Complete Works of Gustave Flaubert

by Gustave Flaubert

  ALL: Enough! Enough! Adjourn! Adjourn! [All rise. Rousselin makes a despairing gesture; then turns to the president, who is about to go]

  PRESIDENT: A rather unfavourable meeting, my dear sir! Let us hope that some other time —

  ROUSSELIN [observes Murel about to go]: Murel is going, too! [To Marchais, who passes near him] Marchais! Oh, it is too bad! too bad! MARCHAIS: What can you expect, holding such opinions as yours?

  [Exit all the Electors, leaving Rousselin, Onésime and a Waiter.

  SCENE III.

  ROUSSELIN [descends from platform]: Farewell, my dreams! Nothing is left for me now but to fly, or to throw myself in the water! They will demolish me! [Looks at the chairs] They sat there, — but instead of the delighted crowd, whose applause I heard in imagination — ah! [The Waiter begins to arrange the chairs in orderly rows] Ah, fatal ambition! as ruinous to kings as to men of lower rank! And I did not get a chance to make my speech — they cut me off every time! Ah, I suffer! [To the Waiter] Take away all those chairs — I have no more need of them. [Aside] The sight of them gets on my nerves!

  WAITER [addresses Onésime, whom he discovers sitting in the corner, behind the bass-viol]: Do you intend to remain there, Monsieur?

  ONESIME [comes forward timidly]: Monsieur Rousselin!

  ROUSSELIN: Ah, is it you, Onésime?

  ONESIME: I wish I could find something consoling to say to you, because you have my entire sympathy.

  ROUSSELIN: Thank you! Everyone else has abandoned me — even Murel.

  ONESIME: He has just gone out with Monsieur Dodart's clerk.

  ROUSSELIN: I might run and catch him! [Looks out of the window] There is still a crowd in the street, and they are capable of committing any outrage upon me if I should go out.

  ONESIME: I hardly think that, Monsieur.

  ROUSSELIN: Hasn't it been proved within the walls of this room? They would insult me still worse if I should show myself to them now. Oh, the villainous populace! I can understand Nero's feelings!

  ONESIME: When my father received from the prefect a letter telling him he had no chance of election, he was very much disappointed and cast down, as you are. But his philosophy soon enabled him to get over it.

  ROUSSELIN: Tell me — you, whom I always thought a good fellow — you will not deceive me?

  ONESIME: Oh, Monsieur!

  ROUSSELIN: Has your father — [Turns to the Waiter, who is carrying out chairs] He irritates me, that waiter! Go! leave us in peace! [Exit Waiter] Has your father still any adherents who would support him with their votes? He showed me a long list of names of communes —

  ONESIME: He is absolutely certain of the votes of sixty-four labourers.' I have seen their names.

  ROUSSELIN [aside]: Not an alarming number!

  ONESIME: But I have something to give you, Monsieur. An old woman stopped me as I was about to enter this house, and said, "Do me the favour to hand this note to Monsieur Rousselin." [Hands a note]

  ROUSSELIN: An odd-looking letter! Let us see what it says. [Opens and reads the note] "A person who is interested in you believes it his duty to warn you that Madame Rousselin — " [stops, astounded]

  ONESIME: Do you wish to send back any answer to that?

  ROUSSELIN [sneering]: An answer?

  ONESIME: Yes.

  ROUSSELIN [furiously]: My answer would be a kick for the fool who executes such a commission! [Exit Onésime hastily] Pooh! only an anonymous letter! I am an idiot to let it disturb me!

  [Crushes thé note and throws it on the floor] Apparently, the hatred of my enemies knows no bounds. This is a dirty trick, surpassing all the others. It was written to draw my attention away from political matters; and to spoil the chances of my election, the wretches do not hesitate to attack my honour! I am sure this is some of Gruchet's work. His servant is always nosing about my place. [Picks up letter and reads] "Your wife has a lover." My wife has no lover! What man is there who could be her lover? What a stupid accusation! [Pause] I remember hearing, the other evening, out in the park, a box on the ear, followed by a kiss! And then immediately after that I saw Miss Arabella going towards the house; but surely she was not alone, for I am positive I heard a loud slap. Can it be that some insolent puppy presumed to approach my wife? Impossible! She would have told me of it. And in that case, the kiss would have come before the blow, whereas I remember distinctly that the blow came first and the kiss afterwards! Bah! I shall worry no more about it; I have other things to think of. And now to work! [About to go. Enter Gruchet]

  SCENE IV.

