1 (a* r f THE LADIES’ BATTLE. * » IN THREE ACTS. From the French of MM. SCRIBE and LEGOUVE. BY WILLIAM THOMAS ROBERTSON AUTHOR OF DAVID GARRICK, SOCIETY, OURS. ETC., ETC. THOMAS HAILES LACY, THEATRICAL PUBLISHER, LONDON. OCIC rcurr THE LADIES’ BATTLE. First English version (translated hy Charles Reade) performed at the Royal Olympic Theatre , on Wednesday , May 7 th , 1851. CHARACTERS. The Baron de Montrichard Henri de Flavigneul Gustave de Grignon . Brigadier .... Servant . Gens d’Armes . The Countess d’Autreval . Leonie de la Villegontier . Mr. Henry Farren. , Mr. W. Farren, Jun. . Mr. Leigh Murray. . Mr. Tanner. . Mr. Mason. . Messrs. Harris and Spinx. . Mrs. Stirling. . Miss Louisa Howard. Time in Representation , One Hour arid Forty Minutes. COSTUMES. — Period , 1816. MONTRICHARD.—Frock coat, white waistcoat, black pantaloons and Hessian boots, round hat. HENRI.—Light livery frock, white waistcoat, buckskin breeches and top boots. GUSTAVE.—Blue body-coat, light waistcoat, red silk under ditto, drab trousers, shoes.- 2nd Dress —Livery frock. BRIGADIERS.—Helmets and horse-tails ; blue short- tajiled jackets, turned up with red cloth: white breeches and high boots; cavalry swords, cartouche-boxes, and carbines. COUNTESS.—Elegant silk morning costume. LEONIE .—Elegant white or striped muslin. q r S4 t3 Ob t f \ [Mr. Lacy’s List .J THE LADIES’ BATTLE. ACT X. f |JL n? SCENE.— Handsome saloon, 3 and 5 g. — Archway in c.— balustrade crosses stage behind c. 4 g., with vieic of a garden and surrounding country—set doors R. and l. 1 e. small table l., on it boohs, work, and writing materials — sofa, l .—two arm-chairs r. and l. c. —table on R. Henri discovered l., dressed in a livery, he has a salver containing letters and newspapers in his hand.—He stands admiring the portrait R. Enter Leonie l. 1 e. Henri. What a face—what eyes—what intellect! what sonl! Leonie. What’s that? Charles! Charles! Henri. Mademoiselle. Leonie. ( severely ) What are you doing there ? Henri. Admiring the Countess’s portrait—it is such a ^ a wonderful likeness that- Leonie. Who asked your opinion? Where are the letters ? • <•. - Henri. Here, mademoiselle—these two for the Countess —one for you, and- Leonie. I can see—I can see—you are too talkative. Enter the Countess r. 1 e. Countess. What’s the matter, Leonie ? Leonie. I was merely ordering Charles to hold his tongue. Henri. I meant no offence—mad- Countess. No —but you give yourself so many liberties 4 the ladies’ battle. [Act 1 —and compel me to recal to your remembrance that yon are my servant—no reply—but leave the room. (Henri bows and goes off c. to l. (Countess breads open letter and reads. Leonie looks over the papers.) Leonie. That is the most rude, insolent, and forward fellow I ever saw—I wonder, aunt, you don’t get rid of him. Countess. Hid of him! I shall perhaps some day. [reading to herself ) “My dearest Cecile. A thousand blessings on you. By this time I hope my son is by your side—your chateau is but two leagues from the frontier, and he will be safe there, for no one could suppose that the Countess d’Autreval would shelter a man who had conspired against the king. Your political opinions,” as if my feelings had any political opinions, “are too well- known, Henri is not guilty—nor even blameable, except for a momentary indiscretion. I am happy to tell you it is reported that his majesty intends to extend his gracious pardon to all those who-” Leonie. ( suddenly) Oh, good gracious I Countess. What’s the matter ? Leonie. [reading paper) “ Another condemnation ! ” [reading) “ The Council of War now sitting at Lyons yesterday condemned to death one of the chiefs of the late Buonopartist conspiracy f-^onsieur Henri de Flavig- neul—a young man of only five-and-twenty years of age.” Countess, [conquering her emotion) Who, somebody told me, has escaped from prison. Leonie. Yes. Monsieur de Grignon said so. He was quite enthusiastic on the subject. Poor Monsieur de Grignon! he regretted that he had not the same sort of risk to run. What a wonderfully brave man he seems to be. Countess. Brave by descent, my love; I was with his mother all through the Vendean war, she had the courage of a lioness. Leonie. That then is the reason that Monsieur de Grignon is always talking of heroic actions and perilous adventures. Countess. I suppose so ! Strange enough his father was as timid as a hare—I may almost say a perfect coward. Leonie. Was he ? Perhaps that’s the reason that when we were on the lake, and thought the boat would be upset, Monsieur de Grignon turned so pale. Countess, [laughing) So you see he is both brave and cowardly. Sc. 1.] THE LADIES’ BATTLE. o _ Leonie. (seatinr/ herself at the Countess’s feet) Dear aunty, I’ve got a superb azalea for your hair. Countess. For the ball P My love, you always thinking of me. Leonie. I was so delighted when mamma said I might come and spend a month with you. For I do think that by continually watching and imitating you, I shall become quite perfect. Countess. My darling, I shall be sorry when the time is past. To lose you will be like losing my own youth a second time. Leonie. But I’m sure, aunty, you are very young. Countess. Umph ! how old should you take me to be ? Leonie. I don't know. Countess. What say you to thirty- Leonie. Thirty! Countess. Three. Leonie. Thirty-three. Countess. That, alas, is my real age ? Next year I mean to be only thirty-two—ah! I’m getting very old. Leonie. Old, not at all! Why, just now, that Charles, whom I caught looking at my sketch—your portrait there- Countess. (interested ) Charles- Leonie. Said, “ What a face, what intellect, what soul! ” Countess. Did he ? Leonie. Oh yes ! I heard him, the impudent fellow ? Countess. Did his saying so annoy you ? Leonie. Certainly it did. The idea of a servant taking- such a liberty ! Countess. Little aristocratic puss ! Leonie. Oh, that’s a most presuming fellow ! Do, you know, aunt, he can sing ! Countess. Well, why should he not, if Nature has given him a voice ? Leonie. Oh! hut he sings very well! that’s what I object to. Countess. Why ? Leonie. I heard him yesterday in the park, singing one of the most difficult passages from Cimarosa! and singing beautifully ; oh, aunt, you shouldn’t laugh ! How can we distinguish a man of birth from a plebeian, if the plebeian has the same accomplishments, habits, and ap¬ pearance^ for, if you notice, aunt, that Charles has a very nice appearance, and, when he waits on you, speaks with the tone and manner of a gentleman—it’s horrible. I 6 THE LADIES' BATTLE. [Act 1. don’t know how to explain myself exactly, and I wish to he kind to every one, particularly to servants, but that insolent Charles is my aversion, and, if I were mistress here, I wouldn’t let him stay another moment. Countess, {gaily) Before we send him away, we must allow him to explain himself, {rises and rings bell.) Leonie. Are you ringing for him, aunt? {rising.) Countess. Yes. Leonie. Don’t let him know that you scold him upon my account. Countess. Why not ? If you think he has been disre¬ spectful ? Enter Henri, c. from l. Countess. Charles, how is it I am always compelled to find fault with you ? How is it you - Leonie. {aside to her) He did not know I was there. Countess. How is it you took the liberty of criticising my niece’s drawing, and saying it was charming. Henri. I only said that it resembled you, madame. Countess. That is precisely what constitutes the offence. To approve is to criticise, and you should only criticise your equals. Henri. I beg Mademoiselle’s pardon ; for the future I pledge my word I will not speak my admiration, I will only think it. Leonie. {aside) There, that’s just one of the sort of answers that annoys me. Countess. Leonie, ’tis a lovely day, put on your habit and try the pony that I bought last week. Leonie. Will you ride with me ? Countess. Ho, my brother will accompany you, and Charles shall ride behind you. Leonie. Oh, no, I’d rather not. Countess. Yes, dear, he understands horses, and as the pony is a strange one- Leonie. Very well, aunt, {aside) Oh, how I hate him ! {Exit R. 1 E. Countess. You bad, bad boy, will you never learn reason ? Leonie has half found you out already. Singing songs from Cimorosa in the Park. Remember, you have a mother, and in me a sister. Henri. You are right—you are always right. I like to hear you scold me, you scold so pleasantly. Speak, mistress, command me! Countess. When I call Charles you must answer me Sc. 1.] THE LADIES’ BATTLE. '7 directly—you must not say xt What ? and when any¬ one else says Henri- Henri. I must not answer directly. Countess./ I fear the most from the Baron de Mont- richar ftT) Henri: Why ? Countess. He is the new Prefect of the Department— a wonderful man, deep as a statesman, and artful as a woman—active, persevering, intelligent—and to think that it is to me he owes his ;appointment. Henri. To you ? how came you to lend your interest to a man who served both Consulate and Empire ? Countess. He’d serve any government that was estab¬ lished, and serve the last with the more zeal, that it might forget the services rendered to its predecessor. Henri. A sycophantic, cruel- Countess. No, no, you wrong him. He is not cruel, on the contrary. I know he has advised the government to pardon all concerned in the late plot; but