Exactly; just as I maintain all that is honorable and disinterested. And you would think as I do if the thing did not concern your daughter.
Well, nothing less than a divorce. The scandal of this night is sufficient.
Gilberte divorced! You don't dream of that, do you? Have all our friends closing their doors on her, the greater part of her relatives lost to her! Divorced! Come, come! in spite of your new law, that has not yet come into our custom and shall not come in so soon. Religion forbids it; the world accepts it only under protest; and when you have against you both religion and the world--
Pshaw! Statistics! You can make them say what you wish. No, no divorce for Gilberte. [_In a soft, low voice_.] Simply a legal separation--that is admissible, at least, and it is good form. Let them separate. I am separated--all fashionable people separate, and everything goes all right, but as to divorce--
It seems to me that only one person has a right to speak in this matter, and we are forgetting her too long. [_Turns to Gilberte_.] You have heard everything, Gilberte; you are mistress of your own judgment and of your decision. Upon a word from you depend either pardon or rupture. My father has made his argument. What does your heart say? [_Gilberte tries to speak, but stops and breaks down_.] Think always that in refusing to pardon Jean you wound me, and if I see you unhappy from your determination to say no, I shall suffer exceedingly. Monsieur Martinel asks from you at once an answer for Jean. Let us do better. I will go and find him. It is from your lips; it is, above all, in your eyes, that he will learn his fate. [_Brings her gently to the front of the stage_.] My little sister, my. dear little sister, don't be too proud; don't be too haughty! Listen to that which your chagrin murmurs in your soul. Listen well, but do not mistake it for pride.
But I have no pride. I do not know how I feel. I am ill. My joy has been blighted, and it poisons me.
Take care! It takes so little in such moments as these to make wounds which are incurable.
No, no! I am too much distressed. Perhaps I shall be hard, for I am afraid of him and of myself. I am afraid of breaking off everything, or of yielding everything.