Page images
PDF
EPUB
[graphic][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][merged small]
[blocks in formation]

(The scene is a small, poorly furnished room, in the fourth story of the dwelling occupied by Pauline. A middle door opens upon the stairs, and a side door into an adjoining chamber. A window, outside of which a bell is placed, looks upon the street. Head dresses, bandboxes, &c. are scattered about the room.)

Р

(Pauline, alone, at work on a lace veil.)

AULINE. Poor Pauline ! poor orphan ! My parents have left me nothing with which to oppose the power of a thousand allurements, but the example of their virtue. Employment and a cheerful disposition have afforded me contentment even in this little garret; but, since my heart has cheated me of my cheerfulness-(A knock is heard at the door.) Who knocks? Come in!

(Enter Mrs. Silver, who is known to Pauline under the name of Christiana, neatly dressed as a housekeeper.)

Mrs. Silver. Do I not trouble you?

[blocks in formation]

Pauline. I may be somewhat tedious, but you must permit me to begin at the beginning. After the death of my parents I found a second mother in Madame Berghof, formerly a rich lady whose millinery I was employed to make. She has often sat here, in my little garret, for hours together, encouraging me to labor, strengthening me in good purposes, and assisting me to add to my store of knowledge. (With emotion.) I shall never forget how much I am indebted to her.

Mrs. Silver. And what has become of her? Pauline. Misfortune pursued her honest husband. Last year he became a bankrupt-his wife died in penury-his poor children have no

Pauline. Never, never! how often must I other refuge than-oh! in her have I lost a repeat it?

second mother! But-dear neighbor-although I have known you only during the two months

Mrs. Silver. Always busy. Pauline. Look, dear neighbor! the veil is you have occupied the room near me, I already almost finished. bear much affection toward you, and feel no hesi

Mrs. Silver. Then you have certainly been {tation in opening my heart to you. Your dispoat work again late at night.

sition, your uprightness, your delicacy of feeling

Pauline. Until toward morning, I confess—yes, it is in your power to repair my loss. but I must pay my rent to-day and I have need of money.

Mrs. Silver. (Observing her, attentively, whilst she speaks.) I do not think the landlord will dun you.

Pauline. (Laughing.) O certainly not-he is my very submissive servant-I have turned his head upside down. But let us talk of something else—I have a little project in my head.

Mrs. Silver. Good child! at your age there is so much frankness, so great a readiness to trust in others.

Pauline. No, no, it is not so with me; I have, like Socrates, a warning demon. But to return to my project-have you not told me that your dead husband left you but little?

Mrs. Silver. Certainly, I find it necessary to economize closely.

Mrs. Silver. (Very much moved.) Go on my child! You do n't know how much your story

Pauline. (Earnestly.) Suppose we were to unite our little households? We might both save by making common our receipts and expen-interests me. ditures.

Pauline. For eighteen days I was in danger;

Mrs. Silver. (With an air of surprise.) Cer- during this time he inquired, with anxiety, daily tainly.

Pauline. (Withincreasing earnestness.) This little apartment and the adjoining chamber, there, will afford sufficient room for us both; so that half the expense of rent will be at once saved. I could assist you to bear your afflictions, and you { could protect me from the evilly-disposed-I could lighten the burden of your old age, and you could direct my youth;-in this manner would our lives be reciprocally sweetened.

Mrs. Silver. Yes, yes, good Pauline, I accede to your proposition.

[blocks in formation]

and hourly after my condition. He begged every one for comfort. At last I recovered my health, but-my peace was lost! He became aware of it-how indeed could it be concealed ?—He told me he loved me-I said the same to him—now mother, you know all.

Mrs. Silver. And what is the name of this young man?

Pauline. William Silver; he is from Dresden, and is the only son of a rich widow.

Mrs. Silver. Has he made you a proposal of marriage.

Pauline. Certainly, very often-but I did not dare to accept. His mother, who is said to be a

Mrs. Silver. (Hastily and significantly.) very fine lady, has other prospects for him. This Mother! yes, do so.

son is her only hope, and she loves him above

Pauline. But you must treat me as familiarly every thing.

as if I were your daughter.

Mrs. Silver. That will I.

Pauline. We shall have, henceforth, but one purse.

Mrs. Silver. And he?

Pauline. Oh he almost worships her! He calls her his best friend; he never speaks of her without tears in his eyes. (Mrs. Silver strives to Mrs. Silver. I will attend to the household conceal her emotion.) He loves her more dearly affairs and what we savethan any one on earth,-me excepted, of coursePauline. With that will we assist the unfor- and could I do any thing which would afflict such tunate! Oh! it is so sweet. a mother? Never! I have, therefore, deter

Mrs. Silver. But have you no fears that I mined to make known to her every thing, myself; may often be wearisome to you?

Pauline. Never, never.

Mrs. Silver. You receive visits from certain people (Pauline casts down her eyes) to whom my presence will not be agreeable. Our old landlord, for instance; he comes every day! Pauline. (Smiling.) Yes, he does.

for if no one comes to my assistance I shall find it impossible to tear myself from William. I am only a simple maiden; it gives me great pleasure to hear a handsome, noble hearted young man, say I love you! Ah! good neighbor, do you not see how much I need your assistance? Mrs. Silver. You would, yourself, discover

Mrs. Silver. (Observing her closely.) And all to the mother? not he alone; a certain young man, also—

Pauline. Certainly. My letter is already

Pauline. (With half ludicrous displeasure.) { written. (She draws it forth from her bosom.) Whom I love frightfully, I cannot deny.

Here it is. Ten times I have commenced, and

Mrs. Silver. I saw him at a distance, only, ten times have I effaced what I had written; it is but he appears to me

Pauline. Ah yes, distracting! you saw his eyes and the soul in his eyes! I owe him { much-perhaps my life. Hear, mother, how good he is. As I was carrying some of my work home, last winter I fell on the ice and hurt my head so badly that I was stunned. A crowd of the rabble gathered about me where I was lying, unable to get up; but no one offered assistance, { until he forced his way through, took me in his arms, and carried me, gently, home. On reaching my room I fainted, and when I recovered my senses I found a physician at my bed-side. He had brought him and was as earnestly employed about me as a loving brother.

accomplished no better, however, after all. Before I send the letter, will you do me the favor to read it; in the mean time I will take home the veil. (She puts the veil in a bandbox.) When I {return, you will give me your opinion-will you not?-your frank opinion?

Mrs. Silver. Certainly, my child.
Pauline. Good-bye; (She embraces Mrs. Sil-
ver.) you will love me, I hope.

Mrs. Silver. I love you, already.
Pauline. (Going.) Adieu, mother.
Mrs. Silver. Good-bye, my daughter.

Exit Pauline.
Mrs. Silver. An excellent, pure creature!
Yes, I feel that I shall soon be her mother

« PreviousContinue »