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Donald Robertson Edition 
 
 The Triumph 
 of Youth 
 
 EDOUARD PAILLE,RON 
 
 SERGEL'S 
 
 ACTING 
 
 DRAMA 
 
 
 
 
 THE, 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 
 DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
 CHARLES H 3ERGGL. . PRESIDENT 
 
 
 i 
 
THE 
 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 OR 
 
 THE WHITE MOUSE 
 
 A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS 
 
 FROM THE FRENCH OF EDOUARD PAILLERON 
 BY 
 
 DONALD ROBERTSON 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 18%. 1907. BY DONALD ROBERTSON 
 
 CHICAGO 
 THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
GARRICK THEATRE, CHICAGO, 
 OCT. 8, 1907. 
 
 CAST OF CHARACTERS. 
 
 MARQUIS MAX DE SIMIERS. .Donald Robertson 
 
 MONSIEUR MOISAND James Nelson 
 
 COUNTESS CLOTILDE WOISKA, his daughter. 
 
 Anna Titus 
 
 MADEMOISELLE MARTHA DE BERRON, step- 
 sister to Clotilde Florence E. Bradley 
 
 MADEMOISELLE PEPA RIMBAND, friend of 
 
 Clotilde Alice John 
 
 MADAME HERMINE DE SAGANCY, friend of 
 
 Clotilde Yvonne de Kerstrat 
 
 PLACE: In a village removed from Paris. 
 TIME: The Present. 
 [Scene during three acts laid in a reception room 
 
 in the house of M. MOISAND.] 
 NOTICE. The professional acting rights of 
 this play are reserved by the author, from 
 whom written permission must be obtained be- 
 fore performance. All persons giving un- 
 authorized productions will be prosecuted to the 
 full extent of the law. This notice does not 
 apply to amateurs, who may perform the play 
 without permission. 
 
 M510529 
 
THE TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 [At rise enter HERMINE AND MOISAND.] 
 
 MOISAND. Oh, come in, come in; I am sure 
 this is a delightful surprise. Are you going to 
 rest there, Mile. Rimband. [Looking off.] To 
 recover your breath after climbing the hill I'm 
 sure you found the road very rough. 
 
 HERMINE. I find every road rough, I'm not 
 very strong. 
 
 Mois. Ah ! in the country here you will soon 
 recover your strength. The view I can show 
 you will make amends for your trouble, don't 
 look yet are you in pain ? 
 
 HER. These dreadful palpitations ; I suffer ter- 
 ribly. [Drops down R. Sits at table.] Do you 
 think the Countess will soon be back? 
 
 Mois. I am sure she will she has only gone 
 to the village, and what a delightful surprise it 
 will be for her [Drops down R. above table to 
 armchair, and sits.] on her return to meet two 
 of her old friends, Madame Sagancy and 
 3 
 
4 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 Mademoiselle Rimband, Pepa Rimbaud I 
 assure you Clotilde never mentions Paris with- 
 out thinking of you, Mademoiselle Rimband is 
 a relative of yours, is she not? 
 
 HER. Of mine? No she is the daughter of 
 a Parisian sculptor and her mother was 
 Spanish. 
 
 Mois. Of foreign extraction, eh? 
 
 HER. Yes, she calls herself a mixture of 
 the mountains and boulevards. 
 
 Mois. That accounts for her oddities. 
 
 HER. Oh, she was badly brought up; her 
 mother died early she lacks refinement [Glances 
 around.] nay, she may even be said to be vulgar 
 but her name is on every one's tongue and 
 some find her highly amusing especially the 
 men, who pretend to find in her a true child of 
 nature. 
 
 Mois. How interesting! How very interest- 
 ing! Then she ought to enjoy the country 
 call her see, from this point the view is best. 
 Look. [Rises, crosses R. C. to window.} 
 
 HER. The dream of a painter, the ideal of 
 a poet come, Pepa dear come and enjoy it, too. 
 [Crosses and joins Mois. at window.] 
 
 Mois. On the right is the castle; do you see? 
 
 HER. Delightful, perfectly enchanting. Come, 
 Pepa, come [Enter back R. C. PEPA] ; why have 
 you waited so long? 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 5 
 
 PEPA. Why? You ask why? Don't you see 
 I'm gone to pieces. We've been tramping in 
 the broiling sun for an hour climbing up a hill, 
 over broken ground, till I'm frizzled, and when 
 I sit down to rest a minute you cooly ask me 
 why I have waited so long. Upon my word 
 [Sits down table L.], you are refreshing. Look 
 at the mess my boots are in. 
 [HER. sits at table R. Mois. drops down C.] 
 
 HER. [To Moisand.] It's proof positive we 
 really love the Countess, your daughter 
 
 PEPA. I should think so, dear Clotilde to 
 pay her a visit with the thermometer at 90 in 
 the shade, and five miles from the blessing of a 
 wooden pavement. 
 
 HER. I only left my bed 
 
 PEPA. Never mind about your bed, dear 
 it's warm enough here the dust and the heat 
 dear dear 
 
 Mois. I am sure in the country here when 
 the weather is fine 
 
 PEPA. When the weather is fine the mud is 
 dry, when the weather is bad the mud is wet, 
 but in all conditions and at all times it always 
 remains just what it is dirt. What dear 
 Clotilde finds to amuse herself with here I can't 
 imagine and where is she now? at a picnic 
 or a promenade? 
 
 Mois. She poor thing no she's paying a 
 
6 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 visit m the village to one of our farm laborers 
 who broke his arm. 
 
 HER. How horrible! I don't see how she 
 can go among such misery / can't bear to 
 watch the pain of others, I who suffer so much 
 myself. [Rises, sits again.] 
 
 PEPA. Oh, come, I say, sit down. It's not 
 bad fun at all [Crosses L.] playing nurse I've 
 tried it myself. Two years ago my cousin 
 founded a retreat for widows 
 
 HER. Really, Pepa 
 
 PEPA. I was one of the matrons I wore a 
 tight-fitting [Slowly returning R.], very tight- 
 fitting gray dress a white apron and a muslin 
 cap I enjoyed it immensely at first. Bye-and- 
 bye they enlarged the institution, and took in 
 grass-widows, the patients became too numer- 
 ous, I had no time to myself so I gave it up 
 oh but talking of [Sits again.] grass-widows 
 tell us before Clotilde comes back, how is her 
 husband, your son-in-law; is he still in confine- 
 ment? 
 
 MOISAND. Alas! yes. 
 
 PEPA. Still in the same cracked state? 
 
 Mois. Just as he has been for the last fifteen 
 months. 
 
 PEPA. Think of it what a dreadful situation 
 for poor Clotilde ! 
 
 HER. Who can understand it better than I ? 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 7 
 
 Mois. What does she mean? [To Pepa.] 
 
 PEPA. Oh, she is a bewitched widow, too 
 [To H ermine] ; but your case is entirely differ- 
 ent you can get a divorce whenever you want 
 one; but as for poor Clotilde the lawyers in 
 France have decided that madness is such a 
 common ailment among men it is not sufficient 
 grounds and to be tied to a soft-brained booby ! 
 
 HER. Really, Pepa? 
 
 PEPA. Yes "really, Pepa" perhaps that 
 may not be the scientific name for a madman 
 but it's the truth, and to my thinking it's simply 
 atrocious it was bad enough when her husband 
 had his wits, Heaven knows, a gambler a 
 roue a rake, but now it makes me blaze ouf ! 
 and it's terribly hot 
 
 Mois. Oh, my dear friends, pardon me for 
 forgetting; what refreshments may I have the 
 pleasure of offering you ? 
 
 HER. Nothing, nothing at all, thanks. 
 
 PEPA. / am dreadfully thirsty. 
 
 Mois. What may I offer? 
 
 PEPA. Anything that's wet and cold. 
 
 Mois. [Going.] You'll forgive me for being 
 so forgetful? 
 
 HER. On the contrary, it is for us to apologize 
 for disturbing you. [Rises, crosses C.] 
 
 PEPA. Yes, yes, and now we'll join your other 
 guests. [Rises, going up L. to Mois.] 
 
8 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 Mois. My guests? I have none. 
 
 PEPA. You mean Clotilde has lived here aione 
 for fifteen months ? 
 
 Mois. Alone with me,- yes. 
 
 PEPA. Poor thing, and she has seen no com- 
 pany ? 
 
 Mois. Only an occasional visit from the curate 
 dear me, I'm forgetting again your refresh- 
 ments I'll be back directly. [Exit L.] 
 
