Oh, when I think that I will be all alone on the highways and that as I turn I will notice this same Castle Tormenar which watches travellers from on high with its large windows like staring eyes.

(Notices the Mooress who passes in the back)

Heavens the Arab girl who only eats rice.

(noise)

Now what's that?

(they call Lazare)

Yes, call Lazare! Since I no longer belong to this house, I won't reply.

(they call again)

Go to the devil. Look -- what's wrong?? A mule and muleteer? More travellers? No, a woman. She's got here at the right moment.

JUANA

(entering)

In the midst of the whole world, won't I be able to find someone to speak to?

LAZARE

To me, señora, if you like.

JUANA

I am really in an inn -- right, my friend?

LAZARE

In an inn where no one can stay, yes, señora.

JUANA

No one can stay! Why?

LAZARE

Because the innkeeper is marrying his daughter -- Señorita Petra, a charming girl -- whose eye one is forbidden to catch.

JUANA

I have a service to ask of someone, and I pay generously when people oblige me.

LAZARE

Speak Señora! You fall in luck -- I am as free as the air!

An idea! You don't have a muleteer, Señora, you must have need of a cook or a valet -- I have just such qualities, go!

JUANA

For the moment I need a guide, and that's all.

LAZARE

What luck you have, Señora -- I run the errands for the inn. There's not a step from here to Huesias, not a stone, a heath -- that I don't know.

JUANA

Good. Come.

LAZARE

Right away! For how long do you engage me, Señora?

JUANA

Why, for the time I take to get to my destination.

LAZARE

Is the Señora going far? I am not curious. That's a frightful sin -- but to guide you, I think it is necessary that I know where you are going.

JUANA

My friend, I am going to the Castle Tormenar.

LAZARE

Huh?

JUANA

Well? Didn't you hear me?

LAZARE

Did I hear you? I think so!

JUANA

Then, come.

LAZARE

Oh! No, no, Señora -- I am not going.

JUANA

Why?

LAZARE

Because no one goes to the Castle Tormenar, Señora, because honest Christians don't mention that name.

JUANA

Look, I have business at the castle.

LAZARE

At a castle which is uninhabited, in ruins and which lodges only reptiles, which lodges nothing but ghosts -- you have business there, Señora?

JUANA

My dear friend -- I wanted to give a piastre to the guide -- after what you've told me I will give ten.

LAZARE

You can give a hundred -- you can give a thousand, but I will never go to the Castle Tormenar.

(aside)

Who is this woman, -- Brrr?

JUANA

Very well. I will find servants less disinterested than you -- and much braver.

LAZARE

Try! You want me to help you try to find them? You are going to see. Hey, ladies and gentleman, hey Christians, hey, pagans, hey, everybody.

(running on all sides)

Here's a lady who needs a guide to run a little errand and she's offering ten piastres, who wants it?

ALL

Me! Me! Me!

LAZARE

Wait. The little errand leads to Castle Tormenar.

ALL

Oh!

LAZARE

Look -- don't fight like that over who will go -- it's embarrassing to the lady.

(to Juana)

Well -- what did I tell you?

JUANA

(aside)

My God! Why he's expecting me -- he'll accuse me -- he'll think I've broken my word.

LAZARE

It must be pretty impossible for me not to go, since I can't stay an hour more here in this dump!

ROZO

(entering)

What were you saying, Lazare?

LAZARE

The boss!

JUANA

You are the master of this inn, señor? You probably don't partake in all the superstitions. You will really find me a guide to go to Tormenar.

ROZO

To Tormenar! Holy Virgin!

BOTARO

To Tormenar! Jesus!

JUANA

I will go alone, then.

ROZO

Señora, don't do it! And anyway, you can't do it. The mules themselves will refuse to climb to that cursed castle.

JUANA

I will go on foot.

ROZO

You little feet will be torn to shreds before you get half way there.

JUANA

Alas! Won't there pass on this road a man who can oblige a poor woman?

LAZARE

Listen, Señora! Take me into your service and tomorrow morning I will help you find a very brave man who will lead you to Tormenar.

(aside)

It will take at least a year to find him.

VOICE

(from outside)

Hola! Hey!

BOTARO

Oh -- father-in-law, can't they leave us in peace?

ROZO

Go see, Lazare, go explain to them.

LAZARE

Master Rozo, if I were still in your service, I would hurry to obey you.

GILBERT

(outside)

Hey there! Are you going to open?

ROZO

Who are you?

GILBERT

You see well enough, by God. I suppose we don't have the air of robbers.

ROZO

My dear sir, if you were thieves, you'd see we are here in sufficient numbers to receive you.

GILBERT

Well -- since we are honest travellers and you in there are lazybones with nothing to do -- open the gate for us.

LAZARE

This gentleman expresses himself very well, doesn't he, Señora? A bit of an accent.

ROZO

Useless to open for you, Señor Traveller, there's no more room in the inn.

GILBERT

What a joke. There are about a dozen of us -- eight gentlemen and four ladies who've formed a little caravan to have more safety on the way -- 12 persons to lodge -- what a big thing for your inn which resembles a barracks!

BOTARO

Yes, Señor, 12 people are little but we are already 67 here.

LAZARE

Of which one's married.

GILBERT

Yes, ladies, they will open, don't worry, Mr. Innkeeper! Hey! Little fellow down there -- come here a bit. These ladies observed to me that the heavens are getting dark -- and a storm threatens and they have not the least intention of spending the night outside.

LAZARE

(looking at the sky)

Not even the resource to say "under the pretty stars!"

ROZO

These ladies will have to do the best they can, my dear sir -- but they won't enter here. We are choked already. And then, I'm marrying my daughter and we want to stay en famille. So, good luck and go with God, Traveller.

GILBERT

Ah! So it's like that? You don't want to open the gate for us?

ROZO

Why no -- that's my right.

GILBERT

We must then remove your signboard which hangs there at the end of the rope. Wait, I am going to unhook it for you.

(He shoots at it.)

ROZO

Señor Gentleman!

BOTARO

You outrage the property.

LAZARE

I bet he's a Frenchman, say, Señor Botaro what a nice shot, eh! If this gentleman fired at a man -- a man's much larger than a rope.

ROZO

Well, you leave, Señor? I am mayor as well as innkeeper -- do you know that?

GILBERT

Yes -- but you are an innkeeper at the same time you are mayor. Open this gate, once; twice -- thrice! No! Well, gentleman let's lay siege to the house and break down these rotten boards.

ROZO

Why this is frightful!

BOTARO

Murder!

LAZARE

(to Botaro)

Say, Señor, here's one who will catch the eye of our wife!

BOTARO

Shut up, Servant!

ROZO

Why, let's defend ourselves! Let's chase them off!

BOTARO

Without weapons? These brigands have muskets and pistols.

LAZARE

And know how to use them! I wager as there are eight of them, they'd kill 15 men with the first volley.

ROZO

Mercy!

GILBERT

You won't open? To work!

ROZO

We are lost.

LAZARE

What fun not to belong to the house!

GILBERT

(breaking down the door)

Oh, the breach is made. Ladies take the trouble to enter. Come gentlemen! Good day, dear innkeeper! Well, you see 67 plus 12 only make 79.

LAZARE

It's incredible how much I like this traveller! Oh -- one more idea!

ROZO

I swear to you, Señor, that we have not one corner, not one hole, not a niche which is free. Count us, Señor, there's my daughter and my son-in-law, whom I have the honor to present to you. Here are my brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts.

GILBERT

Your cousins, your cousins and their families.

(noticing the Moor)

There's a strange face. Is she also of your family?

ROZO

No, Señor, she's a Moorish lady who was lodged here since yesterday, who we have not disturbed as you will understand.

GILBERT

(aside)

Somber face.

MOORISH LADY

(aside, eyes fixed on Gilbert)

He's handsome.

GILBERT

No space! Now, as you speak politely, we will listen to you. No place, ladies! What to do? Look, isn't there in the neighborhood some house, another posada, a castle, even a shelter?

BOTARO

There's indeed a castle, Señor, but --

GILBERT

But what.

ROZO

Your five pistols, Señor Traveller, won't help you to leave there safe and sound, even if you change them into two big cannons.

GILBERT

Bah! What's in this castle? An ogre.

ROZO

I don't know what's there, Señor, but I know whoever goes there never returns.

GILBERT

Come on!

ROZO

It was 3 years ago, a man wanted to spend the night. They found him the next day -- on the rocks -- head crushed, heart open -- dead!

GILBERT

Ah!

ROZO

Last year, two captains from the garrison of Huesias went to Tormenar, that's the castle's name -- from bravado, señor. They slept side by side, a young man and an old man. The old man returned the next day, all pale, harmless, mad. He had, when he woke up, found his companion cold and dead in his arms with a gaping wound in the throat. Damn! It's true -- everybody here saw it.

JUANA

My God!

LAZARE

I saw him buried. Burr!

GILBERT

Well, there are robbers in that castle, by God -- like in all your beautiful Spain.

ROZO

Señor Cavalier -- the man from 3 years ago had his rings on his finger when they found his cadaver -- and in the young captain from a year ago -- they found his purse full -- and wearing a very valuable medallion.

GILBERT

Say gentlemen -- you folks who are not from the country -- does this frighten you a lot?

TRAVELLER

Why's that, Count?

GILBERT

Because if you are no more afraid than I am - we will go see Tormenar -- it's Tormenar you said? Sir, if they will crush the heads of all eight of us -- or slit our throats. Look -- what do you think of our army? We have 16 pistols, eight carbines, eight swords and enough ammunition for a hundred shots. Shell we go to Tormenar?

TRAVELLER

Let's go to Tormenar!

LAZARE

The fools!

(to Juana)

Say Señora, it seems to me you've prettily done your business and this is lucky.

JUANA

Yes.

(to Gilbert)

Señor, Cavalier. A word, I beg you.

GILBERT

Ten, if you please, Señora.

JUANA

Would you listen to me for a moment privately?

