The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 26

[_The Queen goes out; Jane follows her with her eyes._

JOSHUA (_front of stage_).

Gilbert was right; she loves Fabiani!

SCENE VI

_The same, without The Queen_

JANE (_to Master Eneas_).

You have heard the Queen's commands. A boat, there, at the base of the Tower, the keys of the secret corridors, a cap, and a cloak.

MASTER ENEAS.

Impossible to get all that before night. In one hour, my lady.

JANE.

Very well! Go! Leave me with this man.

[_Master Eneas goes out. Jane follows him with her eyes._

JOSHUA (_aside, at front stage_).

"This man!" It is very natural. One who has forgotten Gilbert will not remember Joshua.

[_He goes to Fabiani's cell and is about to open it._

JANE.

What are you doing there?

JOSHUA.

Forestalling your wishes, my lady. I am opening this door.

JANE.

What door is that?

JOSHUA.

The door of my Lord Fabiani's cell.

JANE.

And that one?

JOSHUA.

It is the door to another man's cell.

JANE.

Who is he--that other?

JOSHUA.

Another who is condemned to death; some one whom you do not know--a workman named Gilbert.

JANE.

Open that door!

JOSHUA (_after having opened it_).

Gilbert!

SCENE VII

Jane, Gilbert, Joshua

GILBERT (_from the interior of his cell_).

What is wanted?

[_He appears on the threshold, sees Jane, leans trembling against the wall._

Jane! Lady Jane Talbot!

JANE (_on her knees, without lifting her eyes to him_).

Gilbert, I have come to save you!

GILBERT.

Save me!

JANE.

Listen to me! Pity me! Do not crush me! I know all that you would say. It is all true; but don't say it to me. I must save you.

Everything is ready. The escape is safe. Let yourself be saved by me, just as if I were anybody else. I don't ask any more. You need never recognize me again. You need never know who I am! Don't forgive me!

Just let me save you. Will you?

GILBERT.