 PEPA. Well, here's a pretty state of things 
 Clotilde gone [Drops to C.] in for tragedy. We 
 made a mistake in having our trunks sent after 
 us from the station. 
 
 HER. What had we better do now? 
 
 PEPA. Make our escape, of course, if we can. 
 [Enter Moisand with tray of glasses.] How 
 kind of you to take so much trouble. [Taking 
 glass.] Quite cold, is it? [Drop down L., drinks 
 at window. H ermine drops down R. ] 
 
 Mois. Yes, quite cold iced. [To H ermine.] 
 Will you have some? [Crosses to table L. Puts 
 down tray.] 
 
 HER. Thank you; no, I'm never thirsty. 
 
 PEPA. Oh, Hermine is an ethereal creature, 
 and lives on air. I require something more sub- 
 stantial. 
 
 HER. [To Pepa.] Hem Hem [Indicating 
 (( let us go." Crosses around table R.] 
 
TRIUMPH OF ybUTH 9 
 
 PEPA. [To Moisand.] That has made me feel 
 quite comfortable. [Sits sofa.] 
 
 Mois. Providence has sent you, I am sure. 
 [Her mine sits.] I know you both [Crosses to C.] 
 love Clotilde and I want your advice. You can 
 render her and me a great service. A serious 
 complication has arisen in her life, a great danger 
 in fact. Wait, I'll send the White Mouse for her 
 and you shall hear all. 
 
 PEPA. The White Mouse, did you say ? 
 
 Mois. Yes, little Martha. 
 
 PEPA. Another daughter? 
 
 Mois. No, not my own, my second wife's 
 child by her first husband. 
 
 PEPA. What's that? Your second wife's first 
 child? I mean first marriage by I did not 
 quite catch that your first what relation is she 
 to you ? 
 
 Mois. Don't you understand? my step- 
 daughter. 
 
 HER. Why called the White Mouse? 
 
 Mois. I really don't know, except that no one 
 ever hears her come or sees her go. Clotilde 
 brought her from the convent a fortnight ago, 
 and she has been hiding in corners ever since. 
 
 PEPA. How old is she? 
 
 Mois. Seventeen. 
 
 PEPA. Is she pretty? 
 
 Mois. At present rather insignificant bash- 
 
io TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 ful, and awkward you understand has nothing 
 to say for herself. 
 
 PEPA. And so, like the blind fiddler's dog, 
 keeps up a great deal of thinking. 
 
 [Enter MARTHA unobserved.} 
 
 Mois. I have reason to believe [Sees 
 Martha.] How did you get here? How long 
 have you been here? Now, ladies, you see the 
 White Mouse, always the same, one never 
 hears her approach. For my part, I detest this 
 sort of thing. Where did you come from? 
 
 MARTHA. From the river. 
 
 Mois. Do you know if the Countess will soon 
 be home? 
 
 MAR. At four o'clock. 
 
 Mois. Did she tell you so? 
 
 MAR. No. 
 
 Mois. Well, well, speak, child ; one has always 
 to drag the words from you. 
 
 PEPA. [Aside.] What a loving step-father! 
 
 MAR. She intends to go riding. 
 
 Mois. With you ? 
 
 MAR. I don't know. 
 
 Mois. With Monsieur Max? 
 
 PEPA AND HER. [Aside.] Monsieur Max. 
 
 MAR. I think so. 
 
 Mois. In that case you go with them. Do 
 you know where she is now? 
 
 MAR. At Colbert's, I think 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 11 
 
 Mois. Then run and fetch her. 
 
 PEPA. In this heat ? pray, send a man-servant. 
 
 Mois. No no by no means she can run 
 faster. [H ermine rises, drops down R.] Now 
 be off 
 
 MAR. But I I think 
 
 Mois. What is it now vou little goose you 
 think 
 
 MAR. That some one has already gone. 
 
 Mois. When, pray? 
 
 MAR. An hour ago. 
 
 Mois. Monsieur Max? 
 
 MAR. I don't know, I think so. 
 
 Mois. Dear me dear me then run the faster 
 not by the [Working up R.] woods take the 
 high road I'll show you the way. 
 
 PEPA. [To Martha.] At least take my sun- 
 shade. [Rises, crosses R.] 
 
 Mois. No, no, at her age the sun does her 
 good. [Snatches sketch-book from Martha tJiat 
 is sticking out of her pocket.] What is this, 
 young lady 
 
 PEPA AND HER. What is it? 
 
 Mois. He a sketch-book. 
 
 MAR. Oh, Monsieur. [Trying to obtain it.] 
 
 Mois. Stay a moment; we will examine it 
 first. [Turns round, Martha following.] 
 
 MAR. [Still trying.] Oh, Monsieur, I beg of 
 you I beg 
 
12 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 Mois. Be quiet, I insist. 
 
 PEPA AND HER. [Interposing.} Really, Mon- 
 sieur. [H 'ermine rises.] 
 
 Mois. Nonsense, this is all affectation. 
 
 MAR. For pity's sake, I implore you. 
 
 PEPA. Really, Monsieur, any one ;can see the 
 child is in earnest. [Snatches book from Moi- 
 sand and gives it to Martha; crosses C.] There, 
 my dear, now keep it. 
 
 Mois. What a fuss, what a fuss about noth- 
 ing! Will you hasten and bring back Clotilde, 
 or be disobedient in that also. [Martha going.] 
 Wait, wait, and I'll show [Crosses up R.] you 
 the way. These ladies will have a fine opinion 
 of your character, fine opinion [Exit Moi- 
 sand and Martha.] 
 
 HER. Poor little Cinderella. [Crosses up R. C., 
 looking off after them.] 
 
 PEPA. I wonder why such an old bear as that 
 is called a step-father. [Also looking off up 
 R.C.] 
 
 HER. I haven't an idea. [Crosses down L.] 
 
 PEPA. Not because he's a step in the right 
 direction, surely. [Following. ] 
 HER. Really, Pepa. 
 
 PEPA. Perhaps because he treads her down. 
 [Following.] 
 
 HER. Oh, Pepa. 
 
 [Enter MOISAND R.\ 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 13 
 
 Mois. Now, ladies, I am quite at your service. 
 [Drops down L.] 
 
 PEP A. Are you? Well, tell us, who is Mon- 
 sieur Max? [H ermine and Pepa sit.] 
 
 Mois. Be seated, ladies, and I will explain all 
 now I'll open my heart to you, for I am in 
 great distress. [Sits R. of table.] 
 
 PEPA. Then by all means, Monsieur, confide 
 in us. 
 
 Mois. Alas, alas. That fatal marriage of my 
 daughter's. It was my second wife 
 
 HER. Your second? [Bus.] 
 
 Mois. Yes, my second you know my first 
 
 PEPA. Oh Your first? [Bus. continued.] 
 
 Mois. Yes, my first wife was Clotilde's mother, 
 but it was my second wife, and not my first, 
 who arranged Clotilde's marriage. 
 
 PEPA. [Aside.] Oh, dear, what a rigarole 
 
 Mois. And the charming nobleman to whom 
 she married my daughter, turned out to be a 
 rake of the wildest description. 
 
 PEPA AND HER. Oh, indeed. [HanU bus.] 
 
 Mois. Oh, yes; he paid attention to every 
 woman he met, if you can conceive such" a thing. 
 
 PEPA. Of course I can easily so can you, 
 Hermine dear, can't you ? 
 
 Mois. What! did he dare to address you, 
 the friends of his wife? horrible! 
 
 PEPA. [Suppressed laughter.] Oh 
 
I 4 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 Mois. That was by no means all but every- 
 thing was fully reported to me I learned all. 
 
 PEPA. How? 
 
 Mois. In the usual way, from the servants. 
 
 PEPA. Then he was going the pace, eh? 
 
 Mois. The pace ? 
 
 PEPA. Yes ; he was rapid, I mean. 
 
 Mois. So rapid that at the end of three years 
 he found himself fast in a lunatic asylum. 
 
 HER. Poor Clotilde! what a future for her 
 to look forward to! 
 
 Mois. She has been living with me ever since. 
 
 PEPA. I know what I'd prefer. [Aside.] 
 
 Mois. We have done our utmost to distract 
 her thoughts. The good curate called every day 
 and conversed with her for two hours. 
 
 PEPA. Lively! [Aside.] 
 
 Mois. I tried every means in my power I 
 took her for long walks in the country and tried 
 to interest her in botany 
 
 PEPA. Very lively! [Aside.] 
 
 Mois. Every night we played a rubber at 
 whist. 
 
 PEPA. Still more lively ! [Aside.] 
 