GILBERT

At the end of the Earth, if that was agreeable to you.

JUANA

Señor Cavalier -- you are French and a gentleman.

GILBERT

My name is Gilbert de Tiffauges, I am a Breton and an honest man, Madam.

JUANA

Sir, I have a service to ask of you. You are going to Castle Tormenar?

GILBERT

Yes, Madame.

JUANA

I beg you to take me with you.

GILBERT

What! You are not frightened.

JUANA

With such brave men, Señor?

GILBERT

But you heard all the innkeeper said --

JUANA

I heard, I'm not afraid.

GILBERT

You are valiant, Madam -- and we will be happy to have an associate such as you. The charm of your company will suffice, be sure of it -- What did the innkeeper say about the unlucky meeting at Tormenar? It seems that, for me, the meeting is not unlucky.

JUANA

Ah, Señor, it's the spirit of your nation which takes things this way. You were speaking before a language I understand better, and for you to continue to treat me the same, I have only a word to say to you, I am sure of it.

GILBERT

Speak, Madam.

JUANA

Count, I am Juana, the only child of the Marquis de Torillas. My father put me in the convent of the Annunciation at Huescas to prevent me from marrying Don Luis de Figuerroa who I love and to whom I am affianced before God. I received a letter from Don Luis, which gave me a rendezvous in the mountains at Tormenar which he must reach on his part through unfrequented by-ways. I wrote Don Luis that wherever he will go, I will go. Yesterday, I fled from the convent with the aid of the Superior who is my friend and I intend to rejoin my fiance at Tormenar. Then, we will go to the nearest port. It's to go in safety to find Don Luis (who will thank you, sir) that I beg you to take me with you to Tormenar. Pure before God, I wish to be respected among men -- I've spoken to a loyal and courageous Cavalier -- does he understand me? Can I hope he will fulfill my prayers?

GILBERT

Miss, I have, in Brittany, a sister that I love tenderly and who loves me with all the strength of her heart, a companion of my childhood a friend put to every test -- and I think her happy soon to be united with a brave gentleman of our country -- but if she were to run some danger -- or find herself in some embarrassment, I pray God she would meet a devotion as sincere, a protection as disinterested, a friendship as respectful as that I conjure you at this time to put to the proof. Deign to accept my arm, and it's not so much question as to merit the thanks of Don Luis as it is to be a tender brother to you and a solid support tonight, Miss. Don Luis will thank me, I give you my word! Come on, gentleman -- on the way to Tormenar!

JUANA

Be blessed, Sir! I owe you my happiness.

LAZARE

My dear, sir, you are really decided to leave for this castle?

GILBERT

Doubtless. Why this question?

LAZARE

Sir, I am looking for a master and you please me infinitely. I will willingly enter your service, but look here, if you go to Tormenar and you don't return, I shall have lost my situation before having got it. I will be the widow of my master -- I want to spare myself that shame -- and I will wait until tomorrow to see if you return from Tormenar. But from now on, regard me as your servant -- you have made a famous acquisition.

GILBERT

My friend, I have no need of a servant -- but if you absolutely wish to serve me, come! You draw back? You are a poltroon?

LAZARE

Me -- a poltroon! Come on! I'm afraid of ghosts -- that's all!

GILBERT

You are not my type -- find another situation. I want whoever loves me to follow me everywhere even to Hell.

LAZARE

You don't know what you are giving up.

(Thunder.)

GILBERT

Ah! Ah! The storm can be heard. It's invading the sky. Let's hurry gentlemen. En route to the terrible castle. But to have a solid spirit we must fortify our stomachs. Master innkeeper, Señor Mayor!

ROZO

My dear, sir?

GILBERT

You don't have enough room -- but you have lots of chickens, partridges and rabbits, and lots of veal and stuffed fish. Fill us a hamper of all these good things -- load a mule with old wine, we will pay, we who do not have the ill luck to be ghosts.

ROZO

Why, it's our supper, sir.

BOTARO

Father-in-law, let's eat less but get rid of these noisy guests.

ROZO

(to his servants)

Obey this gentleman.

GILBERT

Marquis d'Hecquerey, Chevalier Marini and you gentlemen be the advanced guard. You others in the center with the ladies. We will be the rear guard. Well, you, Señora?

JUANA

Order, sir.

LAZARE

What a shame! They are going to their death. But what a supper they'll have first.

GILBERT

You are sure, Miss, that Don Luis de Figuerroa has arrived first and that he's waiting for you?

JUANA

My letter sets the rendezvous for eight o'clock -- it's nine.

GILBERT

(to Rozo)

How long to get to the castle?

ROZO

An hour and a half or two hours if you walk behind the mules.

GILBERT

This is a promenade and we will arrive before the rain. Come on Señora, in an hour and a half I will render my account to your handsome fiance. Goodbye, Señor Mayor -- goodbye all.

ALL

Goodbye! Goodbye!

LAZARE

To think that in 2 hours, all these people will perhaps have their necks broken?

ROZO

Let's go to supper.

ALL

Let's go to supper.

MOORISH LADY

(aside, watching Juana)

You need two hours to find your handsome fiance. I will have joined in him 3 minutes.

(She disappears.)

CURTAIN

Act II

Scene II

At the castle of Tormenar -- a huge hall of columns still solid, with large ruined windows through which one perceives the storm beginning to threaten. Side doors and doors at the rear. Old portraits with worm eaten frames. Gothic furniture. An immense chimney that is surmounted by sculptured armorial bearings.

(At rise, the Moorish lady hurriedly leaves a room at the right, whose door she shuts after having taken a long look inside -- Eleven o'clock sounds on a distant clock.)

MOORISH LADY

He was young! He was beautiful! I've become young and beautiful again.

(The voice of travellers who, during the end of the storm, climb the rocks of Tormenar.)

GILBERT

(outside)

This way, Señora -- over here! There, good. Just two more steps.

MOORISH LADY

Till next year -- Gilbert.

(She flies out the window.)

GILBERT

(enters with the travellers)

Well -- why here's a magnificent dining room. Come in, Señora. Come, gentlemen, enter, ladies.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Ah, really superb.

SECOND TRAVELLER

Oh! What a beautiful chimney! Look nothing is lacking.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Except a fire.

GILBERT

Fire? We're going to have one in an instant. Wood isn't rare here and our servants must have matches. Come in, all of you! The old doors and the old furniture will serve as logs and candles. Come here, in the middle -- provisions -- Aha -- but those imbeciles said we would find nothing in the castle? On the contrary, there's everything, even some tables.

(The servants bring in the provisions. Some fix the table, light candles, others start a fire.)

GILBERT

Famous table, my word! The 12 peers may have had a longer table, but they didn't have one any more solid.

(to Juana)

Ah, pardon, Miss, I am always forgetting your sadness or rather I remember it and I would like to lessen it.

JUANA

You heard 11 o'clock strike as we entered the castle.

GILBERT

Yes.

JUANA

Well, Don Luis still hasn't got here!

GILBERT

Oh, as for that, there's no need to worry. The roads are atrocious. The storm has made the ravines into quagmires. Dozen though we were, it was all we could do to escape them. Think how much trouble a lone traveller would have.

JUANA

Oh, I was also thinking of that. Even with terror.

GILBERT

Relax. Besides, Don Luis probably won't come alone. He will be accompanied by some domestic.

JUANA

Our secret isn't one that one confides in strangers, no -- Don Luis will have told no one. Don Luis will come alone.

GILBERT

So much the better. That proves Don Luis is a resolute, strong, clever, chevalier. Besides, anyone you have chosen, Señora cannot be an ordinary man.

JUANA

Don Luis is brave and wears a valiant sword -- but there are perils which cannot be combatted with a sword.

GILBERT

What! You Miss, you, so courageous just now against the wind, against the lightning, against the thunder, against very real dangers -- now you let yourself go before chimeras?

JUANA

Señor Gilbert, pardon what I am going to say to you -- perhaps my heart no longer has the strength. Fatigue and storm have exhausted it -- perhaps I am giving in to a presentment which obsesses me, but then I was resolved, ardent, happy while we were on the road, and while I believed I would see Don Luis -- but now I am beaten, inert, saddened by the time that it now is.

GILBERT

But it was only an instant ago that you were laughing in my arms -- in the mountains when the mule that carried our provisions dragged by the current, threatened, in reverse of the miracle of Cana, to change our wine into water!

JUANA

Yes, it's true, but for several minutes actually from the minute I put my foot over the sill of this castle, I felt cold fear invade my entire being. I dare not come forward. I dare not look around me. I dare not sit down. I dare not or rather I cannot breathe -- I am like one of those wretched birds that pecking for grain, fall into the trap of a cage -- it seems to me even, as if by pronouncing a word, taking a step, risking a gesture, I am going to create some overwhelming misfortune that will fall on my head!

GILBERT

Oh, Señora, I curse these black walls, since they inspire such ideas in you. Come on, look -- some courage! Look them in the face. A little humid, it's true, hung with a great number of spider webs, I confess, but in the end, honest walls which now from the light of candles and the heat of a good fire, and the swell of a good supper, and the noise of plates and glasses -- noises to which they've long been unaccustomed, are going to brighten up, make merry, revive, and you won't see anything but gay echoes and hospitable omens. Come on, come on, sit down and get rid of these somber ideas.

JUANA

You are good, Count, and you treat me like a sister as you promised. Oh -- why isn't he already here, my dear Luis -- to help me discharge my debt to you.

(The servants place the candles on the table.)

GILBERT

There! Look -- great illuminations. These golden reflections escape through the windows and serve as guides to travellers lost in the mountains.

FIRST TRAVELLER

At least if there are ghosts here, we'll see them.

GILBERT

I have little belief in ghosts, even though a Breton, child of the manor of Tiffauges and almost the godson of the fairy Melusina -- but I fully believe in thieves, bandits, assassins of the Spanish Sierras, but more than that I believe in audacity, the trickery of these gentlemen. I suspect them capable of having murdered travellers here and not having stolen their purses to spread the rumor in this canton of the presence of supernatural creatures.