he will try his utmost to discover you. Henri. I care not—nay, I confess, that in the disguises, the stratagems I resort to, I find a pleasure ; ’tis charming to be a hero of romance. This very morning, at Lyons, I asked a gendarme if I, myself, Henri de Elavigneul, were yet taken prisoner by the state—ha! ha! ha! “No,” said the gendarme ; the more’s the pity, then said I. Countess. Don’t, don’t—you frighten me. See this letter from your mother, blotted with her tears ; think— if you were found, her death would follow yours—and if you were dragged from my chateau, I should believe myself the cause of your arrest, and be a prey both to regret and to remorse. Henri. Oh, pardon me ! If my poor existence can inspire such interest, I’ll keep it sacred for my mother’s sake— and yours, my sister. Countess. That’s well; but I have never yet had time to hear how you were implicated in this last conspiracy ? Henri. A few words will explain. You know my family, like yours, were staunch royalists, and my father never would recognise the emperor’s court; but on my fifteenth birthday he called me to him and said, “My loyalty to the king does not permit me to draw my sword —you, having taken no oaths of fidelity, are free—you owe your country service. I will place you in a military school.” Well, I made the campaigns of Russia and of Germany, and you know what little sympathy I have for 8 THE LADIES’ BATTLE, [A.ct 1. the present government; / but I swear to yon I never con¬ spired against it, and I never will, so utterly do I detest all civil war. A month ago, I rode to Lyons ; on the Place Bellecour there were infantry and cavalry ranged as for punishment. I saw an old man with white hair placed in the centre of the square—’twas my old general, Count Lambert, a man whose body bears twenty scars received in the service of his country. I thought he was ordered to be shot, but no—they had dragged him there to degrade him, you hear, to degrade him. Guilty or not, I care not. If guilty, shoot him—but to degrade a grey-haired officer, ’twas villanous. I saw a young colonel tear the Cross of the Legion from his breast—I threw myself between them, and placing my own cross over the veteran’s heart, I shouted “ Long live the Emperor ! ” Countess. My poor boy ! Henri. I was arrested, accused of being a chief of the conspiracy, thrown into prison from which your gentle hands, by bribing my jailors, freed me, and here I am, happy in being saved, and doubly happy in being saved by you. Mow you know my crime. Countess. Say rather your glory. Oh, Henri, if they dare to come to search for you in my house. Enter Leonie, in a riding habit R. 1. E. Leonie. I am ready, aunt. Countess. Charles, go to my brother and say Made¬ moiselle is waiting. Who gave you those flowers P [Exit Henri, c. to l. Leonie. Monsieur de Grignon. I met him on the stairs, he says my uncle’s horse is the finest animal he ever saw. Enter Monsieur de Grignon, c. from l. Grignon. (with enthusiasm) What blood! — what symmetry ! a four-legged hurricane. I’d give the world to mount him. Countess, (aside) Poor fellow, I dare say he believes he would! Grignon. Ah, madame, mademoiselle, (bowing.) Countess. No doubt you regret that that is not a furious unbroken courser that you might mount and tame him. Grignon. Eight, dear countess—’tis so glorious—so- Countess. There’s a letter for you. Enter Henri, c. from l. Henri. Mademoiselle, Monsieur de Kermadeo is waiting. Countess. I’ll see you to the saddle, (to Grignon) Eead Sc. 1.] THE LADIES’ BATTLE. 9 your letter, I shall be back-directly. ( the Ladies exeunt c., followed by Henri.) Grignon. (looking after her) Why did my evil genius force me to fall in love with such a woman asThat—a woman who distinguished herself all through the Yendean war— a woman who is composed of courage. To gain her there is no danger, no matter how desperate, I wouldn’t—think about! no peril into which I would not run—in imagina¬ tion. When my thoughts dwell on hers I feel that I fear nothing—I feel myself a hero—so I am, a perfect hero, that is, in theory—unfortunately, in practice I’m a coward. It is a most singular contradiction, I can only explain it by my parentage—it’s in my blood. My mother was courage personified—my father was—prudence itself ; so that I am tossed about between two temperaments like a shuttlecock. When danger presents itself, the demon spirit of my mother prompts me to pledge myself to the most frightful perils—as just now, when I saw that splendid, spirited, high-blooded horse, it whispered to me “Mount! subdue it!” but if anyone had said “Have your wish, jump into the saddle, then my other devil, the evil spirit, descended from my father, would have terrified me into fits, and I should have become a laughing-stock. Oh, it’s horrible, horrible—to be at one and the same time brave and timid—a lion and a mouse— a hero and a coward—and to complete my false position I love a woman whose eyes seem to pump courage to my heart in pailsfull. If she should ask me to prove my passion by some exploit, some perilous feat? At present I stand well enough—though I have done no deeds of daring, I have said them ; but that can’t last for ever, she may want some -proof, and then—she will discover and despise me. There’s only one way out of it—to marry her. Once married, I shall soon become a father, and once a father, prudence is a duty—the life of a father of a family must be preserved, for the sake of his wife and children. A Buon^partist insults the king in my presence, I must not call him out, I am the father of a family. A fire bursts out in my neighbour’s house—a sudden flood sweeps off a village—an epidemic rages in the town—I run away, I am the father of a family. Let me make haste to become the father of a family, (sitting at table and writing letter) and my first step shall be to write her an impassioned declaration. I’ll leave it here—she’ll see it —read it—and then- Countess, (without) Joseph! Louis! 10 THE LADIES’ BATTLE. [Act 1. Grignon. Her voice! (goes to c. d., from l. and assists Countess to bring in Leonie, whom they place-on sofa R.) An accident P Countess. A fall from her horse. Grignon. Is she hurt ? Countess. I think not, but the shock—ring the bell. Grignon. The bell, yes. Countess. I must send some one directly for the doctor. Grignon. I’ll go myself. Countess. You’re very kind. Grignon. [aside) I’d rather not be here while she reads | my declaration. ( Exit Grignon, c. to l. Leonie. (recovering) Aunt—aunt, I—I am so sorry— that I was so rude—so ungrateful to—to that poor young man who has just saved my life. Countess. What do you mean, dear ? Leonie. Why, Charles,—I mean Henri—no, I- Countess. Henri! has he then told you- Leonie. Yes; don’t be alarmed, aunt, I won’t betray him, I’ll help you to protect him—if only out of gratitude. Countess. But tell me how he came to- Leonie. I was galloping with my uncle, and my pony took fright—what at I do not know—and went out of the path—my head struck against the branch of a tree, I was nearly falling, when Charles, who had galloped after me, threw himself from his horse, with one hand stopped the pony, and with the other placed me safely on the grass. Countess. Dear Henri! Leonie. He tried to recover me, for I had fainted—and I heard him say, *• Poor thing ! poor thing ! ” and when I came to my senses, he was on his knees beside me,—and held out his hand to me, and said, “ I trust, mademoiselle, you are not hurt? ” just as if he had been my equal. I was so indignant at his having the impudence to save me in such a noble, gentlemanly manner, that I gave his hands a cut with my whip, for daring to extend them to me—and directly I had done it I burst into tears, I’m sure I don’t know why. Countess, [getting uneasy) Yes, yes- Leonie. At that he rose, and taking off his hat, so grace¬ fully, said, “I trust, Mademoiselle de Villegontier will | pardon my temerity when I tell her that I am not a ser¬ vant, but a gentleman, and that the meaning of my present masquerade is that I am no other than the proscribed Henri de Flavigneul! ” Countess. He is lost! Sc. 1.] THE LADIES’ BATTLE. 