 Mois. But in spite of all without success 
 when 
 
 PEPA. When all at once 
 Mois. When all at once what? 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 15 
 
 PEPA. Monsieur Max turns up, and the plot 
 begins to thicken, eh? 
 
 Mois. Listen, listen, my dears. It's just six 
 weeks ago this Monsieur Max, who has some 
 estates in the neighborhood, called to see my 
 child. Well, he appeared to be a very intelli- 
 gent, quiet gentleman, and to make a long story 
 short, you see he was very fond of botany and 
 a good hand at whist, well, I say, to make a 
 long story short, I invited him to stay here. 
 
 PEPA. The bold intruder ! end of act one. 
 
 Mois. Well, Clotilde, who was still weak and 
 ill, began to regain her old spirits, and became 
 quite gay and happy. 
 
 PEPA. Ho ho I see what's coming. 
 
 Mois. That's more than I did. / observed 
 nothing but one day the fcurate arrived in a 
 great state of mind, and began at once by saying, 
 "My dear friend, I very much fear we have 
 introduced a wolf into the sheepfold." "A wolf," 
 said I. "O Heavens !" "God forbid that I should 
 jump at a hasty conclusion," said he, "but I feel 
 sure that the Marquis" for Monsieur Max is a 
 Marquis [Pepa and H ermine exchange looks.] 
 "is in love with your daughter, the Countess." 
 "Don't tell me such a thing," said I. "Watch 
 them, my dear friend," said he. Well, I did 
 watch them, and I have come to the conclusion 
 that the curate was right. They walk together, 
 
1 6 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 talk together, and isolate themselves completely 
 from me. 
 
 PEPA. [Aside.] I don't blame them. 
 
 Mois. Now, what am I to do? Remonstrate 
 with Clotilcle? I dare not. Dismiss this fine 
 gentleman ? I haven't the power. Tell me, then, 
 what should I do? 
 
 PEPA. Let things take their own way, of 
 course. Let them have a good time. 
 
 HER. Oh, Pepa 
 
 PEPA. Oh, Hermine. With such a husband 
 as she has why not? 
 
 Mois. Not for the wide world, never never, 
 my daughter is an honest woman, Mademoi- 
 selle Rimband. Fortunately, the curate had an 
 idea "You have a step-child," he said; "the 
 White Mouse, Martha, an accomplished little 
 lady, seventeen years old. Why can't you utilize 
 the circumstances?" said he, seeing how broken- 
 hearted I was. "The Marquis may very likely 
 take a fancy to her and offer her his hand in 
 marriage." 
 
 PEPA. Very artful curate, that, I should like 
 to meet him. 
 
 Mois. Unluckily, as I have already told you, 
 the White Mouse is such an insignificant noth- 
 ing, or does nothing to render herself acceptable 
 or fascinating, and when the curate tried to 
 draw her out before Monsieur Max, oh, so 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 17 
 
 cleverly, and without the least appearance of pre- 
 meditation, so that Monsieur Max might learn 
 she can talk at least, I say, when the curate 
 asked her the other evening, when we were all 
 present, "Mademoiselle Martha, I have forgotten 
 the story of Martin Luther and the origin of the 
 Reformation ; will you please recall it to me ?" 
 [Pepa struggles not to laugh.] Well, what do 
 you think my young lady does but rises and 
 walks straight out of the room without speaking 
 a single word? [Pepa rises, crosses R., and 
 laughs.] 
 
 HER. Oh, Pepa 
 
 PEPA. [Struggling with laughter.] I can't 
 help it ha ha ha I can't indeed ha ha 
 ha Oh, please forgive me ha ha The 
 idea of hanging out Martin Luther as a bait for 
 a matrimonial nibble is too funny ha ha 
 
 HER. Pepa, be serious. 
 
 PEPA. Oh, Monsieur Moisand, you're not on 
 the right track at all marriages are not made 
 that way. 
 
 Mois. Then what's to be done? [Rises, 
 crosses R.] 
 
 PEPA. Let us see how old is the gentleman? 
 
 Mois. Thirty-seven or eight perhaps forty. 
 
 PEPA. Oh, moulting time, that's the best 
 period to catch an [Drops down R. around table] 
 old bird. Now let us think a moment. [Enter 
 
i8 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 Martha C., unobserved.] You say the White 
 Mouse is insignificant. 
 
 Mois. [Seeing Martha.] I wish you would 
 get rid of that convent habit of yours gliding 
 about like a ghost it's most irritating and an- 
 noys me very much. Where's the Countess? 
 
 MAR. Coming. 
 
 Mois. Is Monsieur Max with her? 
 
 MAR. Yes, Monsieur. 
 
 Mois. You see, she actually leaves them to- 
 gether. She has no brains at all. 
 
 PEPA. Where is this terrible fellow Max ? Let 
 me have a peep at him. [Crosses up R. C. to 
 window. Martha drops doivn R. and sits.] 
 
 Mois. [To Her mine.] You see my position 
 now. What am I to do? 
 
 HER. It's most trying. 
 
 PEPA. [Coming dozvn all a-flutter.] Oh, Her- 
 mine 
 
 HER. What's the matter? [Crosses up C.] 
 
 PEPA. Monsieur Moisand, have you a lady's 
 maid in the house? W T here is my reticule? 
 [Crosses L.] 
 
 HER. Pepa, don't fluster me. What is the 
 matter ? 
 
 PEPA. Go and see. [Pushes her up R. and 
 across.] Where is my reticule? Have you any 
 one to brighten us up a bit, and brush the dust 
 off? [To Moisand.] 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 19 
 
 HER. [Coming down.] Pepa, it's Monsieur de 
 Simiers ! 
 
 PEPA. [Still looking.] Of course it is. 
 
 HER. Monsieur Moisand, you have indeed ad- 
 mitted a wolf into your sheepfold. [Crosses 
 down L., then up R. to window again.] 
 
 Mois. Be more explicit, Madame. 
 
 PEPA. She means simply your Monsieur Max 
 is a gentleman who is [Crosses down L.] envied 
 by all young men hated by all old ones adored 
 by all the young ladies and feared by all their 
 mamas. 
 
 Mois. You terrify me. [Backing down L. and 
 up around table.] 
 
 PEPA. Oh, where is your maid? We must 
 never be seen like this. [Crosses up C. to look- 
 ing-glass.] 
 
 HER. No, it would be simply ridiculous. 
 [Crosses down C.] 
 
 PEPA. [Going R.] This way. 
 
 Mois. No no this way, that's my room. 
 [Exit L.] 
 
 PEPA. That way quick quick we have 
 only a few moments. Fancy Monsieur de Simiers 
 this is becoming interesting do be quick. 
 [To Hermine.] Did you bring any perfume? 
 Yes? Thank goodness a few minutes only 
 quick quick. [Pepa and Hermine exit L.] 
 [Enter CLOTILDE and MAX.] 
 
20 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 CLOTILDE, Ah, my friend, you have not 
 changed in the least, you are always the same. 
 Well, Martha, where are my friends? [C.] 
 
 MAR. They have gone to dress their hair. 
 
 CLO. That's all on your account. 
 
 MAX. Do not poke fun at me, please. [Crosses 
 tip L. to other side of table to sofa.} 
 
 CLO. [To Martha.] Come here, child [Martha 
 crosses C.] always this one little rebellious lock 
 not in character with the White Mouse. I 
 think we no longer desire to become a nun, eh ? 
 How old are you, dear? 
 
 MAR. I am seventeen. 
 
 CLO. Seventeen, really seventeen years old 
 it's quite alarming. Now, what is passing 
 there some great secret, eh? Look at her, 
 Max, look at my little White Mouse, ealm as 
 a sphinx and beautiful as youth, unconscious 
 youth that waits and listens for the duties and 
 the messages of time. Ah! my ;child, when I 
 look at you, and think that what you are I once 
 was, from my heart I pray your future may 
 never be what my present is. And still I'll hope, 
 whatever time may bring, you'll love me just a 
 little, will you not? 
 
 MAR. Oh, yes. 
 
 CLO. "Oh, yes." Ha ha ha Do you re- 
 member, Max, when we called twice on her at 
 the convent? 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 21 
 
 MAR. Three times. 
 
 CLO. Three times; oh, yes, three times; and 
 then the Mother Superior thought that a man 
 of the world should not create sensations by 
 entering the home of innocence. That was the 
 penalty you paid for greatness, Max. Why, 
 .vliat's the matter? 
 
 MAX. Matter? Nothing oh, nothing. 
 
