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ACT I

SCENE 2

Some years later.

Monsieur Reynal’s garden.

Julien and his father, Sorel, enter.

Sorel (to a servant)

We are here to see the mayor. (the servant hesitates) On his invitation...on business.

Servant

Please wait. I’ll inform Monsieur Reynal.

(The servant enters the house.)

Sorel (collaring his son)

Answer me without lying, if you can, Bookworm. How did you get to know his wife? When did you speak to her?

Julien

I don’t know her. I’ve only seen her at Church.

Sorel

Ah, but you must have stared at her, didn’t you? Scum.

Julien

Never. I only see God when I’m in Church. (there is just a shade, only a shade of insincerity in this protest)

Sorel

Does God wear petticoats? (pause) There’s something behind this. Why should the mayor choose you as a tutor for his children? But, I’ll never find out from you, you crafty little sneak.

Julien

I’d still like to know what I’m going to get for it.

Sorel

Board, lodging, clothing, plus three hundred a year. Isn’t that enough for you, my fine gentleman?

Julien

I won’t be a servant.

Sorel

Who said that, you idiot? You think I’d let my son be a servant?

Julien

I won’t eat with the servants.

Sorel

Shut up and leave this to me, you greedy little bastard.

Julien

I’ll die before I’ll eat with the servants.

(Madame and Monsieur Reynal enter from the house. Reynal is much older than his pretty wife.)

Reynal (to his wife)

Let him boast about his carriage. He doesn’t have a tutor for his children.

Madame Reynal

Perhaps he’ll steal this one from us.

Reynal

Then you approve of my plans? All right, then, it’s settled.

Madame Reynal (slyly)

Good Heavens, dear, how quickly you make up your mind.

Reynal

Strength of character. It’s going to cost us, but we must maintain our position. (approaching Sorel) Welcome to my house, Monsieur Sorel. This is your son Julien? Charmed I’m sure. (Julien makes an awkward bow, but stands mute) Your father has told you of the arrangements made for you? (Julien tries to speak but words fail him, he contents himself with a murderous look) Monsieur Sorel, this is Madame de Reynal, my wife.

Sorel

Enchanted.

Reynal (to his wife)

Why don’t you discuss your orders with our young tutor, while I arrange matters with his father.

(Julien and Madame Reynal withdraw to the other end of the garden.)

Reynal

Everything is settled satisfactorily?

Sorel (churlishly)

Nothing is settled.

(Reynal and Sorel mime a ferocious argument.)

Madame Reynal

Do you mean to say you know Latin, Monsieur?

Julien (defensive, ironic)

That is why I’ve come as a tutor, Madame!

Madame Reynal

You won’t beat the children?

Julien

Beat them? Why should I do that?

Madame Reynal

You will promise me to be kind to them, not to scold them?

Julien (struck by her beauty at last)

I’ll obey you in everything.

Madame Reynal

How old are you, Monsieur?

Julien

Nineteen.

Madame Reynal

My eldest son is eleven. You can reason with him. His father slapped him once and I was sick for a week.

Julien

I swear, before God, I will never beat your children.

Madame Reynal

What’s your name, Monsieur?

Julien (struggling to get it out)

Julien Sorel. I’m very nervous about entering a strange house. I crave your protection. I hope you will forgive my many mistakes.

(Madame Reynal and Julien continue their conversation in mime.)

Sorel

If I take him back, he will keep this coat you promised to give him?

Reynal

Of course.

Sorel

Now, about the money.

Reynal

You know my offer. You accepted yesterday.

Sorel

That’s true, I don’t deny it. But, we are poor. (with a stroke of genius) Today, we’ve had a better one.

Reynal

So. May I ask from whom?

Sorel

No matter. Not only is the money better, but my son will eat with the family.

Reynal

He shall do that here as well. And I add a hundred to my offer. Is it agreed?

Sorel

Agreed. (reluctant still)

Reynal

Well, your father and I are agreed, young man. Everyone will treat you with respect here. If I am satisfied with you, I will help you establish yourself later on. (Reynal takes Julien by the arm) Now, there are some things you must understand immediately. I don’t want to see either your family or your friends here. I shall give you an advance on your salary, but on your word of honor, you must not give one sou to your father.

Julien

That’s easily given.

Reynal

Everyone here is to call you Monsieur. Alphonse. (a servant appears) Take Monsieur Sorel’s luggage to his room. (the servant takes the traps) And now, it is time for you to meet the children. A little dignity will not be amiss. I want them to respect you.

Julien

Thank you, Monsieur.

(Julien leaves to join Madame Reynal.)

Reynal (addressing old Sorel)

Our business is at an end, Monsieur.

Sorel

Good day.

(Madame Reynal returns.)

Reynal

Without bowing. What a churl. (noticing his wife) Well, what do you think of our new acquisition, my dear?

Madame Reynal

I’m not so pleased with that upstart peasant as you are. You’ll make him insolent with your kindness. I know the type. We’ll have to get rid of him in a month.

Reynal

So be it. But, people will have gotten used to seeing our children with a tutor. And, we’ll get another one. After all, educated peasants are a dime a dozen. So much the better.

CURTAIN