11 Leonie. What, because I know his secret ? Countess. Can you keep it ? Leonie. Do you think I would betray him ? yourfears 8 ' 1 ^ J ° U wil1 nGt be able to contro1 Leonie. Yes, aunt. I shall in his cause ! Countess. His cause. Leonie. Forgive me, aunt; you know from you I con- oeal nothing. This last fortnight I have been so unhappy —I felt ashamed of myself, and.angry and indignant with him because-4—because I loved him ! Countess. You loved him ! {angrily.) Leonie. Dear aunt! (surprised.) Countess. You loved him. (coldly.) Leonie. Are you angry with me P Countess. Angry, no, why should I be ? earlier IE ' Because — I ~ had not given you my confidence Countess. Do I reproach you with a want of confidence l 1 r .Leave me, Leonie, I wish to be alone. Leonie. X am sure you*re angry. Countess, (impatiently) I tell you I am not l Leonie. You never spoke to me in that tone before. Countess, (changing her manner) Tears ! my dear Leonie, forgive me. If I have wounded you my own heart suffers sufficiently, believe me. Go to your room, love, go. (kisses cn . , {Exit Leonie, k. 1. e. Countess. She loves him—well—why should she not? He is rich, noble, and young ! As she told me, I felt a fierce pang of hatred shoot through my heart. Is it pos- sffile . For the last ten days I have watched over, spoken to him fondly as a mother—to-day he called me sister—ah 7 tbe mask . falls offr;those words were but delusions, pre¬ texts. It is not friendship, interest, sympathy he has a 7 bu V° Ve 7 Ii ^f him -and my rivAl is my niece, the adopted of my heart — quick—let me hide the hateful wLTXA S ii fl Tp 1 / , .v? Str °- :r ^V^se) Alas! I cannot- y should I ? (with animation) She loves him—yes—but does not love her —that is—not yet. He is free—then let him choose between us ! She is so handsome. Well, they teniae I remain so. Let him judge. She loves him ! W* l0Ve f °i h r is dee P^’ a ^- a thousan mes. She loves as girls love at sixteen, when the heart is rich enough to love ; to love, console itself, forget and love again I am past* thirty, and at that age true love lasts for life. Then I must battle with her, fight a duel A 12 THE LADIES’ BATTLE. [Act 1. —of love—not with, the usual weapons of beauty, intellect, or female perfidy—but with devotion, anticipation, pre¬ science, and affection. I have been told I have a mind— I’ll use it. Leonie has youth, let her defend it! if I win now, I dare answer for the future. But shall I win P . Is it proper that 1 try ? Have I the means ? Who can in¬ form me ? 1 have a noble name, fortune, power. Who speaks the truth to such as I am ? ( she goes to table, R., and tabes up looking-glass.) My hand trembles—I fear to find I am not what I would be—I dare not look. ( after a moment's hesitation she looks in glass and smiles) Ah ! It j has deceived so many. ( puts it down, sees the letter left by Grignon) What’s this—“To the Countess d’Autreval! tome? {reads signature) “ Gustave de Grignon ! ” What can it be. {sits and reads.) Enter Grignon, c. from l. unseen by her. Grignon. She is reading it. Countess. What’s this ? {reading) Grignon. She don’t seem angry. Countess. Yes, this is real love; truth breathes in every word. Grignon. What does she say ? Countess. He loves me. I am not yet to old t r o be loved then ! He asks my hand. It is possible so young a man can contemplate making me an offer ?. Grignon. I’ve a good mind to risk it. {coughs) Countess, {to him) Ah! did you write this ? Grignon. That—me—I— {aside) Oh, dear ! Countess. Answer me ! was it you ? {quickly) Grignon. Yes, madame, it was. Countess. And did you really feel what you have written. Grignon. Feel it—yes—strongly. Countess. You love me—you ask my hand . Grignon. Why not ? Countess. You are not more than five-and-twenty. Grignon. What of that ? All I know-all that I can say is—you are young, you are handsome—you are charm¬ ing—and I love you! . Countess, {delighted) My dear friend my best friend oh ! never sounded sweeter words to me. Grignon. Countess, {music without, till curtain.) Countess. What’s that? . . Grignon. I forgot we intended a surprise, it is your birthday. _ , . . Countess. My birthday—I had forgotten. * Act 2,] THE LADIES’ BATTLE. 13 Grignon. But I had not. Your niece and I have invited all your friends, the villagers, your servants, to a concert and a ball. Countess. A concert and a ball—all my servants p Grignon. All. Countess, (aside) He will be there, (to Grignon) Thanks, my friend, let us go; we’ll dance ? Grignon. Dance! Countess. And sing! Grignon. And sing! Countess, (aside) He will be there, he will judge be¬ tween us. Come, my friend, I am so happy! Grignon. Oh, and so am I ! (they exeunt c. END OF ACT I. ACT II. SCENE.— As before. Enter Grignon, c from l. Grignon. It’s very odd. Since she confessed that I was not indifferent to her, she has hardly looked at me, and yet, when I think of her this morning, her face, her eyes, everything spoke love except her lips. Ah, a love-letter containing only passionate professions, mere words cannot express my feelings, no. Would I could test my devotion by real proofs—by actions- Enter Baron de Montrichard, c. from l., followed by a Quarter-master of Dragoons. Mont, (to Quarter-master) Let it be done at once. (Exit Quarter-master, c. to l. Mont, (to Grignon) The Countess d’Autreval- Grignon. Is in the salon receiving the congratulations of her friends. It is her birthday, but when she learns that the Prefect of the Department is beneath her roof— Mont. Yon know me then? Grignon. I heard your name just now. I’ll go and- Mont. Pray don't hurry upon my account. When one is the bearer of bad news- Grignon. Bad news ! Mont. To a lady I have so long known, and esteem so highly, in fact, to whom I am under serious obligations. 33 14 the ladies’ battle. [Act 2. Grignon. She has a heart of gold, and I can understand how painful it must be- Mont. The very first visit I pay- Grignon. To bring bad news. Mont. Very bad news. Grignon. Indeed! Mont. One of the farms belonging to the countess is on fire! Grignon. On fire ! Mont. We saw it from the road — and as I could not * allow any of my escort to ride to their assistance, I sent * every one I met, and desired one fellow to send me news of it. ( goes up. ) Grignon. A fire ! What a splendid opportunity for the display of courage! I’ll go ! She will ask, “ Where is Monsieur de Grignon? ” Extinguishing the flames ! ” (to Montrichard) Is the farm Tar from here P (quickly.) Mont. Hot half a league. If we could send a pump of any sort to work. Grignon. A pump! I’ll go myself ! There’s a fire pump at the village. I’ll run to- Mont. Your enthusiasm charms me— but they’ll not let you have the pump in question without a line from me— if you’ll allow me- Grignon. Thank you. (Montrichard looks on table for writing materials, not finding them, he takes out pocket-book and writes with pencil.) Grignon. (walking to and fro agitated) What can be nobler than to save a family from fire—to walk over flaming floors, burning rafters, and disappear mid smoke and smother, just as the roof falls in. To see an old woman at a window. She holds out her arms to you, she shrieks “Oh, save me, save me ! ” You battle through the crowd, the staircase is one sheet of flame—no matter. They hold you back—you struggle to be. free. “ ’Tis certain death!” Ho matter, (turning quickly to Mont- richard) Has the farmer any children? Mont, (writing) Three, I was told- Grignon. Three, what luck, (to Montrichard) Little children ? Mont. Yes. Grignon. All the better. They’ll be easier to carry. Then, to restore three children to their mother. Oh, what will the Countess think when, I return, escorted by half the village—borne wounded on a shutter—my clothes burnt— THE LADIES’ BATTLE. 15 Act 2.] my face black ( his imagination overcoming his reason) Let me fly—let me fly ! Where is the letter ? Mont, {aside) What a splendid fellow. At the same time, be kind enough to inform yourself of the state of that poor labourer we met upon the road—the young man who was so much burnt. Grignon. {his fears returning) Burnt—burnt! What, slightly, of course ? Mont. Unfortunately, no ; the skin was falling from his flesh as though he had been roasted. Grignon. Roasted ! skin falling off his flesh! Mont. But the worst was, a beam had fallen on him and broken both his legs. Grignon. Both his legs ! What, when he was trying to help to save the—look at that now. Mont. Yes, but quick, sir; quick. Grignon. Yes, yes, my horse is not yet saddled; and now I think of it, my servant can take it, he is a lighter weight than I am, and will ride there quicker.^ Enter Quarter-master of Dragoons, c. from l. Quarter-M. Monsieur the Prefect — an express — fire out. Mont. That’s well! Grignon. {quickly) What a pity! Out, I am almost sorry ; out, just as I was going to put it out. {to Mont- riciiard) For your know I was going to put it out. Quarter-M. {aside to Montrichard) The Lieutenant has posted the men as you ordered, but he has just received information which he wishes to communicate to you. Mont. I’ll make some examinations before I see the Countess, {to Grignon) Monsieur, have the kindness not to mention my arrival to the lady of the house. I am un¬ expectedly compelled to leave you, but shall return almost directly, {bows, and goes off, c. to l., followed by Quarter¬ master). Grignon. {agitated) Was ever anything so unlucky P Just as I was going to distinguish myself!' There never was such an opportunity! A fire, that I found ex¬ tinguished—what a time to show my courage without the risk of any danger—if ever I have such another chance— —here she is, and meditating deeply. I wonder if ’tis me she’s thinking of ! > Enter Countess, r. d. Madame ! -^6 the ladies’ battle. [Act 2. Countess. Ah, my dear de Grignon, is that you ? ( pre¬ occupied) Grignon. (aside) My dear de Grignon ! Countess, (absently, and looking into ball-room ) Why are you not dancing ? There are all the ladies and gentlemen, and servants, enjoying themselves together. Grignon. I was here, busying myself with your affairs. One of your farms had caught fire, but I regret to say they put it out. Countess. How do you mean ? Grignon. It would have made me so happy to have run some risk for you, for I love you better than mvself— better than life. Countess, (not paying much attention) Really! Grignon. You don’t doubt it ? Countess. Ho, you love me better than life—I—did you hear the concert P Grignon. I did. I heard that charming duet between you and Mademoiselle Leonie. Everybody was delighted, even that new servant of yours. Countess. Charles? Grignon. Yes, Charles, he cried “ bravi,” louder than I did. Countess, (affectedly) My dear de Grignon. Grignon. (aside) Ah, now we’re coming to it. Countess. You cried “bravi,” did you—you and Charles P Grignon, Ask Charles himself if I did not—and here he comes ! Countess. ( quickly ) My dear friend, if you’ll go into the ball-room we will open the ball together. Grignon. (delighted) Together ! I fly, dearest countess. (aside) I think I’ve lighted up a spark of love. It was the fire at the farm ! (Exit Grignon, r. Enter Henri, c. d., from r. Henri. My dear Countess, how shall I thank you? Countess. Thank me, for what ? Henri. F or the intense gratification I have just received. Countess. From me ? (with emotion) Henri. From you—and her. In thinking of one I can hardly separate one from the other—in my mind you are united, like sisters. Countess. Or twin stars in the same hemisphere, or two roses on the same stalk. But confess, in beauty the bud exceeds the flower ? Act 2.] THE LADIES* BATTLE. 