Wittich.

May I ask whether the lady has made any arrangements for the future?

Julia (_still timidly_).

I was thinking of making my home in Paris, wasn't I, Pierre?

Pierre.

Yes. You see, Julia wants to live a life suited to her tastes and inclinations--a life such as she cannot have even here--a life consecrated to Beauty and Art.

Wittich.

They say that an existence of that sort comes high. Has my wife--er--has the lady made any provision for her expenses?

Pierre (_embarra.s.sed_).

From the moment that I become of age I shall be in a position to--h'm--h'm----

Wittich.

I see. But _until_ that moment--?

Pierre.

I--er----

Wittich.

Well, I consider it my duty--and mine alone--to protect the woman whom--until recently--I called my wife. And to save her from ruin, I am willing to make any sacrifice whatsoever.

Pierre.

Oh, as for that, of course----

Wittich.

I intend to put no obstacle in the way of your desire to legitimize your relations.

Pierre.

Very kind of you--really--very thoughtful indeed.

Wittich.

Not because--not that I don't dare insist upon _my_ rights in this affair, but because I want to guard _her_ from lifelong misery.

Pierre.

Really, you wouldn't believe how often we have discussed this question--would he, Julia, dear?

Julia.

But I am never going to grant your wish, Pierre, dear. You shall keep your liberty--you shall be free! Even as I ask nothing better than to follow my own inclinations. If I am ruined because of them--well, it's no one's concern but my own--no one's! (_Tosses her head._)

Wittich.

May I inquire what those inclinations are?

Julia.

It's hard to say--off-hand.--You must feel it--you must-- Well, I want to be free!--I want to hold my fate in my own hands!--I want-- Oh, why talk about it? What is one poor, human life?--especially a life like mine!--I am branded--doomed to the gutter!--One need use no ceremony with me now!

Wittich.

Really! Well--h'm--if I had known that you felt that way about it--I should have made you--a different proposition--Julia, dear.

Julia.

Tell me! Please!

Pierre.

Yes--tell us--please!

Wittich.

I suppose I may a.s.sume that the people at the castle know nothing of this little adventure of the young Count's?

Pierre.

You may rest a.s.sured, my dear sir, that I know what is due a woman's honour.

Wittich.

Ah--really!--Well, I'm sure no one saw me coming here. So then, there need be no scandal.

Pierre.

That would certainly be most agreeable to all parties concerned.

Wittich.

But--how did the lady propose to leave here without being seen?

Pierre.

Pray, my dear sir, let that be my concern.