FIRST TRAVELLER

And to what purpose, Count Gilbert? Tell us that, let's hear it.

GILBERT

For heaven's sake! With the end of establishing themselves comfortably in this old castle Tormenar which reigns almost inaccessible above these gorges -- with the end of keeping off police and soldiers who might take it into their heads to interfere with their operation. But with us, these gentlemen will lose their trouble. We are going to keep our weapons about us, place a guard at the door and another at the window -- and bad luck to whoever tries to frighten us! So be reassured ladies, you've dried your cloaks over a good fire, supper is ready, take your place at the table which doesn't look bad.

JUANA

My God -- if, by some signal, we could indicate to him we are here.

GILBERT

Oh! That's very easy.

(to a servant)

Give me that trumpet.

(He plays a fanfare.)

SECOND TRAVELLER

Come -- to table ladies, to table, gentlemen.

GILBERT

Friends -- leave an empty place by the Señora. You know for whom, dear little sister.

JUANA

Thanks!

GILBERT

You are going to see something, gentlemen. It's one of the chickens of the innkeeper -- and it's going to taste better to us here than in his inn.

FIRST TRAVELLER

And the wine, too, as it has come a long way.

GILBERT

Gentlemen, we are in the land of Sancho, in the realm of proverbs and, you know, travel educates the young. Señora, I beg you two drops of wine and slice of rabbit paté.

JUANA

Impossible! My heart is torn from me. Don't concern yourself any more about my silly person, I beg you. Oh, if you knew how much you dispel sadness with your charming supper.

SECOND TRAVELLER

The Señora is sad.

JUANA

No, sir, no.

FIRST TRAVELLER

It wouldn't be surprising -- the aspect of Tormenar is not exactly joyous.

GILBERT

The fact is it is neither Versailles nor The Trianon -- but still there's shelter.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Eh -- say it's raining up there.

GILBERT

Truly the chatelaine is no good. He ought to repair the roof.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Say, Count, what's it like in your chateau of Tiffauges?

GILBERT

Larger, but a bit less somber.

SECOND TRAVELLER

It seems to me that for a Breton, for a godson of Melusina, as you said just now -- you are indeed incredulous on the subject of apparitions.

GILBERT

Ah, not so, on the contrary -- plague! I would not be from my country. Only, I say that it's a long while since I saw one.

FIRST TRAVELLER

What do you mean a long time?

SECOND TRAVELLER

How many years has it been, Count?

GILBERT

Alas, since I've been a man, since I've parted from those naive and mysterious beliefs of one's first youth with the help of that cold and sad light called REASON.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Then you believe in supernatural creatures, in ondines, leprechauns, sylphs, fairies?

GILBERT

Why yes, doubtless. Why assume the chain of being stops with man?

THIRD TRAVELLER

Damn -- I believe what I see and what I sense -- I believe in this glass of wine because I hold this glass and I drink this wine but I cannot believe what I don't sense and what I don't see.

GILBERT

And you are wrong, Marquis. There are some animals you cannot see except with the aid of a microscope -- invented last year, I think -- well -- for six thousand years, no one saw these animals for lack of a microscope -- does it follow that, for six thousand years, these animals didn't exist? If there are creatures infinitely small, invisible 'cause of their size, can't creatures exist that cannot be seen because of their transparency and whom God, whose messengers they are, allows to revert to human form to reveal a joy to us or warn us of a danger? Oh! Marquis, you are not going to laugh at such enormities? With us, we don't have a peasant who doesn't possess his leprechaun who pulls the hair of his horses or the distaff of his daughter's flax -- we don't have a miller who doesn't have his goblins dancing in the swamp and on the lakes; not a fisherman who doesn't have his lady of the water who foretells for him storms and fine weather; telling him when he can adventure on the sea or when he must return to port.

FIRST TRAVELLER

And what have you at Chateau Tiffauges leprechauns, goblins or lady of the water?

GILBERT

Me? I have the fairy tapestry.

ALL

What's that?

GILBERT

Oh, it's one of those youthful dreams which I was telling you about just now -- The chatelaines of Tiffauges have the custom of placing their first born for a day in what we call in the chateau -- the Tapestry Room. On this Tapestry is represented the fairy, Melusina and all her court. Well, is it a dream as I said just now, or is it a reality? When I was a child, sleeping my cradle and the rays of the moon came through the immense window, at midnight, I woke up, and then to my great pleasure, I saw all the personages of the tapestry descend. The player of the bagpipes made everyone dance -- to silent quadrilles with his silent instrument -- whose feet couldn't be heard to resound on the floor -- a huntsman chased a stag with his pack all around the room -- the birds flew about and came to refresh me with the sight of the beating of their wings -- then the fairy herself came to me, all white, all pale, all smiling and she rocked me softly in my cradle, murmuring a song I certainly knew in my childhood -- but whose air and words are lost long since in the noise and agitation of this world -- all materialist and realistic.

JUANA

Oh! How I believe all that.

FIRST TRAVELLER

In fact, each country has its superstition, look, for example, I took a trip to Epirus. Well legends change with the character of the inhabitants, with the look of the country. There's no benevolent fairy there, no inoffensive goblins, the joking leprechaun. No it's the terrible ghoul, evil doing, murderous, the spectral woman, wearing the appearance of beauty, the forms of youth to better conceal her snares and attacking especially young men, the handsomer, the fresher, the better -- whose blood they drink with delight.

JUANA

Horror.

GILBERT

If you were French, Miss, you would know at least in translation of our ingenious compatriot, Galland -- the history of a ghoul who married a handsome young man, who seeing her eat for nourishment only some little grains of rice with little ivory chop sticks followed her one night to his great terror -- make one of those bloody meals which the Marquis was just now describing.

JUANA

And have you seen one of those creatures?

FIRST TRAVELLER

Well, Señora, I saw a woman who passed for one.

SECOND TRAVELLER

And she was -- ?

FIRST TRAVELLER

A woman like all other women -- almost -- only, perhaps a bit taller, a bit poorer, a bit thinner than ordinary women -- with fixed eyes, that shone like an owl's.

GILBERT

Was she beautiful, at least, with all that?

FIRST TRAVELLER

Yes, more beautiful than ugly -- but a very singular beauty.

JUANA

Beautiful! Such a monster!

FIRST TRAVELLER

Oh, Señora, undeceive yourself -- these women are very coquettish. They don't take by chance the man for whom they reserve the funereal gift of infernal love. Those they find unworthy of them, they let live -- but if a man be handsome, loved by another young and beautiful woman -- they shiver with joy - for at this same time they have a man to devour and a rival to drive to despair. Then they lie in ambush in some solitary place. They watch for the passing of their prey, lull him to sleep with the movement of their vast wings and when he is asleep in a mortal bliss, they aspirate his blood and his life. They are invisible, they assist in the sorrow of the fiancee, whose tears they drink with a voluptuousness equal only to that of drinking his blood.

JUANA

Señor, Señor -- from pity, don't say that.

GILBERT

In fact, we are having a lugubrious conversation for people who came here with the intention of having a good time.

JUANA

(taking Gilbert aside)

Señor Gilbert, I beg you, let's go out to meet Don Luis -- just to the outer gate. Let's go. I am dying of uneasiness and fright. I know very well what you are going to say to me -- stories for children, chimerical dreams! I repeat -- I'm afraid for my fiance, I'm afraid.

GILBERT

Look, relax, Señora, and believe me. Get rid of the uneasiness that fills your beautiful eyes with tears. Certain expected travellers don't arrive because of the storm which has devastated the roads. We will see him arrive tomorrow at dawn, very dry and rosy, freshly breathing the morning breeze. Don't you find something nice, besides in listening to scary stories, near a reassuring fire, in company of a troop of determined friends? Outside the storm blows, branches crack, the birds of the night, frightened, bump into each other in the air; we, here, savor the wedding dinner of the innkeeper -- we drink the health of those who are dear to us -- and we hold each other by the hand, we are defying leprechauns, thieves, ghouls and vampires.

JUANA

Count, I beg you. Let's go out to look for Don Luis.

GILBERT

Let's do better -- this window gives on the ramp which circuits the castle. Let's go on the balcony with a torch, call, even, if you like. If Don Luis is in the neighborhood, he must see us and hear us.

JUANA

Yes! You are right -- come.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Are you suffering, Madam?

GILBERT

No, Marquis, but your story has made an impression on the Señora and I will escort her to this window to help her breath some fresh night air.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Devil! It seems to me there's no need to go to the window for that.

GILBERT

(calling from the window)

Don Luis! Don Luis!

JUANA

Luis! Luis!

THIRD TRAVELLER

The poor child is afraid! Say, Chevalier -- what would she have been if you'd told the story of the vampire?

FIRST TRAVELLER

What -- you've seen a vampire?

SECOND TRAVELLER

No, not precisely, but.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Oh -- don't worry -- she's at the window and cannot hear. You ladies are brave like Brandamente and Clorinda.

GILBERT

(calling again)

Don Luis! Don Luis!

FIRST TRAVELLER

You didn't see a vampire? But I really want your vampire -- I want to marry him to my ghoul.

SECOND TRAVELLER

I said I didn't see a vampire -- but I was lodging in Peru -- in a house inhabited by Jews to whom a vampire paid a visit. These Jews were bankers and very rich -- and had several daughters and among them an adorable creature of 16 or 17. I saw her portrait and really, she was marvelous.

GILBERT

Don Luis! Don Luis!

JUANA

Luis! Oh!

FIRST TRAVELLER

Nothing -- continue -- it's their torch which went out.

JUANA

Ah! My God, I am dying.

ALL

Continue -- continue!

(Gilbert shuts the window.)

SECOND TRAVELLER

That night when everyone was asleep in the house, when the lights were dying one by one, then they heard 12 struck on the clock.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Heavens, midnight just struck!

GILBERT

Have no fear, Señora, I am here.