17 Henri. Not so ; each is necessary to the other to com¬ plete that other s charm. The innocence of the younger women heightens the brilliant and poetic beauty of the elder. When I heard you sing, I forgot all else, and was conscious only of your presence and your voice. Countess. And when Leonie began? Henri. I confess at first I pitied her. “ Poor child,” thought I, “ your inexperience will betray itself.” It did in every note, and yet that very inexperience lent a charm to her. She seemed, so timid, so artless that- Countess. The lustre of the elder star was dimmed. Henri. ( enthusiastically ) No, for when your voices mingled, the enchantment became perfect, and I believed in the tree told of in the fairy tale that bore at the same time both fruit and blossom. Countess, {aside) I may hope I Henri. I forgot! Countess. What? Henri. I am engaged to dance with Catherine your dairymaid. Mademoiselle Leonie is to be our vis-a-vis —talking to you it slipped my memory. Countess, {delighted) Indeed! Then run away—you must not keep Catherine waiting. (Henri hisses her hand and goes off, l. d.—Leonie enters c. from r.) Leonie. Aunty dear! Countess. Leonie—I thought you were engaged to dance. Leonie. So I am—but I came to ask you your advice. Countess. My advice ? JjEONIE. Yes. I’ll tell you why. While I was singing I saw the tears stand in his eyes—that’s a good beginning —isn’t it ? Countess. Y— e—s. Leonie. Then he asked me to be his vis-a-vis—and I said yes—so I wanted your advice, about my dress. How should I wear my hair. I thought that with a flower or some pearls I- Countess. My child. Don’t you know that the best grace and ornament of youth, is youth itself. At sixteen to try to set your face off is to spoil it. Leonie. Then I’ll keep it as it is—thank you, dear aunty {going — returns.) Oh, I forgot. If during the dance he speaks to me, what should I say ? I should not like to appear silly. Give me a hint what to converse about—give me a subject. Countess. A subject? 18 the ladies’ battle. [Act 2. Leonie. I have it—I have one, I have one ! that I’m sure will please him ! Countess. What is it? Leonje. Yourself! I’ll talk to him of you. Countess. Of me ! My darling- Leonie. And that’s a subject that will inspire me, I know, [music within) There’s the music, I must go ! s. , [Exit Leonie, l. d. Countess. He must love me well to prefer me to such a rival. The dance has begun ! [looks off l.) His eyes are on her ! He offers his hand! [music stops suddenly ) What’s the matter ? Everybody looks alarmed ! the dance is breaking up, and- Leonie runs on, l. Leonie. ( terrified) Aunt! the soldiers! Countess. -Soldiers! Leonie. Hound the house—gendarmes in the court¬ yard ! they have come to arrest him ! Countess. Heavens! but no, impossible! arrest him here, in my house ! oh no ! be calm, my dear, be calm. Leonie. Calm — how can I? You can, for you don’t love Lim as I do ! Countess. Indeed! [aside) We shall see which of us loves him best! Enter Henri c. from l. Henri. ( coolly ) Dragoons and gendarmes, certainly, and in search of me ! Countess. How do you know ? Henri. I inquired of the officer in command. Leonie. How could you dare- Henri. ( laughing) I thought that my strong interest in the fugitive gave me a right to ask the question. Leonie. Lost! lost! Henri. Hot so, till I am found ; no harm can come to one so well protected! [indicating Countess and Leonie.) Countess. True, we two must save him ! Henri. We three ; let me have a hand in it, I beg. Countess. Who is the officer you spoke to ? Henri. I don’t know his name, but he is accompanied by the Hew Prefect of the Department—the terrible Baron de Montrichard. Leonie. Oh ! I shall choke, [crying.) Countess, [crossing to her) Foolish girl, restrain your tears. Act 2.] THE LADIES’ BATTLE. 19 Leonie. I cannot! - v Countess. Do you think I do not feel as much as you, hut I think of his danger, and my terror gives me cou¬ rage. Henri, (looking at Countess) How lovely! Leonie. (trying to check herself, but weeping still) Aunt I —will—try—but—but- Henri, (looking at Leonie) How touching ! I bless my danger; without it I should never have beheld such charming solicitude ; I should never have been able to inspire you (to Leonie) with so much fear— you (to Countess) with so much courage ! Servant enters, c. d., from l. Servant. The Baron de Montrichard presents his com' pliments to the Countess, and begs to have the honour o) an interview. Leonie. Heavens ! Countess, (dissembling) With pleasure. (Exit Servant, c. to l. Leonie. Fly! fly! (to Henri.) Countess. Ho, remain. The Baron must see you as a servant. He will be less apt to suspect one he has seen for the first time without suspecting. Henri. How true ! how clever ! Leonie. Oh aunt, teach me to have your presence of mind. Countess. My love, I am frightened, to death! G-o, I must see the Baron alone. Henri. Please let me hear what you say to him. CountessT It will be best. You shall. Go ! Exit Leonie, r. 1 e. Servant. ( announces) “The Baron de Montrichard.” Enter Baron Montrichard, c. from l.—Servant retires, l. Countess (gaily) Ah, Baron, delighted to see you ! Baron, (entering) First, my dear countess, let me thank you for- Countess. For obtaining your appointment! Well, I confess I had a deal of trouble. Mont. How can I sufficiently speak my gratitude ? Countess. Charles! (Henri takes no notice) Charles, take the Baron’s hat! Oh, I insist! (to Baron) and bring in lunch. (Henri exits c. to l., laughing to himself . Mont. You overpower me, but I hope I shall be able tot evince my sense of obligation. 20 THE LADIES* BATTLE, *.1^ liAwma JUATTLE, [Act 2. ,v ^°Y NTESS * ^ ou have already repaid me—in giving me the pleasure of seeing you. h S , ^ 1 °, XT * h 1 ortunately I can do more, for as I know your o^aity, I can give you an opportunity of rendering- a signal service to His Majesty. g i Give T yoi } r hand ’ Baron : this is “deed a ravoui. Only speak, and- AIont I want you to tell me where to find one of the cniets or the late Buonapartist conspiracy. don’t^now—— ShaU ^ deli § h ted—but, unfortunately, I Mont. Yes, you do ! Countess. I do? I know a Buonapartist and a con- fWW°ww e - hav ? hoodwinked me completely tnen! What is his name ? r J Mont. Monsieur Henri de Flavigneul. ountess. De Flavigneul! I do know him, a very youno- man. I should never have believed it of him! I have seen him at his mother’s ; but if he is a traitor, why—is he staying with his mother at the chateau ? Mont. Ho, he is hiding. Countess. Anywhere near here ? Mont. Very near. Countess. And you are going to take him ? F 1 ca ^ catch him, but to do that, countess, I shall need your aid. 5 Countess. Mine ! Mont. 1 es, for the chateau in which this young man is concealed, belongs to a lady of high rank, of true loyal principles of great intellect and sensibility; and more who has been my benefactor; therefore you can easily conceive my embarrassment when I come to search the culprit m her house. me C °?mf S H Why surely, Baron, you don’t mean idea ]^° U d ° n ^ tkmk 1 hide conspirators, do you? the Mont. I do not think so, unhappily I am sure. Countess And it is for that purpose you have brought with you all these soldiers and gendarmes ? (he assentF.) Countess, (altering her tone) Baron, you shall learn how an insulted woman can avenge herself_ Mont. Avenge yourself—for what ? Countess. For this unjustifiable proceeding, this cruel outrage on one whose attachment to the throne is beyond dispute, (sits on sofa ) Sit down, Baron, and listen to me; Act 2.] 