Vautrin: A Drama in Five Acts

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Honoré de Balzac. Vautrin: A Drama in Five Acts

AUTHOR'S PREFACE

PERSONS OF THE PLAY

ACT I

ACT II

ACT III

ACT IV

ACT V

Отрывок из книги

Jacques Collin, known as Vautrin

The Duc de Montsorel

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Joseph (alone) He is an old friend – and that is the worst nuisance in the world. He will make me lose my place. Ah, if I were not afraid of being poisoned like a dog by Jacques Collin, who is quite capable of the act, I would tell all to the duke; but in this vile world, every man for himself, and I am not going to pay another man's debt. Let the duke settle with Jacques; I am going to bed. What noise is that? The duchess is getting up. What does she want? I must listen. (He goes out, leaving the door slightly ajar.)

The Duchesse de Montsorel (alone) Where can I hide the certificate of my son's birth? (She reads) "Valencia… July, 1793." An unlucky town for me! Fernand was actually born seven months after my marriage, by one of those fatalities that give ground for shameful accusations! I shall ask my aunt to carry the certificate in her pocket, until I can deposit it in some place of safety. The duke would ransack my rooms for it, and the whole police are at his service. Government refuses nothing to a man high in favor. If Joseph saw me going to Mademoiselle de Vaudrey's apartments at this hour, the whole house would hear of it. Ah – I am alone in the world, alone with all against me, a prisoner in my own house!

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