SECOND TRAVELLER

Then, a noise like the rustle of the wind resounding on the stairway, pale and sinister flames coursed through the corridors and suddenly, at the last tick of the clock -- the door opened slowly, and pale, and livid, the vampire appeared. Ah!

(Ruthwen enters.)

ALL

Who are you?

GILBERT

What do you want?

RUTHWEN

Oh, pardon, a thousand pardons, ladies! Excuse me, gentlemen. You ask me who I am -- I am a traveller like you sent away by the innkeeper, Señor Rozo, who is marrying his daughter. They told me that a joyous company had bravely gone up to the Castle Tormenar - -and in fact from down there, I saw the windows which seemed to throw out flames. What do I want -- why since you've found a fine lodging here, I quite simply want you to admit me to your company. I bring my provisions and my arms. I am Lord Ruthwen, peer of England, your devoted servant. Put your swords back in their scabbards, gentlemen and you ladies, pardon me for not having myself announced but I found no one in the antechamber.

GILBERT

It's for us to ask you pardon, Milord -- but your arrival here in the midst of these ruins was so unexpected. Relax Juana.

RUTHWEN

Oh! But I'm acting frightfully. What Madam, does my appearance make you so pale and trembling?

JUANA

In truth, Milord, your arrival coincided so strangely with a story they were telling.

RUTHWEN

And what story were they telling?

GILBERT

Why they spoke of --

RUTHWEN

Of what?

THIRD TRAVELLER

Of a vampire, Milord.

RUTHWEN

Ah! Ah! Of a -- ?

SECOND TRAVELLER

I was saying that in Hungary it's not unusual to hear even more terrible stories told --

RUTHWEN

Yes, surely, but it's much rarer thing to meet the hero of these stories. Me, too, ladies, I've traveled in Hungary and have never seen one.

SECOND TRAVELLER

But still, were you never told -- ?

RUTHWEN

If you please, ladies, can't we talk of things more pleasant?

JUANA

Oh! As for me, I beg you.

GILBERT

Milord, permit me to introduce you to those you find yourselves with, the Marquis d'Hecquerey with his wife and 2 daughters, the Chevalier Marini and as for me, Milord, I am Count Gilbert de Tiffauges. Now, Milord -- be welcome. You said you had some weapons?

RUTHWEN

Here.

GILBERT

Provisions?

RUTHWEN

My valet's bringing it here on a mule.

GILBERT

But I don't see him?

RUTHWEN

Oh, I left him behind arguing with the mule. He's really very bull-headed a mule and this one doubtless knows the legend of Castle Tormenar so well that he resists coming with all his strength.

GILBERT

But perhaps your servant will get lost?

RUTHWEN

Oh -- there's no danger. He's a lad from these parts that I took from the Inn of Master Rozos. He was looking for a master and I engaged him. Eh! I hear him! Arrive, lad! Arrive!

LAZARE

(entering)

All the same, here I am! Well, my word of honor, I didn't know a man could be brave enough to have such fear of dying.

GILBERT

Why, it's that poltroon of a Lazare.

LAZARE

Poltroon! Do you say that to me, here?

GILBERT

What the devil decided you to climb up to Tormenar?

LAZARE

Listen! I already missed two chances, Madam and you. Who risks nothing gets nothing. I swore not to let a third escape. It was this gentleman who came -- he's not the one who pleased me the most, no, I must say it, but he was the one who came last.

(looking around him)

You are all still in good condition.

JUANA

My friend.

LAZARE

Ah! It's you, Señora?

JUANA

Yes -- you didn't see Milord at the inn?

LAZARE

I didn't see Milord at the inn, Señora. If another had come, I assure you, I would have chosen him.

THIRD TRAVELLER

But you aren't eating or drinking, Milord?

RUTHWEN

The cold has taken my appetite.

LAZARE

Why, how funny that is -- the cold has such an effect on him. It has the contrary effect on me. Good! So I don't have the same character as my master -- Oh -- whoever would have told me that I would be dining at Castle Tormenar.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Still, what's wrong with this famous Castle Tormenar?

FIRST TRAVELLER

To me, it seems it's a castle like any other.

LAZARE

Yes, like all the others -- ! He's sweet, this tourist.

SECOND TRAVELLER

Absolutely like, a little less dilapidated, perhaps -- that's all.

LAZARE

That's all! Why you don't know what happened in Castle Tormenar?

GILBERT

Here?

LAZARE

Yes, here, right in this room where we are.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Ah! Gentleman, each of you told us a story -- now this brave lad must tell us his -- I bet whatever you want that it won't be as lugubrious as ours.

LAZARE

Me, tell the story of Castle Tormenar here in Castle Tormenar even? Come on -- never!

FIRST TRAVELLER

Why's that?

LAZARE

Why because I already felt myself almost dying of fear when I told it two leagues from here. And as for telling it in this castle, I would be afraid of dying for real!

FIRST TRAVELLER

Come on, come here and drink this glass of wine.

LAZARE

Oh! As to that, I ask nothing better, for the story, no, no. I don't take a turn like that for myself. Oh! I don't say if I had two or three glasses of wine like that in my head.

SECOND TRAVELLER

A second, my friend - and to your health.

LAZARE

You do me honor! Ah! No doubt about it, new wine. Not like master Rozo's.

FIRST TRAVELLER

It is.

LAZARE

It's from Master Rozo's?

THIRD TRAVELLER

Be sure of it.

LAZARE

Then I must be mistaken the bottle.

SECOND TRAVELLER

Well -- because you've had three glasses of wine.

LAZARE

You think so?

GILBERT

You said there was a Count of Tormenar?

LAZARE

No -- Not just one -- three.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Three!

LAZARE

Yes -- there were three counts of Tormenar. You see -- there was one who was said to have passed away fifty years ago. Others who say it was a thousand years ago and then others who say he never died at all.

SECOND TRAVELLER

But still, at the present time, there exists no Count de Tormenar?

LAZARE

Why -- what does it matter to you -- I ask you?

FIRST TRAVELLER

Why -- hell, when one has been received in people's home, it's nice to know if you might meet them someday to thank them.

LAZARE

Ha! You won't meet him -- rest assured or if you meet him it's some cousin, a collateral who doesn't bear the name of the family.

SECOND TRAVELLER

Still, to get back to these counts.

LAZARE

Well, I said each of them had a castle in Catalonia -- one of them the youngest and most despicable, invited his two brothers to dine with him. He's the one who lived in this castle.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Ah! The Devil.

LAZARE

You really are determined to know the end of this story?

ALL

Why certainly. By God!

LAZARE

It's that I'd prefer not to tell it.

ALL

The end of the story. The end of the story.

LAZARE

The youngest and most despicable of the three invited his two brothers to dine -- he lit up the castle as for a feast day, he prepared everything as if they were going to come.

GILBERT

As if they were going to come?

LAZARE

Yes, but he knew they wouldn't come, the dog, since he had them murdered on the way.

RUTHWEN

Ah! Ah! Why do you know your story is charming my friend? I'm really pleased to have taken you into my service; when you have nothing to do you'll tell me these stories.

LAZARE

Milord is good. He had them murdered in the mountains and as he was naturally their heir and since he killed them and their children with them -- he inherited.

THIRD TRAVELLER

You forgot the circumstances of the children which was very important.

LAZARE

I had forgotten, that's right. But that doesn't matter since I remembered it. He inherited all three castles.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Only two, my friend, since the third was his.

LAZARE

That's right -- but then something happened to him --

THIRD TRAVELLER

Which was?

LAZARE

Oh! A bad business completely.

GILBERT

Let's see.

LAZARE

Which was that whenever he sat down to eat he found one of his brothers was already seated before him -- which was -- whenever he wanted to go to bed, he found one of his brothers sleeping in the space between the bed and the wall.

RUTHWEN

My dear Lazare, I'm doubling your wages.

LAZARE

I thank Milord much. I know many more stories like that and if he likes, I can learn others.

RUTHWEN

Ah! This suffices, since you've finished it.

FIRST TRAVELLER

But, it is finished, doubtless?

LAZARE

Ah, indeed, yes! The rogue had three children, three boys -- handsome and strong -- one a student at the University of Salamanca -- the second at the university of Valladolid, and the third to Coimbra. He made all three come and resolved to go with them to visit his brothers' castles which he did not dare visit alone.

THIRD TRAVELLER

That's conceivable.

LAZARE

During the first voyage made to one of the castles his oldest son died. After the first he went to the second and he lost his younger son. He was obstinate and returned to the first where he lost his third son.

FIRST TRAVELLER

But since he was warned what the devil was he going to do in such a place?

LAZARE

Yes -- really -- what was he going to in this castle? it appears that he also said that. So that not daring to return to the others or his own, he went to a monastery where he confessed his crime, did penance and died with the odor of sanctity. Since that time, the three chateau have been deserted and when by chance travellers stop to pass the night, the next morning one or two are found dead. That's infallible, that is!

RUTHWEN

In that case, gentleman, the bad luck will be mine.

GILBERT

What's that?

RUTHWEN

Because I am the last to arrive and customarily, it's on the last that these things fall.

LAZARE

Why no, why no -- I was the last to arrive. Wait a minute! Wait a minute! My God, have I been stupid enough to tell myself stories that put me in such fear.

GILBERT

Bravo! Bravo! Lazare! You told marvelously. Right, gentlemen? Right ladies?

ALL

(laughing)

Marvelously! Marvelously, Lazare!

LAZARE

These gentlemen are very kind, these ladies are very kind.

GILBERT

Yes, you've forgotten one thing.

LAZARE

You think so?

GILBERT

You've forgotten to tell us about the collateral -- you know -- the distant cousin.

LAZARE

Yes -- the heir.

GILBERT

Well, why doesn't he inhabit one of the three castles?

LAZARE

Right! He's careful. He knows you get your neck broken as soon as you put your foot in here -- and especially members of the family and since he's a member of the family --

FIRST TRAVELLER

He's still living?

LAZARE

Hell, they say so.

THIRD TRAVELLER

And do you know his name?