21 THE LADIES’ BATTLE. Henri enters c., and listens. Henri, (aside) I wonder what she is going to tell him. Countess. ( 'perceiving him) What are you doing there, listening ? leave the room. ( sternly) (Exit Henri, c. to L. Countess. It is now, I am sorry to say, full eighteen years ago, since an active, zealous, intelligent young magistrate was sent to the Chateau de Kermadio to arrest three Yendean chiefs. Mont. I remember. That young magistrate was me. Countess. Then you were Procureur of the Republic. Mont. Was I ? Countess. Certainly you were. Mont. Well, perhaps I was. Countess. Perhaps then you remember a little girl of thirteen or fourteen years of age, who- Mont. Who got the three Yendean chiefs off under my very nose, I do. Countess. Spare my blushes, Baron, for I was that little girl. Mont. You! Countess. Twelve years after, in Normandy, then I think you held a post under the Empire ? Mont. ( embarrassed ) Eh ? Countess. But everybody held posts under the Empire. You will remember those friends of General Moreau who escaped from your clutches and got on board an English frigate. Mont. While I was detained at breakfast in the boat. Countess. To which breakfast I had invited you : so you see, Baron, we are old enemies. I have already conquered you by land and sea, and here we are playing the same game again. I’m hiding and you’re seeking—precisely as before—to be sure your services are now devoted to the King, but that is but a trifling detail. Now, Baron, understand me, Monsieur de Flavigneul is either here, or he is not here. Mont. He is here! Countess. Or he is not! Mont. He is. Countess. You know how well I hide — seek him. (they rise.) Mont. You know how well I seek — hide him. I am not a novice now, as I was in 98—nor a tyro as in 18’4. I was young then. 22 THE LADIES’ BATTLE. [Act 2. Countess. Alas, so was I. Mont. I am now old. Countess. Alas, so am I. Mont. The simple, credulous boy has grown a man. Countess. And the little girl has grown a woman. What, attack me in my own house ! (Henri appears again, with luncheon on his tray.) I’ll lead you ® u _ch a life as shall make you raise the siege re¬ joicingly. Asleep, I’ll sound the alarm, De Flavigneul is in the garret; at dinner, and I know you like your dinner. To horse, De Flavigneul is in the woods. !Now run, look find, seek out, search, interrogate, examine, ask, suspect my smiles, suspect my tears, when I am cheerful, ’tis a snare, I shall be really grieving. I’ll smile that you may think I am in trouble, when in truth I am not, and so set a double trap for you, (laitghs) ha ! ha! ha! Henri, (aside) Charming ! Adorable ! Delicious ! Countess, (angry) Where is the Baron’s lunch? Take some refreshment, Baron, you will need it. (to Henri) Don t stand there with your arms beside you, stupid ! wait upon the Baron. Adieu, or rather au revoir, for if you stop here till you catch your hare, I shall have the pleasure of your company these six months! (curtseying) and think, Baron, what a happiness that will be for me! (laughs, and goes off, R. 1 e.) Mont, (walking to and fro, Henri following him with tray) What a woman it is ; with such a wife I could have been prime minister ! Let me think ! Perhaps I have been deceived. Monsieur de Flavigneul is not here. Henri. Will the Baron take any- Mont. Directly. If he were, she wouldn’t have rallied and laughed at me so much ! Henri. Will the Baron take any- . Mont. Directly, I tell you! If he is not here I shall be ridiculed high and low ; and the countess, who has great interest, might help to pull me down ! Suppose I quit the chateau, if he is here, she’ll smuggle him across the frontier, and I shall lose my reputation. I’m quite per¬ plexed ! what shall I do ? Henri. Will the Baron take any- Mont. G-o to the devil; Henri. Yes, Baron! (going.) Mont. Stay, come here! (examining him as he takes wine.) Henri. Yes, Baron, (doing simple.) Act 2.] 23 THE LADIES’ BATTLE, Mont. You are not such a fool as you look! Henri. No, Baron! Mont. Just now your mistress spoke to you very harshly. Henri. Yes, Baron! Mont. Does she often speak in that tone ! Henri. Yes, Baron! Mont. But I suppose you receive extra wages for put¬ ting up with her ill humour ? Henri. No, Baron, not a sou. Mont. You ought to do! My lad, would you like to earn five and twenty Louis ? Henri. Yes, Baron, Mont. I suspect that Monsieur Henry de Flavigneul is concealed'somewhere in the chateau; let me catch sight of him, and the money is yours. —\ Henri. Only for catching sight of him ? (laughing.) Mont. Why do you laugh ? Henri. Because I’m sure I can do that. Mont. Bravo, there is a Louis in advance ! Henri. Thank you, Baron. Mont. Now go; don’t be seen speaking tome. Our corres¬ pondence might be suspected. The countess is so sharp- Henri. Yes, Baron, but if the countess ordered me to wait on you, nobody would think- Mont. Good. I knew you were a clever fellow. Henri. Yes, Baron. Thank you. Exit Henri, c. to l. Mont. That’s one ! I’ll teach you to scold your servants before me, countess ; there is no citadel, however strong, that has not some weak part; let me see! ( tahes out pochet-booh) Who has she staying here P Monsieur de Kermadio, her brother, he’s nobody. Monsieur de Grignon, probably a relative of the President of the Court; he may be useful. Mademoiselle Leonie de Villegontier, her niece, unmarried; ha ! Monsieur de Flavigneul, I haven’t his description ; but a fugitive is always handsome, at least, in the eyes of a young girl! If he is here, mad¬ emoiselle must know of it; if she knows of it she must be interested in his fate ; fif she is interested she will show it; girls of her age cannot conceal their feelings! she cannot dissimulate like the countess. Upon my word. I could fall in love with that woman, if I could spare time. Enter Leonie., r. 1 e. 4 Leonie. Pardon me, I was looking for my aunt, and— 24 THE LADIES’ BATTLE. [Act 2. Mont. Mademoiselle herself, (to her) I should be sorry, mademoiselle, if her absence and my presence sent you away. Leonie. Sent me away ? Mont. Yes ; I know you must look upon me as a very terrible person. Leonie. Terrible. Why ? Mont. Because I come to arrest one so dear to you. Leonie. (aside) He is trying to sound me. (to him) 1 don’t understand you. Mont. Ho ? I thought that seeing my arrival with an escort of dragoons, you might mistake me for an adver¬ sary. Certainly I was —I did believe Monsieur de Flavig- neul was here. I find I was deceived. He is not here— and I am about to take my leave. Leonie. (quickly) Are you going ? Mont. Yes. Leonie. Directly ? (delighted) Mont, (smiling) Directly ! My dear young lady—your manner would lead me to suspect- Leonie. (embarrassed) Suspect? What? Mont. That as the news of my departure is so agreeable to you, Monsieur de Flavigneul is here. Leonie. ( agitated ) Your departure agreeable ? oh, dear no. I hope you will stay with us some time—you will, won’t you. Mont, (smiling) Mademoiselle, you now run into the opposite extreme. Leonie. I don’t understand you, Baron. Mont. I mean as I am certain that my fugitive is not here- Leonie. Ho, he is not. Mont. I’ll send a few of the dragoons to search for him in the forest. Leonie. (calmly) Do. Mont, (aside) He’s not in the forest, (aloud) I’ll look on the leads, and in the cellar—in the rooms, and up the chimneys. Leonie. Of course, it is your duty. Mont, (aside) He’s not in the chateau— (aloud) then he may have assumed some disguise— (aside) —she trembled — (aloud) —I must question the men about the farm— (aside) —she is calm— (aloud) —interrogate the servants— (aside) she trembled! (aloud) These formalities over, I shall leave you with regret,»though glad that I shall not be compelled to execute my painful duty here. Act 2.] Tfi'fi ladies’ battle. 25 Leonie. Painful duty—what duty, {agitated.) Mont. You kmow this de Flavigneul has been in the army. I shall send him before a council of war. Leonie. A council of war ! They will shoot him. Mont. No, no, but a severe punishment will- Leonie. No, no, they will shoot him I know—you cannot deceive me—oh, Baron spare him, spare him—I beg it on my knees. ( kneeling) He has a mother who doats on him —he has friends who love him—he never conspired against the king. I know he didn’t—he told me so himself—oh, pray have mercy ! {in agony of fear.) Mont, {aside) Poor girl—still it is my duty, {toher) You speak as if he were already in my power. Then I must understand that he is here. Leonie. {in agony) I did not say so. Mont. No; but when I spoke of examining the servants you turned pale. Leonie. No, no. Mont. Just now you said he never had conspired—that he told you so himself. Lsonie. Me! (sees Henri who enters c.fromL. shrieks and hides her face in her hands.) Henri, {going to Mont) I’ve news of him ! Mont. So have I ! Henri. He is in the chateau! Mont. I know he is ! Henri. In disguise! Mont. Good! hush! ( ‘pointing to Leonie then to her) Mademoiselle, you are agitated. I fear my presence embar^ rasses you. I will retire {to Henri) keep a sharp look out— Don’t let him leave the chateau ! Henri. He shan’t while 1 am here ! Mont. Good ! (Montrichard goes off c. to l.) Henri, {throwing himself into a chair and laughing) Poor b aron ! How easily he is deceived ! Leonie. Oh, don’t laugh ! don't laugh ! but rather up¬ braid me—hate me—I have betrayed you. Henri. You ! Leonie. To the Baron just now. I, who would give my life to save you. Henri. What do I hear ? Leonie. {half mad) Oh, pity, pardon me ! {kneeling.) Henri, {raising her) Leonie, in Heaven’s name— Countess enters quickly, r. Countess. What is all this ? G 26 the ..ladies’ iBattle. [Act 8 . ^ Leonie. I am imploring; his .forgiveness. I have betrayed him. All is lost! Countess. No—I am still here! Leonie. Oh, aunt, save him! Henri. Fear nothing, the Baron has bribed me to aid him in discovering myself. Countess. Be not too confidenton that account—a look— a word might- Enter Grignon, c. from l. Grignon . What’s all this about conspirators, and disguises and Heaven knows what. There’s the Prefect arresting and examining all the servants. Countess, (i terrified ) All the servants ! Grignon. At least all df them fin livery. T saw them With your coachman and —■— Enter Brigadier, ;c. from u. Brigadier, (to Henri) Follow me. JEIenri. I think you are mistaken— *1 wait upon the Prefect and Brigadier. No mistake—any orders are precise, follow me. ^ Countess. Go, Charles, this instant. ( aside to Henri.) Confess nothing—leave all to me. (aside to Grignon) In a quarter of an hour meet me—alone. Grignon. (delighted) An appointment! Leonie. If he should be discovered ! Henri, (to Brigadier) Now, sir. Countess, (aside) Her fears have placed his life in peril; my courage shall save him! (Countess goes of r.