 CLO. Why so silent, then? Sulking? Oh, 
 mca culpa, I had forgotten we were going for a 
 ride. [To Martha.] Have you your habit ready ? 
 
 MAR. Yes, Mama. 
 
 CLO. Good; then you will go for a ride. 
 
 MAX. Ach. 
 
 CLO. There's something wrong? 
 
 MAX. No no, I assure you. 
 
 MAR. [To Clotilde.] Do you wish me to go? 
 
 CLO. I have guests, and must remain at home. 
 But that will not prevent Monsieur Max from 
 taking you. He will be only too glad to escort 
 you, I am sure. 
 
 MAX. [Muttering.] Oh, yes yes, to be sure. 
 
 CLO. What's that you say? 
 
 MAX. That to be at her command will give 
 me the greatest pleasure in the world. 
 
 MAR. But if Monsieur de Simiers does not 
 care to go? 
 
 CLO. [To Max.] Not care to go? 
 
22 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAX. On the contrary, I am delighted. Can 
 we get on without a leading rein ? 
 
 CLO. A leading rein indeed. Wait, wait, Max, 
 and you will see you have made a sorry joke. 
 It's much cooler now, so you will have a. delight- 
 ful ride, and a pleasant chat, too, I warrant 
 
 MAX. About old Martin Luther and the 
 Reformation, eh? 
 
 CLO. There, Max, you must not tease her. 
 Run, dear, and change your dress, there's no 
 time to be lost. Seventeen years old! [Exit 
 Martha up R.} Isn't my little White Mouse 
 pretty ? 
 
 MAX. No, candidly, I don't think so. 
 [Crosses C.] 
 
 CLO. Oh oh oh I am afraid you are sulk- 
 ing, Max ; I see you are sulking. 
 
 MAX. I had been reckoning on going out 
 with you, and to be packed off with this White 
 Mouse is is well, it's different. You are posi- 
 tively making me a nurse to that child. 
 
 CLO. The heart of a woman is hidden away 
 in that child. [Crosses down L., sits R. of table.] 
 
 MAX. I prefer the woman with the heart of a 
 child, and the [Crosses down R., sits at table] 
 fact is, I can't see what you find to admire in 
 this monotonous White Mouse. 
 
 CLO. You would if you knew how much I owe 
 to her. Without her, what would have become 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 23 
 
 of me in the unhealthy atmosphere into which 
 my marriage threw me? I cannot tell, I dare 
 not think. Not even your warning voice when 
 you found me going too far and said, "Clotilde, 
 leave that dance for others, you were meant 
 for an honest woman," not even that, I think, 
 would have changed me, it only left me think- 
 ing thinking, but sitting one day in that nerv- 
 ous, depressed state that only we women of the 
 world know, my little White Mouse stole in as 
 noiselessly as a shadow, and twining her arms 
 around my neck, she said, "Mama, don't cry." 
 "Mama!" Ah! that one word made all life seem 
 new for me again, and I saw clearly for the first 
 time we can live for others in this world as well 
 as for ourselves. She took charge of my heart 
 then, Max, and has kept it ever since. Now do 
 you think I will listen to a word against her 
 from one who may leave us at any moment for 
 the gay life he adores? 
 
 MAX. Never never there you are wrong. 
 Paris and parties, conquests and coquettes, are 
 all things of the past. 
 
 CLO. I fear I have no faith in your conversa- 
 tion. 
 
 MAX. Why not? since you yourself are 
 changed ? 
 
 CLO. Sorrow brought me wisdom. 
 
 MAX. Old age has brought it to me. 
 
24 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 CLO. A man should never think of it. 
 
 MAX. If woman would let him forget it. 
 And from my youth, when every woman found 
 in me a likeness to her ideal, your sex has been 
 my idol. 
 
 CLO. Because you have always been the idol 
 of my sex. 
 
 MAX. No, no, not now. I am out of date, out 
 of fashion now, from my name and title to the 
 manner of devotion I show you, for distinction 
 now means vulgar display, and love is discoursed 
 in a jargon of slang. 
 
 CLO. Well, my venerable friend, what has led 
 you to this stage of discontent? [Rises, drops, 
 and sits on end of sofa.] 
 
 MAX. [C.] Two little words. Like a stroke of 
 fate, they changed the whole tenor of my life. 
 Three months ago I was leaving a ball-room, 
 but there, I don't know why I should tell you 
 all this? 
 
 CLO. Why ? Because you said I belong to the 
 Sisterhood, and so it's quite appropriate, go 
 on. You say you were leaving a ball ? 
 
 MAX. Yes, I was coming down-stairs two 
 ladies were in advance of me, and talking to- 
 gether the carpet was thick and they did not 
 hear my footsteps. "Well, my dear," said the 
 first, "you have seen the handsome Max" par- 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 25 
 
 don me, Countess, but I am speaking of three 
 months ago. 
 
 CLO. Yes, I understand. Go on. 
 
 MAX. "Yes," repeated the second; "it's really 
 wonderful; he does not change in the least." 
 "Oh," said the first, "he is still good-looking." 
 Still, what consolation in that adverb! all this 
 I overheard from the landing place beneath, you 
 understand. "He is still good-looking," she went 
 on, "but begins to be a little bit, you know, a 
 little bit old fogey." "Old fogey!" Ah! you 
 smile. So do I now, but not with my heart. 
 "Old fogey!" these two words were like the 
 wave of a magician's wand, that changes all, and 
 with them my old confidence vanished. I be- 
 came as gentle and meek as as well, your 
 White Mouse. 
 
 CLO. You? 
 
 MAX. In a flash, I saw myself old ridicu- 
 lous, and blindly foolish to that fact there was 
 no consolation to me in the thought that "a 
 heart can never grow old," or "a man is as old 
 as he looks." None none. [Drops down R., 
 turning back.] 
 
 CLO. So that is the reason I find you here ? 
 
 MAX. [Continuing his own thought.] Grown 
 old ! my God! grown old ! think of it ! to set 
 your soul at watch upon your body, and live in a 
 continual restraint, to have gained all doubt and 
 
26 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 lost all desire, never again to be thrilled at the 
 touch of a dress, or quiver at an odor's fra- 
 grance, never to treasure a withered flower or 
 weep over a faded ribbon ! "Trifles," you say. 
 Trifles they may be, stupid, tender, ridiculous, 
 but sacred too, Clotilde ; for they make up life. 
 
 CLO. My poor friend ! then how terribly dull 
 you must be here. 
 
 MAX. Pardon me ; you are wrong ; I was never 
 happier. 
 
 CLO. Flatterer ! 
 
 MAX. You have taught me the charm of an 
 intimate confidence, and the calm of a friendly 
 serenity I never knew before. [Crosses up L. 
 to back of sofa.] 
 
 CLO. Max, you must get married. 
 
 MAX. There; I was waiting for that "Get 
 married." I expected it marry the White 
 Mouse, is it not? 
 
 CLO. Why not? 
 
 MAX. A child ? No indeed, I am not as old 
 as that. I'm only thirty hum! thirty-six per- 
 haps no, no, your White Mouse is not for me. 
 In the first place, I have no intention of marry- 
 ing any one indeed I shall never marry never, 
 never and yet there is one woman [Looking 
 with assumed gallantry.] who has made me un- 
 derstand the perfect happiness marriage would 
 bring. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 27 
 
 CLO. Marry her then. 
 
 MAX. I cannot, she is not free. [Aside.] 
 
 CLO. Then, if she is not free, do not think of 
 her any more. [Aside.] But she will never 
 cease to think of you. [Enter Martha, in riding 
 habit.] Ah, Martha! [Crosses up R. .] 
 
 MAX. [A side.}. My fiancee. 
 
 CLO. Turn round, please, very good indeed. 
 How pretty you are, child ! Ah ! Youth ! Youth ! 
 We will show you to these Parisians and let 
 them see [Enter Pepa and Hermine] that in the 
 country ah, here they are [Goes up.] 
 
 PEPA. Ah, my dearest Clotilde, how delighted 
 I am to see you ! 
 
 CLO. Dear Pepa, they did not tell me it was 
 you. [Embracing.] 
 
 HER. I, too, am delighted. 
 
 CLO. My dear friend. [Down L. t seats them.] 
 
 HER. Believe me, I sympathize with your 
 lonely life and trouble. [R.] 
 
 PEPA. Yes, dear, especially with the lonely 
 life fifteen months without seeing Paris! [Sits 
 sofaL.] 
 
 CLO. Except when my lawyer called me, 
 which was rarely. 
 