LAZARE

Wait, I know it -- he's called, he's called -- I've got it -- he's called Don Luis de Figuerroa.

JUANA

Don Luis de Figuerroa! My God! My God!

GILBERT

Wretch!

LAZARE

What's wrong? Ah -- you've frightened me -- you have.

JUANA

(to Gilbert)

Did you hear? Each time an heir of Tormenar crosses the sill of the castle, he dies.

RUTHWEN

Count, I believe it will be time to find a place where these ladies can spend the night.

(The travellers rise -- the servants clear the table.)

GILBERT

Lazare!

LAZARE

Señor Count?

GILBERT

There are candles and blankets on the mules, right?

LAZARE

Yes, Señor Count.

GILBERT

Well, make a distribution, Chevalier! Install yourself with these gentlemen in the next room.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Very well.

GILBERT

Marquis!

FIRST TRAVELLER

Oh, don't worry about me, nor these ladies -- we've found and heated a little room.

GILBERT

Marvelous! You Señora?

JUANA

Me? Sir, I'll spend the night in a chair.

GILBERT

Oh, no -- impossible. This room is open to all the winds.

(going to open a room on the left)

While in there -- you'll be as well off as in your cell in Huesias -- you will sleep until morning which will come in two hours.

JUANA

How somber this room is! One would say an abyss!

GILBERT

If you like, Dona Juana, I will remain near you.

JUANA

No, no. It's madness. I will take this room, Count.

RUTHWEN

(bowing)

Señora.

JUANA

(shivering)

Oh.

GILBERT

It's Milord who takes leave of you, Juana.

JUANA

Milord!

GILBERT

(to Ruthwen)

Why -- where will you lodge?

RUTHWEN

Sir, don't worry about me -- I'll look about, I'll find something.

GILBERT

Well, my friends -- we passed the hour of these fatal adventures -- somber midnight has struck without bringing any other catastrophe, than the arrival of a new companion -- welcome among us. The thieves seem to be resigned to leaving us in possession of the castle, the ghouls don't rise. The vampires are hiding.

RUTHWEN

Goodbye ladies! Goodnight, gentlemen!

GILBERT

Till tomorrow, my friends, till tomorrow.

ALL

Goodnight -- goodbye!

(They leave.)

GILBERT

Fine, that's that -- let's sleep with two ears -- but watch with two eyes.

LAZARE

How amusing this is.

GILBERT

Well, lad -- aren't you following your master? --

RUTHWEN

I forbid him.

(Ruthwen leaves.)

LAZARE

Good thing he forbade me! If he ordered me, I wouldn't have gone.

GILBERT

And why's that?

LAZARE

Heavens! I'm almost accustomed to this room -- it's light or almost so. Do you expect me to go hide in these dark corridors full of owls and bats?

GILBERT

Fine, do as you wish. Look, my dear Juana, look my little sister, are you going to relax a little?

JUANA

I'm better.

GILBERT

You know quite well I am here -- I'm going to sleep on this cloak by the chimney -- a sigh from you and I will hear it!

JUANA

Thanks, my loyal friend. Thanks my generous brother!

GILBERT

Pray for me tonight, and as I am sure that my other sister from Tiffauges, Helen, is doing the same -- two angels will have spoken for me tonight to the Lord. How happy I am!

JUANA

As you deserve. Goodnight, dear brother.

(She goes to the window.)

GILBERT

Where are you going?

JUANA

The weather is clearing up. The night is beautiful, the moon will soon rise.

JUANA

(looking outside)

Nothing -- no one.

GILBERT

Courage, Juana.

JUANA

Don Louis, my love.

GILBERT

Come on, sister, will you stay with me near the fire. Will that reassure you? Or do you much prefer to spend the night peacefully in this room thinking of Don Luis?

JUANA

In thinking of Don Luis? Yes, you are right, Gilbert. Goodbye, my friend!

GILBERT

Au revoir -- don't you mean?

JUANA

Goodbye! If you see Don Luis before me, tell him how much I love him, won't you?

GILBERT

Oh!

JUANA

How much I love him.

(She leaves.)

GILBERT

Poor child -- her spirit is struck. It's true this absence is strange. It seems to me she's weeping.

LAZARE

Yes, sir, I think so -- the Señora is weeping a little -- that will do her good. Ah -- it's like me -- if I could only --

GILBERT

Weep.

LAZARE

No, laugh.

GILBERT

Why nothing prevents you -- laugh as much as you wish.

LAZARE

(trying)

That's so -- it's impossible -- I think it will be much easier for me to sleep.

GILBERT

Well -- find a place then -- here, in this little room.

LAZARE

My word, yes - near you I really like it this way, for you suit me very well -- I don't know why you reassure me, whereas my master -- I don't say anything ill of him -- poor dear man-- but he doesn't inspire me with anything or -- yes -- he rather does inspire me with something -- he frightens me. Still it's stupid to judge people -- he may be the best -- you say it's time to go to bed?

GILBERT

Dawn -- I think it is the time.

LAZARE

It's true -- it's more than the time -- I must go to bed, yes, sir -- in this little room.

GILBERT

Have you something against this little room?

LAZARE

No -- anyway, I adapt to everything -- they said I was a poltroon outside, yes -- perhaps but once inside --

(singing)

Never! Never! Never!

GILBERT

Well, will you make up your mind?

LAZARE

Sir -- I wish you a good night. A good night, sir.

GILBERT

Thanks! But you will also do well not to wake me.

LAZARE

Let's go in my little room to sleep! In my pretty little room to sleep.

(He enters. He can be heard uttering a scream)

Ah!

GILBERT

Imbecile! What the devil are you doing?

LAZARE

(reappearing, very pale)

Sir! Sir!

GILBERT

What do you want now?

LAZARE

Sir, there's someone in my room.

GILBERT

Go way!

LAZARE

Sir, I assure you --

GILBERT

You were seeing yourself in some mirror, ninny!

LAZARE

In that case, sir, I should have seen myself standing -- someone who doesn't move.

GILBERT

Take this torch.

LAZARE

Sir!

GILBERT

Come on -- light me.

LAZARE

Ah, Lord God.

(Gilbert goes into the room. Lazare stays on the sill.)

GILBERT

A body!

LAZARE

Ah!

GILBERT

Will you shut up, wretch! Cold. He's really dead. Light, I tell you.

LAZARE

Never! Never!

GILBERT

(taking the torch and lighting the cadaver)

A young man -- still smiling -- a wound in his throat. How pale he is.

LAZARE

Jesus God!

GILBERT

It's necessary to know who this is - a billfold -- a letter --

(reading)

"I will be at Tormenar at the same time you are, be cautious, my fiance do it for your Juana" -- Don Luis de Figuerroa, the last of the Tormenar. He came to the rendezvous first. And this poor child who slept there -- beside this cadaver? How to tell her the fatal news -- ? I will kill her by telling her.

JUANA

(in her room)

Ah!

GILBERT

I heard a scream. It seems to be her voice.

JUANA

Ah!

GILBERT

Juana, my sister.

JUANA

(appears -- hardly able to stand)

To me, Gilbert -- help -- I am dying.

GILBERT

She's dying -- murdered.

(rushing towards the room)

Oh! Ill fortune to whoever --

(Gilbert strikes Ruthwen with his sword as Ruthwen comes out of Juana's room.)

RUTHWEN

Ah!

GILBERT

Lord Ruthwen -- in Juana's room.

RUTHWEN

Yes -- I ran toward the screams of that young girl. I saw her run out of her room -- I followed to help her, or avenge her -- you've run me through -- Count Gilbert -- I am dying.

(All the torches run in one after the other and press around Juana.)

GILBERT

But the murder.

RUTHWEN

Fled! Through this open window doubtless.

GILBERT

Oh -- Juana. Oh, Milord.

RUTHWEN

Gilbert.

GILBERT

And it's I who killed you! Oh, why no -- we will save you -- right?

RUTHWEN

All will be useless -- I feel sure.

GILBERT

My God!

RUTHWEN

Listen!

GILBERT

Here I am --! Here I am!

RUTHWEN

Keep the others away. Time is precious. I must confide to you my last wishes.

(Gilbert gestures the others away).

Count, in the religion that I profess, it is the custom for the dead to be deposed freely on the earth and not buried in tombs. Swear to me that after my death, you will carry me to a mountain peak, exposed to the rays of the new-moon -- swear this to me, Count, and I will pardon you my death, and you will have done for me al�

l you can do!

GILBERT

I swear it to you! But, while waiting, some help -- help.

RUTHWEN

Useless -- death approaches -- you swear?

GILBERT

I swear to you!

RUTHWEN

Yourself -- the mountain -- goodbye!

(he dies)

GILBERT

Ah!

LAZARE

(aside)

Lost my situation again!

(Blackout)

Scene III

The slope of a hill bristling with naked rocks. Profound night. Vast somber horizon.

(Gilbert arrives slowly with the cadaver of Ruthwen on his shoulders. He places it on a projecting rock, face turned to the west -- then he kneels for a moment beside the body and goes back down the path. As soon as he disappears, the moon goes behind some clouds, a bit of its disc shines on the protective rocks and the peaks of the mountains. Light increases and invades the body of the cadaver, little by little, and ends by reaching his face. Hardly is his face bathed with the light, then the eyes of the cadaver open wide and his mouth smiles lugubriously. Lord Ruthwen first sits up -- then rises completely and after having shaken his hair to the wind, he deploys great wings and flies off.)

RUTHWEN

You kept your word -- Thanks, Gilbert.

(Curtain)

Act III

Scene IV

At Tiffauges in Brittany -- the castle yard.

HELEN

Good news, great news, Jarwick.

JARWICK

Oh, I bet miss must have received a letter from Mr. Gilbert.

HELEN

Exactly! So, you understand, Jarwick without losing a minute.

JARWICK

Yes, everyone must know it! What a feast there will be in the village, my God. And without being too curious, when will he arrive, miss?

HELEN

Today, my friend.

LAHENNEE

(entering)

Today? Mr. Gilbert is arriving today?