—Grig¬ non. l.—Henri and Brigadier, c. to l. at the same time.) ACT III. —Scene as before. The Countess and Leonie enter r. and l. doors. Countess. What news P Leonie. I have done all you told me. Countess. George’s livery P Leonie. You will find it there, (pointing tojdoor, R.) Countess. Montrichard has been examining all the servants. Leonie. Henri. Act 3.] THE LADIES’ BATTLE. 27 Countess. Henri he keeps-continually near him. Leonie. That’s bad! Countess. Why?' Leonie. It shows he suspects himi Countess. Bather that he does not suspect him. I listened just now and heard Henri saying to him “ I know he is here, I am certain of it, and that he is trying to escape in the disguise of a servant.” Leonie. What nerve ! It quite frightens me ? Countess. And it gives me hope. Leonie. Hope that you can aid him to 'escape ? Countess. Escape, my child, when we’ve a small army in the house ! By the way, how are the soldiers disposed? Leonie. There are a dozen gendarmes in the courtyard. Countess. Yes. Leonie. And about thirty dragoons at the grand en¬ trance and all round the chateau. Countess. All round ? Leonie. Except in one place, they’ve forgotten that. Countess. Where’s that? Leonie. The gate leading from the stables. Countess. Forgotten it? I know Montrichard too well. Leoni$. But they have, dear aunt, look for yourself! (showiiyf Tier from a. d.) Look through the window to the road, not a single soldier. Countess. To be seen! they’re hid in the plantation further up. Leonie. Impossible, my-( shrieks ) Ah !•• Countess. What? Leonie. I saw the laced hat of a gendarme peep from, behind a tree. Countess. Of'course: Leonie. I-see , 1 they wish him to escape this way. Countess. That they may seize him a few paces hence. ( thinking ) It’s not a bad idea of yours, Baron, I-think I’ll profit by it. Leonie. How? Countess. I can’t say just yet. Hush, I hear Monsieur de Grignon; Gb/ desire Francois to put the horses to the chariot. Leonie. What for ? Will he- Countess. G-o, my dear, go. (Exit Leonie, c. to l. Enter Grignon, mysteriously, on tiptoe c. from L. Grignon. l am here, madame, at your orders. 28 [Act 3':. the eadiesT battee: Countess. ( amiably ) I was waiting* for you. Grignon. (delighted) Were you? Countess. And, what’s more, thinking of yon. Grignon. Is it possible P Countess. I was thinking of your desire for adventure— your thirst for danger- Grignon. Yes. Countess. And as, thanks to-the> Baron Montrichard, the chateau is full of conspirators and officers, I was inventing a romance. I thought I would have a poor proscribed fugitive, condemned to death, come to me to demand shelter, protection, and concealment. Grignon. I see. Countess. He should tell me that he was an only son— that he had a dear sister. Grignon. I see—I see—I see ! (firing up) Countess. Then soldiers should surround the chateau and demand me to deliver him. Grignon. Deliver him? 1STever ! Countess. Of course not. Then they should enter and threaten me with death ! Grignon. And what is death ? Who would fear it when the eyes of her you love bend o’er you to receive your parting sigh ? Ok, Countess, when I picture such a scene, with you to witness it, I feel my heart beat, my head whirl. This morning I was disappointed when I wanted to throw myself into a fire for you—this evening I wish you in some awful danger, that I might rescue you or perish with you! Countess. What devotion! Grignon. Ah, you know not the heart that adores you. You know not to what sacrifice love could inspire me. All I pray for is, that Heaven may some day send me an opportunity to die for you. Countess. Heaven, has heard your prayer ! Grignon. Eh? Countess. The opportunity you wish for has arrived ! Grignon. Ah ? Countess. My valet de chambre, Charles—you know him ? Grignon. Yes. Countess. He is not Charles ! Grignon. Ho. Who then ? Countess. He is Henri de Flavigneul! Grignon. What! Countess. The conspirator who is condemned to death! Act 3.] THE LADIES’ BATTLE. 29 Grignon. Countess. Grignon. Countess. Grignon. Countess. I would dare all for Great Heavens! It is in your power to save him. How ? By putting yourself in his place ! And being shot instead of him ? Ho, but to pass for him for a short time, to be arrested for him by- Grignon. Pardon me, Countess. you ; for you—but for a stranger- Countess. For a fugitive whom I have sheltered, whom I am bound to succour and to save. You hesitate ? Grignon. Hesitate ! no. If I tremble, 5 tis for you—for you—for myself I’m quite—easy—easy—perfectly—easy ! Countess. I know it. I relied upon your chivalry—I’ll take care you run no danger. Grignon. Ho danger! Countess. Hone. Grignon. ( firing ^y ^ Bu t I’d rather there were danger would brave all for you. Speak ! I should prefer it. Command ! Countess. Grignon. Countess. Grignon. Countess. coachman. Grignon. Countess. Grignon. Countess. What am I to do ? Go into that room, {pointing'to R. D.) I will. ( bravely) You will find a livery. Put it on. I will. Mount the box of my chariot instead of my I will. And drive me. I will. Whereto? A hundred yards hence—there the gendarmes will pounce upon and seize you. Grignon. Gendarmes! {his fear$ returning) Countess. Arrest you- Grionon. Arrest me, de Grignon ? Countess. Ho, not you, de Grignon, but you, Henri de Flavigneul. Ho matter what is said to you, no matter what is done to you- Grginon. What is done to me ? Countess. You must maintain that you are Henry de Flavigneul! They will throw you into prison ! Grignon. Prison ! Me, de Grignon ? Countess. Ho, you, de Flavigneul. The real Flavigneul in the meantime, will cross the frontier, saved, and saved by you! Grignon. And where shall I be all this time ? CteuNiESS. Of course, in prison. THE LADIES’ BATTLE. [Act S. (Si) Grignon. Prison ! (aside) Cells, chains, locks ! Countess. Quick,-quick, the livery is there- Chignon. Yes, yes! I am agoing, (going l.) Countess. ! Hot that way ! Grignon. Not that way ? • Countess;'?T his way ! (pointing R. d.) Geignon. True, yes ! I can’t see—I- (going..) -uC ounters. 'S.ay ! Geignon. Eh P ( stopping eagerly.) Countess. *Take this letter ! Geignon. Yes! (takes it.) *•“ Countess. Put it in the pocket of your coat. Geignon. The livery coat ? Countess. Yes. Geignon. What for ? Countess. I’ll tell you some other time ; quick, go. Geignon. I’m going. ■ Counters. /Amd when I ring the bell - Geignon. When you ring the bell- Countess. Come into this room. Geignon. In the livery P Countess. Of course, quick ! I hear atfoot! Geignon. (going off l. d.)- Oh, my timid father! oh my heroic mother! into what awful danger have your two temperaments draggedvine ! (Exit, R. Enter Leonie* c. from l. Leonie. Monsieur de Montrichard is coming up the stairs. Countess. Work ! (the Ladies sit l. at woo'k.) Enter ' Montrichard, c. from l. Mont. Keep your eye upon the servant who has just left me. Leonie, (asideto Countess) Do you hear. He suspects that Henri- Countess. Hush! Keep cool! keep cool! (to him) Ah, Baron, here you are again, come to rest after your labours P Leonie, an arm chair for the Baron. Mont, (taking an arm chaw) Pray don’t trouble your¬ self, mademoiselle. Countess, (gaily) Well, and how are you getting on with your enquiry ? Have you looked everywhere, into each hole and corner, up the chimney, and down the cellars ? Have you questioned—by the way, talking of Act 3.] THE LADIES’ BATTLE. 31 questions, how is it that you applied your personal thumb¬ screw to rry niece ? Mont. Mademoiselle only told me, what I knew, that Monsieur de Flavigneul was here, and in disguise. Countess. In disguise, is he ? Perhaps he is dressed up as a woman. Perhaps I am he, or perhaps, my dear, (to Leonie) you are ! Who knows ! Mont. Laugh away, countess, I shall find him yet. Countess. I hope you’ll be quick about it. How are you going to discover among the five or six and twenty men about the chateau, which is-? Mont. We are narrowing the circle, and in a short time I shall be enabled to take my prisoner and my departure. Leonie. (aside) He has discov- Countess, (aside) Hush ! (aloud) Pray don’t hurry your¬ self, Baron; and if you should be mistaken, which does sometimes happen, make yourself at home here, turn the place topsy turvy if you like, you will be entirely master for I am about to leave you. Leonie. Leave us! Countess. Hush dear, for.