 HER. You have assumed a noble attitude, 
 Countess, and it becomes you, but it must be 
 dreadful to be thus alone. 
 
 CLO. [Pointing to Martha.] But I am not 
 
28 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 alone. [To Martha up R.] Go, darling; I will 
 join you soon. [Exit Martha. Clotilde drops to 
 chair L. of table R.] 
 
 PEPA. [Pretending to discover Max.] Is it 
 possible? [To Clotilde.] You have, indeed, 
 some one here. Hermine, see Monsieur de 
 Simiers, well, well 
 
 HER. [Feigning surprise.] Monsieur de 
 Simiers. 
 
 PEPA. Here is a surprise, you here. 
 [Together.] 
 
 MAX. Ladies. [Back of table.] 
 
 PEPA. We thought you dead long ago. 
 
 MAX. Not just yet. 
 
 PEPA. So we see. And while we have been 
 regretting you over there you have been hiding 
 away over here. 
 
 MAX. Visiting my neighbor. 
 
 PEPA. A very dangerous neighbor. Take care, 
 Clotilde. [Crosses down R. C.] 
 
 HER. Very dangerous indeed. 
 
 MAX. Nay, I assure you 
 
 PEPA. If I were staying here I would be very 
 careful. 
 
 HER. Pepa 
 
 CLO. What do you mean, if you were stay- 
 ing here ? You are going to remain, I hope. 
 
 PEPA. Monsieur de Simiers would never for- 
 give us. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 29 
 
 HER. I would die sooner than disturb the 
 spell of your idyll. 
 
 CLO. Remain, then, without the least, fear. 
 There is no idyll to disturb. 
 
 HER. Are you sure ? Monsieur de Sirniers is a 
 fascinating man. [Bus. at table.} 
 
 MAX. Madame, I kiss your hand. [H ermine 
 crosses C. Pepa.] 
 
 CLO. Possibly ; but you forget I am not free. 
 
 PEPA. What, not to flirt even a little wee bit ? 
 What stands between your freedom and your 
 will? 
 
 CLO. My duty to myself [Rises and seats 
 H ermine doivn R.] 
 
 [Enter MOISAND.] 
 
 Mois. [Aside to Pepa.] I have sent your lug- 
 gage to your rooms. 
 
 PEPA. [To Moisand.] Thanks. Your daugh- 
 ter is safe on the honor of half a Spaniard. We 
 shall have a bull-fight on a new plan all to our- 
 selves and Monsieur de Simiers shall play the 
 bull, and you shall be the spectator. 
 
 Mois. But Madame de Sagancy 
 
 PEPA. Oh, she will be the red flag to divert 
 his attention wher his addresses become too 
 pressing for me ; then the White Mouse will be 
 the goading dart that drives him mad, till the 
 matador, that is, Pepa Rimband, brings him 
 
30 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 to his knees at my feet. [Drops down L. to sofa 
 with Max.} 
 
 Mois. How happy this will make the good 
 curate ! I must run and tell him. 
 [MARTHA enters.] 
 
 MAR. [To Clotilde.] Here is a telegram. 
 
 CLO. For me ? 
 
 MAR. Yes, from Paris 
 
 CLO. Dear me! more excitement in a few 
 hours today than [Crosses up C. with back to 
 audience] we've had before in fifteen months. 
 Ah [Reading telegram.] 
 
 Mois. What does it say? [Down C.] 
 
 CLO. I must leave at once. [Turning.] 
 
 ALL. At once? 
 
 CLO. Yes, at once. 
 
 Mois. Is it from the lawyer? 
 
 CLO. Yes. 
 
 MAX. May I not accompany you ? [Down C. 
 with back to audience.] 
 
 CLO. To the train, yes. Perhaps my friends 
 will come, too. They can go on from there to the 
 village fair. Max, you must show them all the 
 country can boast in the way of excitement ; and 
 don't let them weary till I return. [Crosses 
 
 Mois. Oh, he wont ; neither will I. [Moisand 
 and H ermine C.] 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 31 
 
 PEPA. [To Max.] You hear your instructions, 
 Monsieur ? 
 
 MAX. I foresee a delight. 
 MAR. [To Clotilde.] What have you learned? 
 CLO. Much, oh, so much, to hope, to hope. 
 [CURTAIN.] 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 [At rise, MARTHA discovered sketching. MAX 
 
 and PEPA enter noisily without seeing 
 
 MARTHA.] 
 
 PEPA. Did you think it was too long? For 
 myself, I am disappointed. The gipsy woman 
 was going to tell me my fortune; and I wanted 
 to see Eulalie, the strong woman of the W^st. 
 [Crosses R. to looking-glass. Drops doum R. 
 arranging flowers. Sits in chair.] 
 
 MAX. But Madame Sagancy was tired. 
 [Crosses to L.] 
 
 PEPA. Oh, she is always tired. She must 
 have been overworked in a former existence. 
 [Sits.} 
 
 [HERMINE enters and overhears.] 
 
 HER. Every one has not your robust consti- 
 tution, my dear. [Drops to chair R.] 
 
 PEPA. No ; I wish every one had, my darling. 
 
 MAX. [Aside.] How they love each other ! 
 
32 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 HER. Ever since the Countess left, a week 
 ago, we have been every day to that horrid vil- 
 lage fair. We have seen all the monstrosities, 
 strong women, long women, thick women and 
 skeletons. Yet you are not satisfied, Pepa? 
 Enough is as good as a feast, say I; and don't 
 you think so, Monsieur de Simiers? 
 
 MAX. [Who has been emptying his pockets.] 
 Eh? I beg your pardon 
 
 PEPA. You are far too delicate, my dear. 
 HER. Some people are not delicate enough, 
 my darling. 
 
 PEPA. [Crosses to L.] Monsieur de Simiers, 
 what on earth are you doing? What are these 
 things ? 
 
 MAX. The prizes I won at the fair. 
 PEPA. Oh, I've an idea; let us get up a raf- 
 fle, shall we? 
 
 MAX. Anything to afford amusement I am 
 willing. [Crosses to center.] 
 
 HER. [To Ma.r.] Tell me, Monsieur de Sim- 
 iers 
 
 MAX. [To H ermine.] Madame [Crosses 
 C. R.] 
 
 PEPA. [Interrupting.] Don't forget you give 
 me my first swimming lesson in half an hour. 
 [Down L. at table.] 
 MAX. Forget? No, indeed. 
 HER. Pepa, you ought to wait a little. It is 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 33 
 
 injurious to enter the water so soon after lunch. 
 
 PEPA. I appreciate your kindness, dear, but 
 your advice would be just as appropriate after 
 dinner. 
 
 HER. But if you wait Monsieur de Simiers 
 might read us something from his favorite poet. 
 [Sitting L. of table R.] 
 
 MAX. I am entirely at your disposal. 
 
 PEPA. I am sure you would much rather have 
 a game of tennis. [Rises and drops dozvn L.] 
 
 MAX. By all means come along. 
 
 HER. You are always on the move, Pepa. I 
 suppose you wish to reduce your robust figure. 
 
 PEPA. Robust? Only twenty-five inches round 
 the waist, not more than you, dear. 
 
 HER. Oh, my darling 
 
 PEPA. Why do you say "Oh"? I know ex- 
 actly. We have the same dressmaker 
 
 HER. Possibly, but not the same dress. 
 
 PEPA. Well, I should hope not. But you 
 wouldn't put me in short clothes, would you? 
 Will you measure us? [To Max.] 
 
 MAX. Entirely at your service in that, as in 
 everything else. 
 
 PEPA. [Looking around.} I wonder if they 
 have a yard measure [Crosses C. around above 
 table L.] or a piece of string or tape. Hello, 
 here's the White Mouse hiding in a corner as 
 usual eh, what's this I see? my novel. Well, 
 
34 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 well, well, would you believe it? [Crosses to C. 
 to Max.] 
 
 MAX. Why not? 
 
 PEP A. "Why not"? Well, because it's mine, 
 and it's Parisian and it's better suited for you 
 and me. Give it to me, child oh, she's reading 
 it upside down she's safe. [Crosses L., takes 
 book, drops below table. Martha crosses R. C.] 
 
 MAX. I am not so sure of that she may 
 have been trying to understand it. [Crosses 
 down L.] 
 
 PEPA. You mean 
 
 MAX. [Taking book.] That like most au- 
 thors this one may have represented in his pages 
 Truth standing on her head, and the White Mouse 
 for propriety has turned the book the other way. 
 [Crosses to table L.] 
 
 PEPA. [To Martha.] Let me take your belt. 
 [Crosses up R. C.] 
 