HELEN

Today! This morning! He tells me he will be here almost as soon as his letter. Oh -- dear brother!

JARWICK

In that case, as you say, there's not an instant to lose --

(to the wings)

Hey, boys -- Mr. Gilbert is arriving -- Mr. Gilbert is arriving!

(He leaves running.)

LAHENNEE

Well, Miss, say you are not blessed by the Good God! You've been waiting for Mr. Gilbert for six months -- you had no news of him -- tired of waiting you were going to marry tomorrow -- and look he's coming today.

HELEN

Yes, you are right, it as the only thing lacking to complete my happiness. He's returning and I am going to be completely happy.

LAHENNEE

Does Miss have orders to give me?

HELEN

What orders do you want me to give you? As soon as he arrives, I will throw myself into his arms. As for our worthy peasants. Oh, I am not concerned! From the arrival of my brother, we are going to see them pour out -- we will then run -- Eh! Heavens there they are already -- Do you hear?

LAHENNEE

Aren't you going to tell Baron de Marsden?

HELEN

I am my friend, and you foresee my wish. Send someone to tell him my brother is arriving. Let him come since tomorrow my brother will be his brother. I don't need to tell you to choose your best messenger.

(Enter peasants of both sexes, who form a group in the rear.)

LAHENNEE

Oh, don't worry, miss!

HELEN

Come, my friends.

(the peasants come forward)

Well, you know? Yes, since you have your hands full of flowers.

PEASANT GIRL

And flowers from the fields, too. We know you especially like them.

HELEN

Oh -- the charming blues -- and what a beautiful crown I'm going to make for myself of them.

PEASANT GIRL

Damn, Miss -- I don't dare offer you these marguerites and gold buttons. You have such beautiful flowers in your garden.

HELEN

Give them to me, Yes! Give me them. Flowers that grow in the gardens are the flowers of men -- those which grow in the fields are the flowers of the good God.

ALL

(giving her flowers)

Here, Miss, here.

HELEN

Oh! Keep some for my brother.

ALL

Yes -- yes -- for Milord, we'll scatter them.

HELEN

Oh! He's the true Lord. The lord of our hearts, right? And he passes above all the others, except, of course, the Lord God. You know, my friends, a day of return is a festival day-- not only don't you work but you wear your best clothes and you dance. Well, soon we'll be dancing here. Bring all the musicians from the villages -- Lahennee is in charge of refreshments.

A YOUNG GIRL

(singing)

Ah, Miss!

HELEN

Oh, I know what you want to say, my poor child -- when you return you'll find a new dress.

A YOUNG GIRL

Oh -- may our Lady of Clisson watch over you, Miss!

HELEN

(to another young girl)

You, Margo, take this gold cross and tell your fiance to put it on your neck -- you, boy, new ribbons for your bagpipe, you understand? And here's a gold medal for your hat.

ALL

What a joy! Long Live our good Countess. Long live our dear Countess. Long live the Countess of Tiffauges.

HELEN

Yes, children -- Thanks! Thanks!

(The peasants leave.)

HELEN

(along)

It's good to be loved this way. Each morning when I come down to the flowerbeds and I see God smile at me in a ray of sunlight or in the perfume of the meadows, when I notice these good creations that bow to me like these flowers -- not to render homage to me, thank God, but to tell me how much they love me, then how happy I am to think that not all my joy is in that. I say to myself, I am even richer from the joy that God promises me than what he gives me. I tell myself that my brother is going to return, that I will see him again, that a long stretch of happy days is reserved for me with this dear companion of my childhood, and that if I desired still more -- Oh, my God, you have been good enough to join to this bliss the most precious love. Oh Georges! Georges! You who divine all my thoughts, you who go before all my desires, how is it that you haven't divined that my brother will arrive, and that something will be missing from my joy if you are not there. When I embrace him --

(seeing Lahennee enter.)

Well, my friends have you sent to the Baron?

LAHENNEE

I did better: I went myself.

HELEN

Good Lahennee! Well.

LAHENNEE

Well, miss -- the Baron isn't at the Chateau.

HELEN

He isn't at the Chateau! And where is he then?

LAHENNEE

Miss, a messenger arrived last night from Nantes they believe - he demanded they wake the Baron, who, as soon as he awakened, rose, had his horse saddled and left.

HELEN

Left! What! Without saying anything to me?

LAHENNEE

In fact, Miss, he ordered that you be informed that when midday strikes something will happen -- he will be in the Chateau. I met his confidential servant who is coming to carry out his master's commission to you.

HELEN

Ah! That reassures me a bit. Did you tell them to inform the Baron, as soon as he returns, of the arrival of my brother?

LAHENNEE

I expressly said so, Miss.

HELEN

And the servant told you when he'll return from his trip?

LAHENNEE

He said he would be here on the stroke of noon.

HELEN

Well -- so be it! Some noise?

LAHENNEE

What's that? I didn't hear anything.

HELEN

Oh, I heard something.

(turning to the Chateau)

Could it be my brother? Let's run, Lahennee.

LAHENNEE

Oh! That's not necessary. I've placed buglers on the towers -- and if it was Mr. Gilbert -- you would be hearing some famous fanfares.

HELEN

What is it then?

JARWICK

(enters)

Miss! Miss! A messenger who says he just came from Spain on behalf of Mr. Gilbert.

HELEN

From Spain! On the part of Gilbert! Hasn't Gilbert come from Spain?

LAHENNEE

From Spain. But I think Mr. Gilbert left Spain some time ago.

JARWICK

He said Spain, first, and then other countries -- but I no longer remember the names he mentioned.

HELEN

Oh -- No matter! No matter! Let him come!

LAZARE

(enters at rear followed by some peasants)

Yes, my friends, from Spain, from Egypt, from Greece, from Dalmatia, we made a tour of the world! I've seen the Red Sea, children, I've been in Jerusalem. Are you Catholics in this country?

ALL

Doubtless, certainly. And good Catholics, too.

LAZARE

Well, I have some water from the Jordan in a bottle.

(noticing Helen)

Oh, the beautiful lady!

HELEN

My friend, you are come on the part of Count Gilbert de Tiffauges?

LAZARE

And you are Miss Helen, right?

HELEN

Yes, my friend -- well, where is my brother? What has happened to him?

LAZARE

Miss, the Count would be here with me if, on this side of Clisson, a little accident had not happened.

HELEN

An accident! To my brother?

LAZARE

No, reassure yourself: To his horse.

HELEN

But my brother? He's all right?

LAZARE

Oh, as for him, he's doing fine. Oh, Miss, it's quite simple, or rather it's not simple at all, sure at this time, I still don't understand how it could happen -- they must shoe horses badly in Brittany.

HELEN

But still, my friend, look, what happened?

LAZARE

Miss, as the Count was in a great hurry to see you and as he left Nantes the highways are not very passable, at Nantes we took the post, just like at Beirut, only at Beirut it was on camels.

HELEN

And my brother's horse?

LAZARE

Miss, he hadn't gone a quarter of a league from Clisson when it lost 4 shoes. Can you believe it? Not one, not two, but four! Then as the shoes on my horses had not budged, he said to me 'Run on ahead, and announce my arrival to my sister so she won't be anxious. I will return to Clisson -- and in hurrying my horse so he'll have some exercise, I'll be at Tiffauges as soon as you.

HELEN

So, he's coming?

LAZARE

Oh! My God! Yes! In a half hour -- in a quarter of an hour perhaps.

HELEN

So much the better! But you're hot, my friend?

LAZARE

Oh -- because I rode hard.

HELEN

And now you are pale.

LAZARE

Pale -- you think so?

HELEN

Why yes -- and one might even say you are trembling.

LAZARE

Ah! I am trembling? My word, yes! I hadn't even noticed it --

HELEN

What's causing it?

LAZARE

Oh! I'm going to tell you, Miss, it's that we Spaniards are very nervous and the least emotion gets on my nerves.

HELEN

What emotion?

LAZARE

A disagreeable one, miss.

HELEN

How's that?

LAZARE

Oh, my God, Miss, when you're traveling something always happens. Well, for example, on the way to Constantine, we met a lion -- emotion, you understand. On the banks of the Nile, I was throwing stones at a kind of tree trunk which was lying in the sun, the tree trunk opened large, gaping jaws. It was a crocodile -- emotion! In Caucasia we were stopped by bandits who fired on us -- emotion, always emotion!

HELEN

Oh, My God, something like that has happened to you in our Brittany, my dear friend?

LAZARE

It has! I set my horse at a trot to be here first, according to the Count's order, when arriving a league from the Chateau, maybe less -- I saw that I must absolutely pass by way of a road sunk between two hills covered with thickets and woods. This sunken road was very deep -- so deep, that I said to myself. "This cannot be a road. I'm afraid of getting lost and I'm going to stop." You'd have done as I didn't wouldn't you?

JARWICK

No -- I would have gone on.

LAZARE

Ah! You would have gone on.

JARWICK

Doubtless, since the Master had said to go on ahead.

LAZARE

Yes, I'm going to tell you, and Miss will understand that. Brittany is not a gay country. These black forests, these red heathes, these greenish lakes, these rocky gorges and then the solitude which is astonishing when you're not accustomed to it. I was a bit astonished. And then I am not unlucky, Madam -- I inherited from my master -- from my first, meaning my second. The first was Father Rozo who wouldn't allow you to puff in the eye of his daughter. The second was English -- he's dead and indeed unfortunate for him -- agreed -- but not for me since I found myself his heir -- his natural heir.

HELEN

But, my friend, it seems to me you are mixing up two stories and if this continues you will never finish.

LAZARE

Oh! If it only were two stories, Miss, I'd be out of it easily -- but really it's more than two. Returning to the sunken road. I have this devilish gold -- when I said gold I mean real gold which is in my valise. 'Jingle' 'Jingle' -- As the horse trotted I said to myself "If robbers to were to hear it". Then I noticed the branches of a bush which rustled on the hill to the right -- and in the midst of the leaves, I saw -- I saw a face covered with a mask, a frightful mask. "Go on quickly," shouted the marked man, "or you are dead". Miss no one would say I'm easily frightened. But my horse was -- I had trouble controlling him -- he brought me here, you see much more quickly than at a trot.