  GRUCHET: Monsieur Murel is not here, it appears.

  ROUSSELIN: You have come to mock me, I suppose, — to enjoy my chagrin, and to give me some of your sneers.

  GRUCHET: Not at all!

  ROUSSELIN: At least, you might have used fair means, Monsieur.

  GRUCHET: The right is on my side.

  ROUSSELIN: Oh, I understand that in politics —

  GRUCHET: It is not the love of politics that has prompted me, but a more humble interest. Monsieur Murel —

  ROUSSELIN: Murel! I don't care a button for him!

  GRUCHET: He has avoided me for a week, in spite of all his fine promises. He has behaved in an abominable manner. He was not content with making me a party to his revengeful actions, — I tell you, I could betray him to the authorities, but I have not done so out of respect to everyone concerned, and for the sake of his working-people.

  ROUSSELIN: Say quickly whatever you have to say.

  GRUCHET: When Murel came here, he was interested in speculations on the Bourse, which at the beginning were very fortunate. In fact, he did so well that — for the first time — I lent him ten thousand francs. He paid them back, to be sure, and with interest. Two months later he borrowed five thousand of me. But his luck had changed. A third time —

  ROUSSELIN: I really don't see that this concerns me at all!

  GRUCHET: In short, he actually owes me to-day thirty thousand two hundred and twenty-six francs and fifteen centimes!

  ROUSSELIN [aside]: This bit of information may be useful!

  GRUCHET: That young man has abused my confidence! He deluded me by saying that he had a prospect of making a rich marriage.

  ROUSSEUR: The rascal!

  GRUCHET: Thanks to him, I now find myself without money. For several days, following his advice, I have been spending a great deal! [S&As] And since you are his friend, will you not ask him to give me back the money that belongs to me?

  ROUSSELIN: YOU, my rival, ask me that?

  GRUCHET: I have not taken an oath to remain your rival. I have a heart, Monsieur Rousselin, and I know how to appreciate kindness.

  ROUSSELIN: Do you, indeed? Perhaps you remember that I hold a receipt from you for six thousand francs, lent some time ago to help you set yourself up in business, which — counting the interest — now amounts to more than twenty thousand . francs.

  GRUCHET: I wished to speak to you about that very matter. But I am compelled to be always giving and giving.

  ROUSSELIN: I rather think that I do more of that sort of thing than anyone else!

  GRUCHET: Remember how many persons I have depending upon me, and that I have — although you may not believe it — a certain amount of influence. If you would give me back that paper you just mentioned, we might come to an understanding.

  ROUSSELIN: An understanding? On what point?

  GRUCHET: Well, — I would — cut loose from the electors — give up my chances.

  ROUSSELIN: And if I should not be elected, — then I should lose the deputyship and the money too!

  GRUCHET: Oh, you are too modest!

  ROUSSELIN: What do you mean by that?

  GRUCHET: Have your own way, then! There would be time to change matters, even at the last moment. I tell you once more, you are making a mistake. [Turns to the left] ROUSSELIN: Where are you going by that door?

  GRUCHET: TO a private room just outside, where I think Julien is writing out his report of the meeting. You ar
e making a blunder, I assure you.

  [Exit, L.

  SCENE V.

  ROUSSELIN: Was that a ruse or was he speaking the truth? As to Murel — he is an idiot, to allow himself to be drawn into stock speculations. I always suspected him of it. But I shall not bother my head about him; he has lost his credit with the people, and by Jove! —

  MUREL [enters joyously]: Pardon me, my dear Rousselin, for leaving you so abruptly! I have just come from Dodart's office. What an event, my dear friend! Such a fortunate —

  ROUSSELIN: Ha! You're a nice fellow! I have been obliged to receive your creditors. Gruchet demands thirty thousand francs!