 MAR. Oh, no 
 
 PEPA. Just for a minute you shall have it 
 again at once. [Takes it and tries it round her 
 ivaist. C. L. to Max with belt.] 
 
 HER. It's too short for you, dear 
 
 PEPA. For me? For me? Yes, for you, too, 
 darling. We have not a fairy waist like that 
 one. [Indicating Martha.] 
 
 MAX. Nor should you. That's a child's size. 
 
 PEPA. [Martha going.] You are a tease. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 35 
 
 [Sees ribbon on Martha's hair.} Ah, that rib- 
 bon, the very thing. 
 
 MAR. Oh, please don't, my hair will come 
 down. 
 
 PEPA. It's all right, dear, don't be afraid. 
 [Takes ribbon from hair, which tumbles down.} 
 Oh, my, look at that. 
 
 [Enter MOISAND R.] 
 
 Mois. Martha, I am shocked. It's quite in- 
 decent. You are a very tomboy. 
 
 MAR. But, indeed, it's not my fault. 
 
 PEPA. Ah! as soft as eiderdown. Monsieur 
 de Simiers, do look. 
 
 MAX. [Mockingly.] A perfect nest of dreams. 
 [Exit MARTHA, hastily, L.} 
 
 PEPA. [Laughing.] Poor White Mouse! 
 She is indeed easily frightened. [Offering Max 
 ribbon.] Now, if you please, twenty-five, you 
 know. I say, Hermine! [Moisand at back, 
 shocked. Down R. C. Max crosses R. to C.] 
 Now measure me. 
 
 HER. Oh, I prefer to give you the victory. 
 
 PEPA. [Center, back to audience.] Ah! Ah! 
 She gives in. You are witness, she has lost. 
 
 MAX. [Crosses to R. C. E.] No, indeed I 
 am the real loser. But what about our game of 
 tennis? [Moisand drops L.] 
 
 PEPA. Oh, yes, go and find the rackets. 
 [Crosses up L., then back R. C.] 
 
36 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAX. At once. [Going R.] 
 
 HER. Monsieur de Simiers, will you kindly 
 bring me my fan ? 
 
 MAX. With pleasure. [Crosses back L.] 
 
 Mois. Monsieur de Simiers, find the White 
 Mouse ; she will count the points for you. 
 
 PEPA. I am waiting for you, Monsieur de 
 Simiers. 
 
 HER. Don't forget my fan, Monsieur de Sim- 
 iers. 
 
 MAX. At your elbow. What's the matter 
 with them all? [Exit R.] 
 
 PEPA. [To H ermine. Positions.] Now, my 
 dear, look here are you going to mind your 
 own business or are you not? [Down R. to 
 H ermine.] 
 
 HER. What do you mean? 
 
 PEPA. It does not matter to me in the least 
 what you do. But if you mean to interfere with 
 my plans say so, only don't say one thing and 
 do another. 
 
 HER. I really don't understand you. 
 
 PEPA. [C.] Oh, yes, you do; that's fudge 
 it's "Monsieur de Simiers, come here," and 
 "Monsieur de Simiers, go there," "Give me your 
 arm," "Pass me that footstool," "Bring me my 
 fan," don't you think I see through your little 
 game ? 
 
 Mois. Ladies, ladies ! [Rises.] 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 37 
 
 HER. Why do you blame me for your failure ? 
 
 Mois. My dear! my dear! 
 
 PEPA. My failure? 
 
 HER. Your failure. He is quite indifferent 
 to you ; you can't deny it. 
 
 PEPA. Indifferent? 
 
 HER. Monsieur Moisand, am I not right? 
 
 Mois. Perhaps he is a little cold. 
 
 PEPA. And if he is, whose fault is it, pray? 
 [Crosses down L. to Moisand.] 
 
 Mois. Why Clotilde's. It's because he loves 
 Clotilde, and she loves him. 
 
 PEPA. He loves her, and she loves him 
 pooh! I think if she loved him she might have 
 written him a letter since she left, or he might 
 have asked after her once at least no, it's another 
 case of "out of sight, out of mind." It's an old 
 saying, "Men were deceivers ever." 
 
 HER. You had better remember that yourself, 
 my dear, for Monsieur de Simiers is a very dan- 
 gerous man. 
 
 PEPA. He dangerous? For eight days he has 
 been alone here with two unprotected women 
 and 
 
 HER. Oh, I'm nobody, I don't count. 
 
 PEPA. No, I didn't count you. I was reckon- 
 ing Martha, who ought to be included. Well, 
 after having the field all to himself, he doesn't 
 make love to either of us. You call that being 
 
3 3 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 a dangerous man. I confess I don't understand. 
 Is he blase, or bashful, or what? If there is no 
 attraction for him here, why does he stay? 
 
 Mois. Waiting for Clotilde to come back, I 
 feel sure. Can nothing be done? [Sits L. sofa.] 
 
 PEPA. Well, if my latest plans fail, then I 
 shall be indeed discouraged and say no. [Down 
 L. to table.] 
 
 Mois. Your latest plans? 
 
 PEPA. Yes. I mean to dress all in white, 
 that, he told me, was his favorite color. 
 
 HER. [Aside.] Oh, did he? I must remem- 
 ber that. 
 
 PEPA. Then, in the summer house, I but no, 
 I mustn't tell [C.] you more at present. Still I 
 may say, if there is anything human in him I 
 can't see how he will be able to resist. Then 
 when we go for a swim I am going to be 
 drowned. 
 
 Mois. and HER. What? 
 
 PEPA. Oh, I assure you when drowned I am 
 simply irresistible. I've tried it. Well, I get 
 drowned he saves me I faint he revives me. 
 Then when I've recovered my senses provided 
 he has not entirely lost his by that time he 
 proposes to me, and I accept. What do you 
 think of my plan? \Max calls off, "Mademoi- 
 selle Pepa!" H ermine rises, crosses L. Moi- 
 sand L. also.] 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 39 
 
 PEPA. Oh, the tennis. I am coming. [R.] 
 Not a word to any one, and you, Hermine, inter- 
 fere or not just as you please, only if you in- 
 tend to do so let me know. 
 
 [MARTHA appears at R. center.] 
 
 MAR. [Offering racket.] Mademoiselle. 
 
 PEPA. I am coining. I'll give you fifteen 
 points. [Calling back to Hermine.] You will 
 let me know your decision, dear. [Exit ivith 
 Martha.] 
 
 HER. [To Moisand.] Have I the air of a 
 meddler, I ask you? [Hermine looks off after 
 Pepa during Moisand' s aside.} 
 
 Mois. The idea of such a thing! [Aside.] 
 The good curate said to me, "If one doesn't 
 succeed perhaps the other may," so I shall give 
 this one a chance. [Aloud.] Of course, my 
 dear, you can't prohibit the gentleman from ad- 
 miring you, now can you? 
 
 HER. Oh, Monsier Moisand, it isn't that 
 but if Pepa doesn't succeed she must blame her- 
 self for the stupid way in which she has set to 
 work. 
 
 PEPA. [Aside, reappearing at back.] Oh, 
 thank you, my dear 
 
 HER. She ought to have captivated him with 
 sentiment, but that quality and Pepa 
 
 PEPA. [Aside at back.} Are strangers, thank 
 heaven. 
 
40 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 HER. She is pleasing up to a certain point, 
 but she has no real attractions. 
 
 PEPA. [Aside at back.] Oh, no attractions, 
 haven't I? Wait, wait, Madame. 
 
 MAR. [Outside.] Now, Mademoiselle, it's 
 your turn. 
 
 HER. Come, Monsieur, between ourselves, do 
 you really think that Pepa is attractive? [Crosses 
 to L., sees Pepa, falls into Moisand's amis.] 
 
 PEPA. [Coming down.] Possibly I am not 
 the one he loves, but I am sure, attractive or no, 
 Monsieur de Simiers prefers me to you. [Dur- 
 ing this scene Mois. drops above table behind 
 vase of roses.] 
 
 MAR. [Entering.] Mademoiselle, we are 
 waiting for you. 
 
 PEPA. You play for me. [Exit Martha.] 
 
 HER. If I were vain I might say Monsieur 
 de Simiers is partial to me. 
 
 PEPA. Oh, well, if you are sure of it, and are 
 anxious to interfere, I wash my hands of the 
 entire affair. 
 
 HER. But I have no wish to interfere. [Sits 
 sofa. ] 
 
 Mois. Ladies, ladies ! 
 
 HER. All I say is, I am anxious to see how 
 you will succeed. 
 