HELEN

It's strange what you tell me, my friend. There are no robbers in this country. But an enemy of Gilbert, perhaps? Ah, Lazare -- doesn't this frighten you -- ? This masked man in ambush of the road which my brother must follow. Quick! Quick! My friends, to horse, arm yourselves, accompany me -- let's run to meet him. You will guide us, my friend. You will show us where you saw this masked man.

LAZARE

Miss, I ask nothing better than to accompany you, but would it be possible, just to secure my valise and my luggage -- that is to say of my defunct master, the peer of England.

HELEN

Oh! How can you think of that when my brother is in danger?

(Trumpets from the towers of Tiffauges.)

LAHENNEE

He's here, Miss, he's here!

HELEN

Ah! My God!

(The trumpets redouble.)

LAHENNEE

Do you hear? Do you hear?

GILBERT

(entering at the rear)

Helen, my dear sister.

HELEN

My beloved brother -- Oh, my God, be blessed.

GILBERT

God pardon me, but it seems to me you are weeping, sis.

HELEN

From worry first of all -- and now I weep from joy.

GILBERT

You were worried? Had you heard? Why no, the distance is to great and, you cannot know.

HELEN

We received your messenger.

GILBERT

Lazare, yes -- but he cannot know either.

LAZARE

Sir, you must always expect something in the world.

HELEN

My God -- could you have met this masked man?

GILBERT

How did you know?

HELEN

The same Lazare noticed?

LAZARE

Yes -- my enemy!

GILBERT

Your enemy, my poor Lazare? I think he had it in for me more than you.

HELEN

He attacked you?

GILBERT

You are going to see. About a league from here you know, in a sunken road cut with rocks and scrub.

LAZARE

Huh? What did I tell you?

GILBERT

In spite of my impatience, I was obliged to slow my horse down. Suddenly, I noticed a woman -- one of our Bretons, poor, bent-over, seeming to ask for alms. I went toward her with some coins in my hand. I stopped my horse -- then this woman suddenly dragged me by my cape and pulled me quickly to her -- and I think, God pardon me, that she embraced me.

HELEN

That's strange.

GILBERT

Yes, but this is stranger still -- for at the moment she pulled me down, I suddenly heard a musket shot and a ball whistle past my ear. If this woman hadn't made that motion, I would be dead.

HELEN

My God!

LAZARE

That's what was waiting for me if my horse hadn't dragged me off. And no woman to kiss me, either.

GILBERT

My first action was to get up and rush towards the woods -- but the woman said one sole word, "Flee!" and she struck the croup of my horse with a branch from a bush. My horse bore me off -- crossing rocks, thickets, ditches. A second shot fired, but that one I didn't hear the ball -- it was no longer light. To follow me, lightening was needed to get me.

HELEN

And this woman who saved you? What has become of her?

GILBERT

I don't know. I turned back, but she had disappeared.

HELEN

Oh! We will find her, Gilbert, and for this involuntary benefit we will make her happy and rich until her last day.

GILBERT

Good sister!

HELEN

But I find you pale, fatigued. Have you suffered?

GILBERT

Oh, many things, happened on a year's voyage, dear sister.

HELEN

But nothing you did wrong or which displeased you, right?

GILBERT

No, dear Helen, no!

HELEN

Good! Do you want to go in? Are you hungry? Jarwick is waiting for you?

GILBERT

I'm not hungry, thanks. Let me breathe my native air for a while, look at the country sky. Before these silences the murmuring of the sweet smelling forests and the mild caress of our pale sun -- leave me, dear sister, let me forget and remember.

HELEN

Yes, my brother! Lahennee, my brother will stay here and wants to be alone for a while. This lad you sent me is in your service, Gilbert?

GILBERT

Yes and no. He's attached to me from affection.

LAZARE

Oh, yes -- from pure affection -- you can really say that.

HELEN

In fact, I believe from what he said, he's rich.

GILBERT

A master he had is dead.

HELEN

Yes, and dead through mischance, he told me.

GILBERT

Yes, by accident, dear sister.

HELEN

Oh, my God! How was that?

GILBERT

Dear sister --

LAZARE

He caught his neck in a gate and he died of it -- that's all.

HELEN

What did this man say?

GILBERT

Nothing.

LAZARE

So that his plates, his clothes, his linen and his money, right, sir, became mine by inheritance when he fell three quarters dead in the corner of this fatal gate. "Alas," he said, "I have no time to make a will, but there's my valet, Lazare, a worthy lad, a very honest lad -- the peer of servants and who served me faithfully while he served me. Well, to this faithful servant, I leave all that I possess, regretting that I don't possess more."

(Gilbert looks at Lazare.)

I didn't hear very well what he said but I am sure he must have said something like that when the Count held him in his arms.

HELEN

What! He died in your arms, Gilbert?

GILBERT

Yes, sister, yes -- but enough on this subject, Lazare.

LAZARE

Monsieur, told me that if, at the end of six months, no one claimed it, the inheritance was mine. It was six months last night. Has anyone claimed it, Count?

GILBERT

No! Take it and leave me alone.

LAZARE

Oh, sir, how right I am to love you. Now I am rich, sir -- I cease to be your servant, but I will always be your friend.

HELEN

(to peasants)

Go, children, go.

LAHENNEE

Pardon, Count, but as Miss said, the return of the Count ought to be a day of feast and if now the Count is sad --

GILBERT

No, children, no! I am, on the contrary, happy -- no one could be more happy.

LAHENNEE

Ho, indeed, then everything's going marvelously! Come, my friends, come. I'll lead you off but not for long.

(He leaves with the peasants.)

HELEN

(watching her brother who escorts the peasants out and shakes their hands)

Oh, how happy I am that George's not here now. I much prefer to announce it to Gilbert.

GILBERT

Come sit down, dear little sister -- guardian angel of Tiffauges -- you whose prayers made the meadows flower and pollinate the crops, you who love me.

HELEN

How a sister all alone can love!

GILBERT

Poor Juana! She was my second sister that entire night.

HELEN

What's that, Gilbert?

GILBERT

Ah? I didn't say anything.

HELEN

No, perhaps, but there's a tear in your eye.

GILBERT

Don't you know Helen, that people cry from joy as well as sadness -- No, don't make a mistake sister. I am the most happy of men -- don't I love everything which makes up joy? Aren't you happy yourself -- and the reflection of your happiness doesn't it shine profoundly in my heart?

HELEN

My happiness yes -- you speak the truth Gilbert -- even before your arrival, I was happy. God led you to me and my joy is now immense -- infinite like His bounty.

GILBERT

Yes, I understand -- you've decided to make this friend of our childhood, this dear Philip -- that my sweetest hopes have always destined you for.

HELEN

Brother!

GILBERT

In fact, it seems to me that this feast of which all these good people are speaking, has an odor of wedding about it.

HELEN

You are not deceived -- only --

GILBERT

Only Philip is absent on a trip. Is he going to return? You are expecting him?

HELEN

Brother, I'm not expecting Philip -- Philip isn't in Brittany.

GILBERT

And where is he then?

HELEN

I don't know.

GILBERT

Why did he leave?

HELEN

Because about three months ago, I confessed to him, as a loyal Breton, that I don't love him.

GILBERT

You don't love Philip?

HELEN

No, my brother. I mistook the feeling I called love -- it was friendship -- nothing more.

GILBERT

Well?

HELEN

Well, Philip shook my hand, bowed and passing before me, left. We have not heard anyone speak of him since that day.

GILBERT

Oh, my God! But it's you who are mistaken, perhaps? Why don't you love Philip, the most charming, the best of men -- ? Dear sister, you don't know what love is and in your ignorance you call it friendship.

HELEN

No, brother, no! Today I know the difference between friendship and love --

GILBERT

You?

HELEN

Yes -- someone made me understand by telling me that he loved me.

GILBERT

Oh, sister -- are you really sure?

HELEN

Don't irritate me, Gilbert. Oh, I really struggled, go! I even tried to withdraw from this all powerful influence which for five months has dominated and absorbed me entirely. Oh, if you knew the efforts I made to love Philip! But my heart no longer belongs to me, my will is another's, my words change their meaning in crossing my lips -- even my thoughts betray. I invoke to myself the image of Philip and another image appears -- triumphant and exclusive -- what can I say to you, Gilbert? My days and my nights are passed and consumed in a singular contemplation -- everything around me has disappeared, smashed, melted, effaced, by this devouring passion! Now, listen and judge -- ! I who cried so much over your absence -- I never cried any more in thinking of you -- I, who had spent so many days watching the road from Nantes by which you would return -- I spend my life watching turrets of the chateau where Georges lives. That's when I wrote you to return right away, without losing a minute, for I no longer understand myself -- I feel myself becoming mad -- without the power to hold myself back from the slope of dizzy madness. I wrote to you to return. I set a time for you, tomorrow! For, if you hadn't returned before tomorrow you would find me married, married, my dear brother without having had your hand to escort me to the altar -- and now, look, brother, see if ever I was able to love Philip so -- ! Tell me, if this is indeed what they call love!

GILBERT

You overwhelm me! And you are loved, at least.

HELEN

I think so!

GILBERT

And he who loves you?

HELEN

Oh -- don't worry about anything Gilbert -- worthy of me, worthy of us! He's a fine gentleman, rich and honored.

GILBERT

From this country?

HELEN

No, but for five months, he's been established here.

GILBERT

His name?

HELEN

The Baron George Marsden -- I believe he's of Scotch descent.

GILBERT

Young?

HELEN

It's difficult for me to tell his age. I think he's 30 or 35.

GILBERT

And of his person -- how is he?

HELEN

Oh -- you understand I find him handsome.

GILBERT

Baron Marsden.