  MUREL: He shall have them next week!

  ROUSSELIN: Still boasting, are you? You never have a doubt about anything! Not even about my election. Not everyone is as clever as you; and now I suppose you intend to —

  MUREL: TO support Gruchet, were you about to say?

  ROUSSELIN: Yes, I was! For a whole week now The Impartial has done nothing to help my cause.

  MUREL: I was away on a journey, and no sooner did I arrive home than I rushed to the office.

  ROUSSELIN: That's a slim excuse!

  MUREL: Gruchet's demand for payment at this time is simply an act of revenge. I have ruined myself for you. But fortunately —

  ROUSSELIN: What is fortunate?

  MUREL: Well — you have, in a way, promised me your daughters hand.

  ROUSSELIN: Oh, listen to him!

  MUREL: But you do not know that I have just fallen heir to a fortune.

  ROUSSELIN: Your aunt's, perhaps!

  MUREL: Precisely!

  ROUSSELIN: That joke is rather stale.

  MUREL: I swear to you that my aunt is dead!

  ROUSSELIN: All right! Bury her, then, but don't try to fool me with your story of inheritance.

  MUREL: But it is absolutely true, I tell you! Only, as the poor woman died after I left her, her executors are trying to discover whether she left any later will.

  ROUSSELIN: Ah, there is a doubt! Well, for my part, I like people that are sure of what they say and do.

  MUREL: Monsieur Rousselin, you forget what I am able to do for you.

  ROUSSELIN: NO great things, I fancy! Your own workmen won't listen to you any more.

  MUREL: Indeed! You really believe that? Just because five or six brawling fellows, who I had discharged from the factory, turned against me! But there are others!

  ROUSSELIN: Why didn't they come to the meeting, then?

  MUREL: HOW could I bring them here when I was absent on a journey?

  ROUSSELIN [aside]: That's a fine reason!

  MUREL: YOU do not know their humour, but I will wager that between now and next Sunday, I could — but no, I will not mix myself up in any more of your affairs. I will work for Gruchet.

  ROUSSELIN [aside]: He threatens me! I wonder whether there is still a hope! [Aloud] So you believe that the effect of a reunion would not be altogether bad?

  MUREL: Well, I don't know. You see, you have hurt the feelings of the people.

  ROUSSELIN: But I myself am one of the people! My father was a humble workman. We must impress that upon them, my good Murel! Say that I have suffered much for them, because the government has laid its hand upon me, only just now. Go back to the factory quickly and speak to them again.

  MUREL: But listen — wait! I must show you the certificate of my aunt's death.

  ROUSSELIN: GO! GO! Make them understand —

  MUREL: First, she* left a farm —

  SCENE VI.

  (The same, including Mme. Rousselin and Louise)

  MME. R. [to Louise, speaking off stage]: Follow me, Louise! What are you looking at out there? [Enter Mme. R. and Louise] Ah! I have found you at last! [To Rousselin] I was so anxious about you. If you only had a little sense!

  ROUSSELIN: I could not get away before, my dear.

  LOUISE [sees Murel]: Ah! my friend!

  MUREL: Louise!

  MME. R. [scandalised]: What does this mean? Louise, is this proper behaviour for a young girl? And you, Monsieur, why do you presume to be so familiar?

  MUREL: My dear Madame, Monsieur Rousselin will explain to you —

  MME. R.: I am decidedly curious to know [draws Rousselin aside] for what possible reason my daughter —

  ROUSSELIN: My dear, first of all, you must understand — [They talk aside]

  LOUISE [to Murel]: It was I who made mamma come. I knew you were here, and it was the only way I could manage to see you.

  MUREL: We must not seem to be too much interested in each other; I will tell you later the reason why. [Approaches M. and Mme. Rousselin] Madame, although I know it is the custom to ask a friend to act as an intermediary in these matters, I am forced by circumstances to act for myself; and I beg you now to give me the hand of Mademoiselle Louise in marriage.