 PEPA. Oh, you shall see. 
 
 HER. I hope so. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 41 
 
 PEPA. I promise you. [Crosses R.] 
 [Enter MARTHA.] 
 
 MAR. It's all over. [Sits in chair R.] 
 
 PEPA. Already ? 
 
 MAR. You have won, Mademoiselle Pepa. 
 
 PEPA. Oh, but you did it all. 
 [Enter MAX.] 
 
 MAX. [To Pepa.] I've lost. I'm at your 
 mercy. What are your demands? 
 
 PEPA. That the conquered embrace the con- 
 queror. 
 
 MAX. [Going to her.] In that way you make 
 me the real victor. 
 
 PEPA. No, no, not me; it's the White Mouse 
 who won the game embrace her. [Rising.] 
 
 [Moisaud expostulates.] 
 
 MAX. [Crosses to Moisand.] Never fear, sir. 
 You are right, one should always spare the 
 children. [Martha sits.] [To Pepa.] I demand 
 my revenge on the same condition, but you must 
 play fair next time. [Martha crosses to R. chair 
 L. of table. Moisand crosses up R. Max above 
 table L.] 
 
 PEPA. I promise after the swimming .esson. 
 Xow I am going to [Crosses C.] dress [Aside.] 
 in white. Are you coming, Hermine? Come 
 along. [Passing by table on which Max's prizes 
 are lying.] Oh, by the by, our raffle what 
 about it? 
 
42 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAX. Do you think the prizes are worth the 
 trouble? Let me distribute them among you 
 now. [Gives Moisand a long stick of candy.] 
 Monsieur 
 
 Alois. [Biting it.] Peppermint. [Crosses 
 L. up L.] 
 
 PEPA. For his second childhood. 
 
 MAX. [Gives her macaroons.] Mademoiselle 
 Pepa 
 
 HER. Something to eat for her, of course. 
 [Rises, crosses R.] 
 
 PEPA. Oh, they are good. [Eating them. Up 
 door L.] 
 
 MAX. [Gives Her mine toy dog and immor- 
 telles.] Madame immortell 
 
 PEPA. [Laughing aside.] Bow-wow-wow fo 
 the baby ! 
 
 HER. [To Pepa.] He wants me to live for- 
 ever. [Up door L.] 
 
 PEPA. Not at all he's buried you. [E.ruent 
 Moisand, Pepa, H 'ermine, with laugh.] 
 
 [Lights gradually lowered to gloaming at end 
 of act.] 
 
 MAX. [To Martha.] Don't think I've for- 
 gotten you, Miss White [Crosses to her.] Mouse. 
 [Offering doll.] This is yours by rights. She 
 can speak, too, -see [Presses doll.} Couie 
 couie [Puts it in her hand.] Isn't he a 
 beauty ? 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 43 
 
 MAR. [Lowering her head.] Oh, Monsieur 
 [Drops doll] 
 
 MAX. [Picking it up.] Oh, dear me, you 
 "must not break your toys ; that's a very naughty 
 White Mouse. 
 
 MAR. My name is Martha de Berron, Mon- 
 sieur. 
 
 MAX. [Surprised.] Really, I I beg your 
 pardon, Mademoiselle Martha [Pause. Exit 
 Martha up L] 
 
 MAX. Good gracious, who would have ex- 
 pected this from the White Mouse? "My name 
 is Martha de Berron, Monsieur!" She really 
 said that! ha! ha! ha! upon my word, she 
 was quite furious. Well, she ought to detest 
 me; it's true I do tease her dreadfully. Why? 
 I suppose because it's amusing one can see into 
 these little girls' hearts. [Enter H ermine.] Hum 
 here is some one more opaque. [Down R.] 
 
 HER. [Mysteriously.] Is Pepa here? 
 
 MAX. Here? Why, you only went out to- 
 gether a moment since. 
 
 HER. Are you not expecting her? 
 
 MAX. I? 
 
 HER. Of course. 
 
 MAX. Why "of course"? 
 
 HER. Then I may come in? [Coming down.] 
 
 MAX. [Aside.] Now, what does she want? 
 
44 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 HER. [Seating herself, L.] Are you positive I 
 am not in the way? 
 
 MAX. Ah, Madame, how could you be? 
 
 HER. It's quite plain Pepa is infatuated with 
 you, and you pretend not to observe it, but I 
 can see through it. Pepa is not so insignificant 
 as all that. 
 
 MAX. Insignificant indeed! I should think 
 not! [Aside.] I wonder if she came to plead 
 her friend's cause. 
 
 HER. How dreadfully dull you are! Our 
 society must have deadened your wits. You 
 can't deny Pepa attracts you, and she has 
 plenty of spirits. 
 
 MAX. Spirits, Oh, yes, of a certain 
 
 HER. Oh, we won't discuss the question of 
 quality, which, I dare say, is a trifle vulgar, 
 but that she has inherited. 
 
 MAX. Is that all she has inherited? 
 
 HER. Don't you think she is pretty? 
 
 MAX. Oh, very pretty. 
 
 HER. Lovely, if you prefer it. Perhaps with 
 a little more waist, though, she would be im- 
 proved. The waist, or want of waist, spoils her. 
 She thinks to compress it is to improve it. 
 
 MAX. [Aside.] Save us from our friends ! 
 [Aloud.] So she really indulges in repression? 
 
 HER. Compression. Poor creature! don't you 
 see how she walks? Why, I remember one day, 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 45 
 
 but no ; really I can't tell that, it would not be 
 just. The oh, no, really I can't. 
 
 MAX. Oh, do tell me won't you? [Aside.] 
 She only wants a chance. 
 
 HER. After all, it is not anything very much. 
 One day we went to the dressmaker's together, 
 and I saw there I seem to be making fun of 
 my friend, don't I. But in reality I envy her 
 all the time if for nothing else, her power of 
 sleeping and her gigantic appetite and yet, poor 
 Pepa! I very much doubt if she will ever real- 
 ize your ideal. [Rises, crosses to sofa.] 
 
 MAX. [Laughing.] The fact is, that for one's 
 ideal she is rather 
 
 HER. Plump, eh? Yes, you are right. Ah, 
 Monsieur de Simiers, I [Coming to him] under- 
 stand your feelings well enough, for I possess 
 the same nature as yourself moved by the same 
 likes and dislikes, I feel it, I know it. Didn't 
 I find you yesterday gazing at the pensive moon ? 
 
 MAX. Yesterday ? 
 
 HER. Yes, at twilight, in the woods, at the 
 time that Pepa was still eating pudding? 
 
 MAX. Oh, yes, I remember; I was enjoying 
 my cigar. [Down R. C.] 
 
 HER. Ah, it was sublime, was it not? Will 
 you gaze at it again tonight? [Up C.] 
 
 MAX. Will you? [Turns to her.] 
 
 HER. Ah, Monsieur de Simiers, I am a woman 
 
46 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 you can trust, you can pour out your heart to 
 me. Then it is understood, in the woods, to- 
 night 
 
 MAX. Tonight. 
 
 HER. [Holding out her hand.] Are we friends? 
 
 MAX. [Taking her hand.] Friends [She 
 starts.] why, what is the matter? 
 
 HER. I am always the same at the slightest 
 emotion. I have always those dreadful palpita- 
 tions. 
 
 MAX. Really, can I [Enter Pepa L.] 
 
 HER. Feel [Business drops L.] Not now, 
 tonight, you'll not forget, tonight. [Crosses 
 upR.] 
 
 [Exit, without seeing PEPA.] 
 [PEPA looks amazed after her.} 
 
 MAX. The silly old fool! [Sees Pepa.] Ah, 
 here's the other one, I wonder what she has to 
 say for herself. 
 
 PEPA. Well, are you caught? 
 
 MAX. Caught? By what? 
 
 PEPA. Rickets, the languishing lady that just 
 left, oh, you [Crosses R. and sits at table] may 
 as well out with it. She's been trying her fasci- 
 nations upon you come now confess it. 
 
 MAX. [Aside.] This is the way the other one 
 began, I'm in for it again. [Down L.] 
 
 PEPA. Morphine and melancholy! Pepsin 
 and poetry ! Oh ! I know her fetching way. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 47 
 
 MAX. Surely, Mademoiselle Pepa, she could 
 not invent all her ailments. [Back C.] 
 
 PEPA. Ha! ha! did she go in for her palpi- 
 tations too? and her poor heart? "Feel how 
 it beats!" and you did it wasn't difficult 
 
 MAX. [Laughing.] Ah! Ah! 
 
