Part 10 (1/2)

Wittich.

That concern, however, I shall share with you--my dear sir. And it seems to me that the best plan would be for the lady to put on a decent dress, walk through the grounds with me, and pay a visit to the Countess at the castle.

Pierre.

What!--my mother--? What's the use of that?

Wittich.

It will look as if she'd returned--and we'd--somehow--met here.

Pierre.

Do you think any one is going to believe that?

Wittich (_proudly_).

What else should they believe?

Julia (_frightened anew_).

Oh, but I don't want to! I don't want to do that! Pierre! I want to stay with you! I am under your protection, Pierre!

Pierre.

See here, my dear sir, let us suppose that your plan is successful--what then?

Julia.

Yes--yes--afterward--what then?

Wittich.

Then?--Then-- (_Looks from one to the other, uncertainly, almost imploringly, and breaks down again._)

Pierre.

Well--won't you go on with your proposition?

Wittich.

Yes, I suppose that when a man has acted as I have acted here, he must have lost--his sense of pride--and honour--and all the rest of it--long ago.--Then nothing is left him but--his duty.--And the thing that seems to me my--duty--I am going to do.--Let the Count sneer at me--I no longer----

Pierre.

Oh, please--I say!

Wittich.

Well, then, let me tell you something, Julia. After I had read the letter from Brussels, I had two rooms prepared for you--in the left wing--quite apart; so that some day, in case--you ever--came back-- Oh, well--it doesn't matter now. But the rooms--are--still there--and if you would like to come home with me now--straight off--well, you might be spared--some annoyance.