*a few-days only, important business takes me to Lyons. Mont, (aside) G-oing, humph ! (to her) Indeed, countess, when do you purpose starting ? Countess. Directly, that is, unless I am a prisoner in my own house, and the>'Baron de Montrichard will not permit- Mont. My dear madam, what an idea ! (they all rise) I only regret that I shall lose the pleasure of your oom- pany. Countess. You are very kind. In anticipation of your courtesy I have already ordered the horses to the carriage. (rings hell.) Enter Grignon in livery, r. Grignon. Madam, the carriage waits. Countess. Inform Henriette, and let us start at once. (Grignon is going.) 'Mont. Permit me, madame, one moment, (to Grignon) Come here, nearer, (to Countess) I examined your coach¬ man just now, and- Countess. I have two. (eagerly.) Mont. Two! Have you? (to Grignon) Have you. been long in service, my good fellow ? Leonie. (quickly) Oh, yes, all his life. ^ the ladies’ battle. [Act 3. Geignon. (aside to Countess) He saw me this morning as myself. Countess, (aside) So much the better. Mont. I presume, countess, this man has just joined your household ? Countess, (affecting embarrassment) N — no. What makes you think so P Mont. I’ve an idea that I’ve seen him out of livery. Countess, (too eagerly) Yes, pefh^ps,; ,he sometimes waits on me, as my valet-de-chambre. Mont. He appears uneasy. Leonie. Oh, no ! no ! no ! Mont. Afraid. Geignon. (aside) I’m afraid io lodk afraid ! Mont. His air—his manner, is smore that df a gentle¬ man than a servant. Geignon. [aside) Ah! I knaw»my Henri) You miserable villain, ’tis you who have betrayed me! Henri. Me, madame ! {feigning alarm) Countess. I am sure of it, you dare not deny it—no, the Baron-—leave my .house—this instant—go !. Mont,. But, Countess-- Act 3.] TEE LAMES 5 BATTLE. 85 Countess. He shall not remain another minute in my service Mont. Then I’ll take him into mine. Countess. Surely, Baron, you will do nothing of the sort? . Cj^9 NT * Oh yes, I'Will, (to Henri) My good fellow, gallop instantly to St. Andeol, take this letter to the Marshal in command of the division. Henri. But, monsieur the Prefect, I have no horse. Mont. Take mine! Henri. But Monsieur the Prefect, the soldiers will not let me pass. Mont. I’ll give the order, (goes to c. d., beckons on Dragoon and whispers him) Henri, (to Countess, aside) I owe you my life, dispose of it as you please. Mont. Quick, my lad. Henri. Xes, Monsieur the Prefect. ;(Henri goes of, c.toL. Mont. Bring in the prisoner. (Dragoons shut the door Countess.i( aside) He can hardly be-in the saddle. If I could delay! (to Montrichard) Baron, I implore you. Mont. My dear Countess, if it rested with me, you know how I abhor bloodshed. Have I not advised a general amnesty, but the Council would not hear of it. Countess. I know—I know. Mont. As for this.young man, he interests me. He is your friend, and I’ll try to save him. Leonie. Save him! Countess. How ? Mont. That depends upon himself. I have sent for him to speak to him. Countess, (annoyed) But if you waited—an hour—or so— to—to give him time for reflection on his unhappy fate ? Mont. Make yourself easy, Countess, in ten minutes I doubt not all will be well. Leonie. (aside) Ten minutes, he will hardly have had time to reach the village. Dragoons enter with Grignon, c. from l. Mont. So, if you will excuse me- Countess. But one moment—1- Mont, (rigidly) My duty, Countess. Countess, (taking Leonie’s hand) What shall I do P (aside) Leonie. (aside) Do you still fear P 36 the 'ladies"’ tattle. [Act 3. CoTjntess. Yes, if de Grignon should betray himself. LeonIe. But he has too much courage. Countess. Yes, too much courage to last long. ■Exit Countess and Leonie, r., making signs to Grignon. the Officer gives a paper to Montrichard. . Mont, Poor young man. Luckily, his fate is in his own hands. Grignon. (aside) I feel far from comfortable. Mont. Approach, monsieur. Grignon. Did you wish to speak to me P Mont. I did, before the arrival of the fatal moment. Grignon. (aside) What moment? Mont, (showing Grignon the paper given him by the Officer) You have confessed that you are Henri de Flavigneul. Grignon. (sighing) Yes. Mont. Formerly in the service of the Emperor ? Grignon. Yes. Mont. And you have signed this declaration ? Grignon. Yes. (his fears stealing over him) Mont. That is enough. I need hardly say that you will receive all the attention and respect due to a brave soldier. Grignon. Attention ! respect! (surprised) Mont. If you qbject to the bandage over your eyes— if you wish to give the word of command to the firing- party yourself, you may rely- Grignon. Firing-party, what do you mean? Mont. Unhappily, my orders are precise. You have been judged and condemned, the sentence has been pro¬ nounced, it remains for me to put it into execution. (solemnly) One hour after their arrest the chiefs of the conspiracy are to be shot without delay and without noise. Grignon. (in an agony of terror) Without noise? No, no, I shall make a noise, I know. You can’t shoot people in that way—without noise ! Mont. Listen to me. Grignon. Without noise indeed ! Mont. There are means of avoiding the execution of the 'sentence. Grignon, (eagerly) What means ? Mont. But perhaps you would not like to adopt them. Grignon. Yes, I should—yes, I should, (aside) Without noise indeed! . Mont. Those prisoners who will make declarations, or give up papers, or make serviceable communications to Act 3.] the ladies’ battle. 37 the Government, will receive a free pardon. Now, if you have any- G kiln on. (quickly) I have ! 1 have ! Mont, ('pleased) Indeed ! Grignon. Yes, I can give you some most singular in¬ formation. Mont. Proceed. Countess enters, l. d. Grignon. Then I have to inform you that I am not —— ( sees Countess) the Countess ! Countess. Pardon me, but I am so anxious to- Mont. Naturally. Be easy, Countess. Monsieur de Flavigneul was just about to reveal to me. Countess, (her eyes fixed on Grignon meaningly) What? Grignon. (quickly) Nothing—positively nothing, (aside. When her ejrns are on me I feel afraid to feel afraid ! Mont, (to Grignon) l 7 ou were about to reveal to me- Grignon. (fiercely.) Nothing ! I have nothing to reveal! Countess, (aside to Grignon — pressing his hand) Bravo ! Mont. But, Countess endeavour to persuade him—he is positively committing suicide. Countess, (aside to Montrichard) Leave us together, I will try my influence. Grignon. (aside) The more I look at her the more the courage of my mother fills my heart. Mont. There is but short time to spare—-I can but give you till the arrival of the President of the Court. Countess. Why not? Mont. If I must give you a reply his presence is neces¬ sary to see that the sentence is duly—-— Countess. I undei stand* Mont. I trust, Monsieur, the Countess’s persuasions will have more weight with you than mine. (Exit. c. to l. —Dragoons seen on sentry, Sfc. Countess. Poor fellow ! Poor fellow ! Grignon, How fondly she looks at me. If those dragoons were not there -- Countess, (approaching him-^dhey speak in a low tone) Thanks my friend—oh, thank you, thank you. Grignon. You ave satisfied with me. Countess. Oh, yes— only be firm a few minutes longer—- Grignon. Firm! I’m sure to be firm while you’re here. You only arrived just in time though. Countess. Where you getting impatient ? Grignon. Impatient! I was dying of-Listen, I'll D 38 the ladies’ battle. [Act 3- open my heart to you. I will confess. I will throw off the mask. I am not what you think me. Countess. What ? Giugnon. I am not a hero !—in fact, I am the exact reverse—that is, when I say the exact reverse, I don’t mean that, I mean that one half of me is brave, but the other half is cowardly. F or instance, just now, when the Baron told me I was to be marched out to be shot, without noise, my cowardly half got uppermost, and I was about to tell him I was not Monsieur de Flavigneul, when at that moment my eye caught yours, and I felt ashamed of my fears, and that I was born to do great deeds. If you were only near me to look on! Be calm, Countess, I’ll not betray Monsieur de Flavigneul—all I ask of you is—don’t leave me—be near me when the Baron returns—be near me when he reads my sentence—be near me when—w'hen —when the bullets w T histle through my brain, that, as I fall I may hear your dear voice whisper. “ Courage, I am by thy side ! ” (with fiery enthusiasm.) Countess, (taking his hand) Brave friend—for you are brave, I know you better than you know- yourself—’tis only your imagination that takes fright—not your heart. Grignon. That’s right—speak to me in that tone. Countess. You only need to be in real and sudden danger. Grignon. Indeed, then I think I’ve got wdiat I w'as in need of I Enter Montrichard, c. from l. Mont. Madame, the time has expired. The President— Countess. Has arrived? Mont. Yes. Monsieur de Flavigneul must decide either to speak or-to follow me. Grignon. ( bravely ) 1 have decided to follow you. Mont, (surprised) Eh ? Grignon. (heroically) I’ve decided. March me to death. Come, Provost Marshal, President, sentence, firing party all. Level your muskets here—at my heart—bid the men aim steadily, and the bullets do their work, I care not. (to Count) I am my mother’s son. (to Montrichard) Countess. One moment. Grignon. No, no; let me go now w-hile I feel that I don't care. Countess. Calm yourself, I have an important question to ask the Baron ! Mont. Me? Countess. Yes! What w-as the hour when this unfor¬ tunate gentleman Was arrested? Act 3.] THE LADIES’ BATTLE. 