  MME. R.: But, Monsieur, persons of our station in life do not wish —

  MUREL [hastily]: The change in my fortunes warrants my making this request.

  ROUSSELIN: We must first be fully satisfied on that point.

  MME. R.: But this is entirely contrary to ordinary etiquette! LOUISE [smiles]: Oh, mamma! MME. R.: And such an unconventional proposal in a public place! — it is really — really —

  SCENE VII.

  JULIEN [enters]: I have come, Monsieur [to Rousselin], to place myself wholly at your disposal.

  ROUSSELIN: YOU?

  JULIEN: Yes, certainly!

  MUREL [aside]: Who brought him here?

  JULIEN: As the journal that I represent has the authority of seniority over any other publication in this part of the country, I can be of great service to you, Monsieur.

  ROUSSELIN [astonished]: But how about Murel?

  JULIEN [looks at Mme R.]: Through that door I heard all that passed at the meeting; and it will be perfectly easy for me to make a favourable report of it — of course [indicates Murel], with the permission of my chief.

  ROUSSELIN: I do not know how to express my gratitude to you!

  MME. R. [aside to Rousselin]:. Now you see how successful I have been! [Aside to Julien] I thank you, Monsieur!

  JULIEN [aside to Mme R.]: Your eyes have inspired me, believe it, Madame!

  ROUSSELIN [to Mme. R.]: He is really charming! Protected by you, he is sure of a staunch supporter!

  MUREL: He has wonderful talent, and a remarkably clever and picturesque style of writing!

  ROUSSELIN: I can easily believe it.

  MUREL: He has plenty of strength, too, when he takes the trouble to use it. [Aside to Julien] You will oblige me by saying that this idea was mine!

  JULIEN: Well, I own, Monsieur Rousselin, that in spite of the former arguments of our friend Murel — who always praised you with the greatest enthusiasm — I was rather obstinate and hard to convince. [Looks at Mme. R.] But now, with the suddenness of a flash of light, I understand everything, and I will obey your wishes!

  ROUSSELIN: Ah, my dear Monsieur, I am filled with gratitude!

  JULIEN [aside to Mme. R.]: When shall we meet again?

  MME. R. [aside to Julien]: I will send you word!

  ROUSSELIN: I do not exactly know how you will succeed in winning the favour of Madame Rousselin, my dear Monsieur Duprat! [Smiles]

  JULIEN [gaily]: I shall try my best to do so, I assure you, Monsieur!

  ROUSSELIN [to Mme. R.]: Ask Monsieur Julien to dine with us this evening, quite en famille.

  MME. R. [curtseys low]: Certainly, with the greatest pleasure!

  JULIEN [bows]: Madame!

  ACT IV.

  Scene: Rousselin's study. Large window at the back, showing view of the country. Several doors R. and L. A desk stands L, with a clock on its top shelf

  SCENE I.

  PIERRE [stands at half-open door, speaking loudly to some person off the stage]: François! see that carriages are sent at once to take eight gentlemen to Saint-Léonard, and do not close the driveway gates. Elizabeth must open the bulletins as they arrive. Don't forget
to stop at the stationer's on your way back, and bring home the visiting-cards! [Enter a Messenger, who pants under a load of newspapers] That's heavy, isn't it, my good man? Put it down there — that's right! [The Messenger deposits his bundle, then goes outside the door, and returns with a much larger package, which he puts down beside the first] Now go down to the kitchen and get something to brace you up! They are drinking champagne out of preserve-pots down there! Everything goes just now, vou see! [Exit Mes senger] This is election day, and next week — Paris! How long have I dreamed of living there, and longed for it — principally on account of the oysters and the Opera Ball! [Looks at the two bundles on the floor] There are more copies of that article written by Monsieur Duprat! Where shall I distribute them? Every one in the town has, without exaggeration, at least three copies of it already! And here are all these extra copies on our hands! Never mind! I'll get to work on them. [Begins to, divide the papers into small parcels. Enter the Policeman] Ah! Father Morin! You are rather late to-day.