HELEN

Oh, don't be biased against him -- I know you've got it in for him, down deep for having driven your childhood friend, poor Philip, out of my heart. Alas, it's not his fault nor mine. You won't reject this sweet belief in the sympathy and meeting of souls? Be generous then Gilbert, and don't look with rage at the one you should call your brother. And if you find his face a little pale, and somber, pity him, for he's sad he says and he only suffers from an excess of love for me.

GILBERT

And does Helen promise to love in her turn the one she must call her sister.

HELEN

What do you mean, brother?

GILBERT

Listen! I pardon you much more easily since I myself have need of pardon -- I've committed the same crime as you?

HELEN

You love?

GILBERT

Yes.

HELEN

Ah -- what's she like? Tell me, young -blonde, brunette, charming?

GILBERT

Seventeen, blonde, charming, yes.

HELEN

And the name?

GILBERT

Antonia.

HELEN

Is she Italian, Spanish?

GILBERT

Dalmatian. I was traveling the road from Almira to Spalatro when we were attacked by bandits. Wounded while I defended myself from them, I was taken to a neighboring villa. That's where Antonia and her mother lived. Antonia, more beautiful than you can imagine, under her mourning.

HELEN

Mourning?

GILBERT

Yes, for she had just lost her father. If not, you should have seen me with her. Dear Helen, you'd have seen me married. I would have waited until the end of her mourning with her, that is to say in a paradise that lacked only you, Helen, when I got your letter that told me to return without losing a minute.

HELEN

You returned!

GILBERT

See, if I love you! For you I left Antonia, but I promised to return. In six months her mourning will be over and Antonia can become my wife!

HELEN

Well -- we shall all go to Spalatro, I will replace Antonia's black veils with a white wedding dress. Oh, he's a great traveller, Baron Marsden! Like you, he's been to Spain, Egypt, Syria. I think, dear Gilbert, that it was one of his seductions to be able to speak to me of places where you were.

GILBERT

And when can I see him, this so-well cherished, Baron Marsden?

HELEN

At noon. Why, would you like me to send for him?

GILBERT

Oh, noon will be soon here. You know, I have no need of a watch here -- I know where the sun marks the time, at each step it takes. You see, at the moment, it is lighting the roof of the chapel. When it has reached the extremity of the bell turret it will be noon. And then look at our peasants, lads and lasses -- who come in great pomp with fiddlers in the lead. Wait here, Helen, and be satisfied with yourself, for having alone and by your side, a brother who left everything to return to you.

HELEN

Oh, conceited brother!

LAZARE

(entering) (peasants enter, too)

Mr. Gilbert.

GILBERT

Ah -- it's you, Lazare.

LAZARE

Count, tell me, I bet you, while these peasants are going to dance, can't you lend me some penman who can write me an inventory of all my inheritance and draw up a contract for an acquisition I want to make?

GILBERT

An acquisition.

LAZARE

Yes --

GILBERT

In Brittany?

HELEN

Decidedly the country please me. I am disgusted with Spain -- you know why, don't you? Here the women are pretty, the houses have doors and windows. I want to buy myself a house and a woman.

GILBERT

That's fine. Go find my intendant Lahennee -- he will do what you ask -- but if you wish, please me, Lazare don't speak to me of Spain or your inheritance.

LAZARE

Ah, yes, I understand. Wait it's that little house down there in the sun -- and that big girl who's in the shadows.

A SERVANT

(announcing)

Baron Marsden.

HELEN

Here he is! Be good to him, Gilbert!

GILBERT

Oh, don't worry, sis.

(Gilbert and Ruthwen go towards each other -- the peasants who are preventing them from seeing each other stand aside suddenly and they find themselves face-to-face.)

GILBERT

My God!

HELEN

What's the matter?

GILBERT

(aside)

It's him!

RUTHWEN

Good day, Count.

HELEN

Gilbert!

GILBERT

You are Baron Marsden?

RUTHWEN

And your most devoted servant, Count.

HELEN

What's wrong with Gilbert, George?

RUTHWEN

The memory of an adventure that passed between us, perhaps.

HELEN

You know my brother, then?

RUTHWEN

Yes.

HELEN

You knew Baron Marsden, brother?

GILBERT

Helen, Helen, get every one away from here and allow me to speak briefly with this gentleman.

HELEN

You know what you promised me, Gilbert.

GILBERT

Yes, don't worry!

(Everyone moves away from Gilbert and Ruthwen, who stand alone in the foreground.)

GILBERT

You will excuse me, Milord, for you understand my astonishment, don't you?

RUTHWEN

Yes, surely -- I am the last person you expected to see again.

GILBERT

Living! Living!

RUTHWEN

Doubtless! Do you regret it, Count?

GILBERT

You that I saw fall covered with blood -- you that I held dying in my arms -- you that I left dead on the rocks -- ! Impossible! Impossible!

RUTHWEN

What's that? Is it the first time a wound was taken for mortal that later proved not to be? And haven't you ever seen a faint simulate death? Well, I was wounded, I fainted, the fresh morning air revived me from my lethargy -- I rose, I called -- no one! At the first houses where I knocked to ask for help they told me you had left precipitously in great haste. Where to find you? To go by luck is dicey, the world is large! I commenced to get well, and as I was sure of finding you at home in Brittany, when you returned as I had to thank you for having followed my instructions, and consequently, for having saved my life -- for, without you they would brutally have buried me in the earth and as my good genius doubtless pointed the way here also, I came to Tiffauges. I bought some land in the neighborhood, and I waited. In the mean time, joy, I am much too thankful to providence to say "Chance" -- in the mean time, I say, happiness made me meet your sister -- I loved her and I succeeded in inspiring some esteem in her -- I came to say to you today: Count Gilbert are you annoyed that I live? My brother, do you refuse to extend your hand to me fraternally?

GILBERT

Milord, you were called Lord Ruthwen when I knew you in Tormenar -- why have you changed your name?

RUTHWEN

It's the name of the younger men in our family -- my older brother Lord Marsden died, and left me the heritage of his name and fortune.

GILBERT

You are right:: nothing more natural. Excuse me, Milord, I feel that all my questions are fatiguing for you -- but --

RUTHWEN

Oh -- finish -- get it over!

GILBERT

Why did you hide from Helen the fact we knew each other?

RUTHWEN

First of all, Count, our acquaintance was short, then as brief as it had been you had committed some wrongs toward me -- that of killing me, for example. I wasn't sure what you wished to tell and what you wished to keep to yourself in all this story -- and in doubt, I followed the precept of the wise and I abstained.

GILBERT

Strange! Strange!

HELEN

(coming forward)

Well, brother?

RUTHWEN

Well, Miss, the Count who first recognized me only a little, has finally recognized me, and he permits me to avail myself of the title of his friend.

GILBERT

Ah.

HELEN

Are you sick? Are you tired, Gilbert?

GILBERT

Yes.

HELEN

(to a servant)

The Count's chamber.

SERVANT

It's ready, Miss.

GILBERT

Oh! I'm choking!

MOORISH LADY

(in peasant costume, low to Gilbert)

Sleep tonight in the chamber of the tapestry.

GILBERT

(aside)

The beggar woman to whom I owe my life.

MOORISH LADY

Hush!

(She disappears.)

RUTHWEN

(aside)

A woman spoke to him.

HELEN

Are you coming brother? Au revoir, George!

RUTHWEN

Get a good sleep, Count.

GILBERT

(aside)

In the chamber of the tapestry -- Fine! I'll spend the night there.

(Exit Helen and Gilbert)

RUTHWEN

(watching the Moorish woman disappear)

Disappeared!

LAZARE

(enters) (to himself)

This is fine, this is my account. A work box all in vermillion and gold -- worth nearly 3,000 francs: 3000 pounds in money and jewels, and 30,000 pounds in money and bills on the Bank of England -- in all 36 or 37,000 pounds. Nice little sum, my word! Word of honor! I would give ten hours to see the deceased face-to-face and say to him 'I thank you, shade of lord Ruthwen.'

RUTHWEN

(turning)

Huh?

LAZARE

Ah!

RUTHWEN

Ah! Is it you, Lazare? Tonight we are sleeping in the Castle Tiffauges, my friend. Carry my box and my trunks to my room.

LAZARE

Oof!

RUTHWEN

And give me my purse, so that, tomorrow, I can pay your comrades for my welcome at Castle Tiffauges.

LAZARE

Mercy.

RUTHWEN

(aside)

I intend to know who this woman is and what she said.

LAZARE

I am ruined.

(Blackout)

Scene V

At the Castle Tiffauges, a huge room hung with a life-size tapestry of the Fairy Melusina with a bagpipe player, a huntsman, a bird on his fist, sylphs, ondines, in pleasant scenery. In the midst of one of the panels at the rear a large frame on which is painted one of the old Barons of Tiffauges leaning on two chevaliers.

(Gilbert is asleep in an armchair. The Fairy Melusina detaches from the tapestry and slowly approaches Gilbert.)

MELUSINA

He's sleeping, and like him, half the earth which lives by day and sleeps by night shuts its tired eyes while the other half wakes noiselessly.

Two powerful kings rule the world, one named day, the other darkness. Fertile darkness is the mother of dreams. Sterile day is the king of reality.

(Turns to the tapestry and addresses the persons represented.)

MELUSINA

When day is dethroned, we reign. The world of the night, my brothers, is ours. The mortals sleep. Awake, brothers, awake.
Awake shepherd, day has heard the sound of joy from your pipes. But at night, your rustic quadrille dances with silent feet.
Awake huntsman, who on your gloved hand bear the white falcon, proud child of the north.
Sylphs imprisoned in embalmed roses, ondines enveloped in the vapors of water.
Salamanders, revolving in clouds of smoke, mysterious bats sliding over reeds.
From the tapestry hasten to descend. The heather shivers and the reeds moan.
To your games, my friends, Earth, fire and water await. Go -- go -- !

(The figures escape from the tapestry and disappear. Melusina approaches Gilbert.)

MELUSINA

Gilbert, do you remember that ha