39 Mont. About six ; but I don’t see- Countess. Are you well acquainted with this neighbour¬ hood F Mont. I am, madame : but I am still at a loss to- Countess. How long would it take to ride from here to Mauleon, on a good horse ? Mont. About three-quarters-of-an-hour ; but what that can possibly have to- Countess. And from Mauleon to the frontier? Mont. Ten minutes more ; but what on earth can- Countess. Three-quarters-of-an-hour—and ten—that makes fifty-five minutes—six—seven. Mont. You are pleased to jest madam. Come, sir. Countess. One moment, I have another question. The President of the Court has just arrived, you say he comes from Paris, does he not ? And his name is- Mont. The Count de G-rignon ! Grignon. My uncle ! [with a cry of joy.) Mont. ( astounded ) Your uncle ! r Countess. ( curtseying) My questions are concluded. Baron, pray take your prisoner and introduce him to— his uncle. Mont. Monseiur Henri de Flavigneul. (to Geignon.) Countess. Ho ! Monseiur Gustave de Grignon, whom his uncle has not seen for a long time, and who will be indebted to you, Baron, for that pleasure. Mont, (annoyed) What—this is—or rather, this is not— oh ! impossible ; you are trying to deceive me, madame. Countess. At all events, you will believe the President of the Court knows his own nephew. Mont. But the anguish you displayed when I arrested him. Countess. My anguish. Ha ! ha ! ha ! (laughing.) Mont. The letter I read which- Countess. Which I had put there on purpose for you to find. Ha ! ha ! ha ! Mont. Your tears- Countess. My tears, my dear Baron. How easily your sensibilities are moved. I promised you I would deceive you, and you know I always keep my word. Mont. What a genius ! What a genius ! Confound her. Then where the devil is he ? for he was here, I’ll swear. Countess. Ay, now where is he? Come, here’s another opportunity for you ; now, think ! Mont. I see ! I have it—’twas the other. 40 THE LADIES’ TATTLE. [Act 3. Countess, v Which other? Surely not he whom you desired your soldiers to let pass ; not he you bribed to treachery ; not he you asked me to forgive—impossible. Mont. ’Twas him ! I’ll oatch hi m vet.] Countess. No you won’t. He’s mounted on too good a horse, you lent it him yourself. Mont, {enraged) Ah! (Grignon and Countess laugh h.eariily.) Countess. You forgot nothing, even to presenting him with twenty-five Louis, which he commissioned me to return you with his compliments and thanks, {handing him purse from table.) Mont. And I have wwitten to the Marshal to tell him I had got him. I’ll be revenged ! Enter Leonie c. from l., she is violently agitated. Leonie. Baron, a despatch from Lyons. Mont, {taking it and reading) From the Marshal. Leonie. {close to Countess, aside to her) He has returned. CouNTESs.AWhat! Henri ? Leonie. Yes, he is here ! Countess. Heavens! Mont, {with joy, af iar having read, despatch) Bravo ! Now, Countess, it is my turn ! Countess. What do you mean ? Mont. Just now you triumphed over me, but the tide of fortune has turned. Monsieur de Flavigneul’s fate is again in my hands, and, thanks to this despatch, I can force the fugitive to yield himself again. Countess, {agitated) Indeed, how ? Mont. That’s my secret. Let each player play his own cards. Before I leave you, I’ll show you that I laiow how to revenge myself. Monsiuer de Grignon, I shall request your uncle himself to restore to you your liberty. Countess, we shall meet again. {Exit, c. to l. Countess. Did you say Henri was here? Enter Henri, l. 1 e. Henri. Yes, here ! Countess. Why did you return ? What have you done ? Henri. My dut}^; think you I could allow an innocent man to die for me ? Grignon. Brave fellow! Henri. The old man who accompanied me in my flight told me all —that Monsieur de Grignon had been arrested for me- Act 3.] THE LADIES’ BATTLE. 41 Countess. But lie is free—unhappy boy, he will tell you so himself. Henri, (shakes Grignon’s hand) Ah, such devotion - Grignon. (shaking his hand warmly) Don’t mention it. Between men of heart and courage it is nothing, (aside) I almost think that I believe I feel it isn’t. Leonie. He has returned to brave the danger from what he had escaped. Fly ! Countess. Ho, he must remain! Leonie. Remain! Countess. Yes, the last place they will think of looking for him now, is here, (to G-rignon) Go and watch the Baron. Grignon. I fly, dear lady. (Exit Grignon, c. to l. Countess, (to Henri) You— in there—quick, (points to d. R.) Henri. But—■— Countess. Hot a word. (Henri exits, r. 1 e.) Another quarter of an hour and the danger will be past, then,. Leonie, you shall share my joy. (observing that she is weeping) Tears! Leonie. Ho, aunt, no, I am very happy, (crying) He is saved, only I am in despair, for when I hid him there, he W’hispered to me- Cou nTES jS-.---What ? - Leonie vJThat we never could be united to each other. \ Countess, (aside) I understand. Poor child, poor child. Leonie. I shall die— I know I shall. Countess. Hay, Leonie, be reasonable. If he be really bound to another-r Leonie. That’s just what he said—bound—bound for ever. Countess, (quickly) Did he say to whom ? Leonie. Ho, he wouldn’t tell me, though I asked him. Do you know, aunt, to whom he is engaged ? Countess. I think I do, Leonie. Does she love him ? Countess. With all her heart and soul! Leonie. Is she young—is she handsome P Countess, (kissing her) Heither so young, nor so hand¬ some as you, Leonie. Leonie. Ho, then why- Countess. Why P Love cannot reason ? What matter what she be if he prefer her—if he love her P 42 THE LADIES’ BATTLE, [Act 3. Leonie. But he doesn’t—he loves me ! Countess. What! Leonie. He told me so—but he is bound to this other by respect, by friendship, gratitude. Countess. Gratitude! Leonie. By a promise that he made her, and which he will keep though it cost him life. I told him he was very absurd—I wish you’d tell him you think so too, aunt, be¬ cause you- Heniu. {who lias listened at door R. 1 e., comes forivard — to Leonie) Hush, Leonie, hush! Countess. Henri! Leonie. (to him) Go in again—if the Baron should return- Henri. What matters— I would rather die than - Countess. Than break your plighted word—you are right Henri. Leonie. But aunt- Countess. Let me speak to him. ( aside to him) “ I owe you life, dispose of it as you please.” Henri. Those were my words and I will keep them ! Countess. All I desire—all I hope for, all I live for, is your happiness, ( she tahes Leonie’s hand and places it in Henri’s) and I secure it thus. Henri. ( struck by her generosity) Countess ! Leonie. Thank you, aunt, I knew he would take your advice. ( she kneels to Countess.) Grignon runs on c. from l. Grignon. Montrichard ! Henri throws himself on the sofa — the Ladies stand before him, c. from l. — he is hidden behind their dresses — Montrichard enters. Mont. Madame, I come to bid you farewell, (Leonie ex¬ presses joy) but before I go I wish to prove to you that I was right in saying that the despatch would replace Monsieur de Flavigneul in my power. Countess. I tremble, (to him) How so ? Mont. This is the act of clemency I so long advised and solicited—this is the General Amnesty ! Grignon. % Leonie and v An amnesty P Countess. * Countess. Then he may show himself ! (moves and dis¬ covers Henri, who advances.) Mont. ( triumphantly) I knew that I should bring him back! Act 3.] the ladies’ battle 43 Grignon. ’Twas a snare ! [general consternation. Mont- richard walks about, smiling with self-satisfaction. The C o u n t k s s a.pp roac h e s him, looks closely at him, and smiles also. ) Mont (solemnlyY Monsieur Henri cle Flagineul, in the name of the King and of the Law, I pronounce you- Countess, (lauqhinq) Free and pardoned! All. What ? Countess. Don’t you see ! The Baron was resolved on his revenge, ( snatching despatch from Ins hand ) here is the Order for a General Amnesty for all Political Offenders. Mont. Ah ! Countess, ’tis impossible to keep anything from you. Leonie. And we can all be happy ! Countess. All! (looking at Henri aside) Yes, but I must leave you for a short time. I am about to take a journey that- Leonie. A journey! Grignon. Let me go with you. I’ll follow you to the end of the world, and on the road there I’ll perform such a number of chivalric deeds, that you shall say there s a poor timid fellow of whom I have made a her o.” Countess, (recovering her gaiety) Well, Baron? Mont. I have lost, madame, I confess my defeat! Yours is the victory, you have won ! Countess, (looking at Henri) Won! (aside) I deserved to win him, but the'prize is awarded to another. So the proud conq’ror when the loud acclaim Of shouting thousands thunders forth his name. With smile and bow receives the grateful cheer, Yet sighs to know his vict’ry cost so dear. Beneath the wreath and robe, the heart unseen Oft throbs with anguish while the laurel’s green. Mont. I feel no shame though hence I beaten go, On being vanquished by so fair a foe. Were I a poet I’d this proverb pen, “ Men conquer all, and women conquer men. Grignon. The proverb says “ Who fights and runs away, May live to fight, perhaps, some other day.’’ Then may I hope, who have not heart to fight, That we may live to play some other night. Countess. Assured by you we’ve not essay d in vain, We’ll fight our Ladies’ Battle o’er again. De Grig. Countess. Henri. Leonie. Mont. llurtatn, >r m