 PEPA. [Laughing.] Oh, not another word, or 
 I may be tempted to reveal a secret, for we both 
 employ the same dressmaker. 
 
 MAX. [Laughing.] And you went with her 
 there one day? 
 
 PEPA. Yes; about a year ago, when she was 
 still living with her husband. 
 
 MAX. [Drawing her on.] And you found? 
 
 PEPA. Ha ! ha ! poor Monsieur Max, you are 
 easily infatuated but with what? the padding 
 or the lady? But there, I won't say any more. 
 It seems you have a weakness for ladies of a cer- 
 tain age. 
 
 MAX. Alas, Mademoiselle, I also am a gentle- 
 man of a certain age. My courting days are 
 over. [Crosses down L.] 
 
 PEPA. Is that modesty or prudence? [Crosses 
 C. to Max.} Do you know, Monsieur de Simiers, 
 that your actions have to a certain extent com- 
 promised me? 
 
 MAX. You? Oh, surely not. [Crosses C.] 
 
 PEPA. Look here, you are not altogether what 
 people suppose you to be, are you honest ? 
 
48 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAX. You shall be the judge. 
 
 PEP A. Of your honesty? No, thank you. 
 [Crosses L.} But stay well yes let me see 
 your hand. [Back to C.} 
 
 MAX. My hand? 
 
 PEPA. Oh, don't be afraid ; I won't eat it. 
 
 MAX. [Offering hand.} Afraid, indeed. 
 
 PEPA. [Examinging his hand.] Dear, dear! oh, 
 I am not pitying you. 
 
 MAX. But what do you see ? 
 
 PEPA. Look here; do you see this line which 
 crosses the hollow of your palm ? 
 
 MAX. Yes, what does that denote? 
 
 PEPA. Ah, ha! that signifies a tender affec- 
 tion felt for some one who is not far off 
 and who . No, I won't tell you ; all I need say 
 is that you are not to be pitied at all. 
 
 MAX. Do I know the lady? 
 
 PEPA. Yes. 
 
 MAX. Is she pretty? 
 
 PEPA. [Bashfully.] Yes. 
 
 MAX. Young? 
 
 PEPA. Oh, yes. 
 
 MAX. A woman of experience? 
 
 PEPA. Most decidedly. 
 
 MAX. Ah, indeed! that will simplify matters. 
 
 PEPA. Ah! No! No! No! 
 
 MAX. At least, say, is she present now? 
 
 PEPA. [Going.] Guess, guess. [Aside.] I 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 49 
 
 have succeeded as far as possible in this dress, 
 now I'll put on my white one [Aloud.] You 
 must guess guess my friend. [Exit up L.] 
 
 MAX. Ah ! these women ! what flirts ! what 
 coquettes ! They would entice one on lead him 
 to the brink and then well, I should not com- 
 plain, it's delightful even to be laughed at by a 
 woman! They play with you as a cat does with 
 a mouse. [Down R. Enter Martha, looking for 
 something on the floor.] And, talking of a mouse, 
 "My name is Martha de Berron, Monsieur" 
 and how very well she said it, too! I wonder 
 what she's looking for? [To Martha, who rises 
 and works around table to C.] Have you lost 
 anything, Mademoiselle Martha de Berron? 
 [Aside.] She's not forgiven me for offering 
 that doll [Aloud.] I fear, by your anxiety, 
 you have lost something of great value a jewel 
 or a trinket, or perhaps your sketch-book. 
 [DownL.] 
 
 MAR. [Anxiously searching.] It must have 
 dropped from my pocket when I was playing 
 tennis. 
 
 MAX. [Mockingly.] Oh, then, it was the mys- 
 terious sketch-book. I can understand your 
 anxiety. [Aside.] I dare say it contains my 
 caricature, among others. [Aloud.] Will you 
 allow me to assist you ? 
 
 MAR. [Agitated.] Oh, no, no, no 
 
50 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAX. [Mockingly.] I fear you are still cross 
 with me, and that is hardly generous, Ma- 
 demoiselle Martha de Berron; please observe 
 that I am very careful not to call you "White 
 Mouse." No, I have trapped the mouse, shut 
 up the doll, and withdrew everything ; and if my 
 presence now displeases you, I will withdraw 
 that too. Henceforth I promise to treat you with 
 that regard which is worthy your age and im- 
 portance. [During this speech Martha has grad- 
 ually sunk on a chair, C., her head lowered, she 
 now covers her face with her hands, and bursts 
 into tears.] What! are you really crying? 
 " White Mouse " Martha Mademoiselle de 
 Berron what is the matter? 
 
 MAR. [Endeavoring to go.] Nothing ; nothing 
 at all. 
 
 MAX. [Stopping her.] But you can tell me. 
 
 MAR. No, it is nothing, please let me go. 
 
 MAX. By no means, not until I know the real 
 reason. Is it on account of the doll ? That was 
 only meant as a joke, not to be taken seriously. 
 [Martha sobs.] Do think I was only jesting 
 [Martha sits] come, come, my child; let us be 
 friends again, and make peace. I am at my wits' 
 end, what am I to do? [Sees doll on table, 
 takes it and presents it to her.] Come ; you must 
 accept it 
 
 MAR. [Gently repulsing.] Ah, Monsieur 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 51 
 
 MAX. Indeed I am in earnest, take it, just 
 to show you understand the joke, accept it; and 
 if I ever say or do anything in future to dis- 
 please you, do this [Presses doll's chest, "choic 
 choic"], and I'll know what you mean. 
 
 MAR. [Boldly speaking out.] Monsieur de 
 Sinners, what have I ever done to you, what 
 quarrel have you with me that you should treat 
 me so ? 
 
 MAX. I? I do nothing more to you than I 
 do to any one else, child. 
 
 MAR. To every one else that's true. 
 
 MAX. Then why should you be unhappy? 
 
 MAR. Why? Because I have never anything 
 said to me that does not pain or humiliate me; 
 even you always call me by a nickname 
 
 MAX. But that I have entirely withdrawn. 
 
 MAR. And you give me children's toys. 
 
 MAX. These I have also withdrawn. 
 
 MAR. You tease me, and you persecute me, 
 and, in fact, you detest 
 
 MAX. Oh! oh! oh! 
 
 MAR. Yes, yes, it is so ; but you will not have 
 to endure my presence much longer, for I will 
 soon re-enter a convent. 
 
 MAX. What? 
 
 MAR. Oh, I am quite aware that I am a person 
 of neither age nor importance a nonentity a 
 Cinderella 
 
52 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAX. [More seriously.] Well, really I would 
 hardly have believed that such a simple joke 
 would have 
 
 MAR. "Such a simple joke !" no indeed ! But 
 can't you understand that in this house I have 
 no heartfelt place? What might be bearable in 
 another position becomes endurable in mine. 
 I quite understand that most people could not 
 comprehend my feelings but I did think I did 
 hope that you oh! oh! oh! it's wicked! 
 it's past endurance! [Bursts into tears.] 
 
 MAX. [Earnestly for the first time.] You are 
 quite right, young lady. It is unjust, and I have 
 only this poor excuse to offer, that I did not 
 understand you. I thought I was only joking 
 with your pride, when in reality I was paining 
 you to the heart. My conduct was neither gen- 
 erous nor wise, and I hope you do not think I 
 acted conscious of what I did. [Pause.] Say 
 say you do not believe that 
 
 MAR. [Through her tears.] No, Monsieur 
 Max. 
 
 MAX. I saw you always so young it seemed 
 to me that In fact, the woman's nature was 
 obscured by the child's ; do you understand ? 
 
 MAR. [As before.] Yes, Monsieur Max. 
 
 MAX. And my repentance is sincere, I assure 
 you ; and well, can I say more ? 
 
 MAR. [As before.] No, Monsieur Max. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 53 
 
 MAX. Well, then, do not punish me too severe- 
 ly for my blunder, and do not cry any more, 
 and look at me, that I may read my pardon in 
 your eyes. Come; show me some mercy, my 
 little White Mouse. 
 
 MAR. [Presses doll's chest without turning her 
 head "Choic choic."] 
 
 MAX. [Joyfully.] Oh, then, you do pardon 
 me, Mademoiselle Martha, and you see my error 
 was all a mistake. 
 
 MAR. [Slowly looking round.] Then you do 
 not really detest me ? 
 
 MAX. Indeed, indeed, it is rather you who 
 have reason to hate me 
 
 MAR. And you do not think me silly and sensi- 
 tive? 
 
 MAX. Of course not. 
 
 MAR. Not to have so complained and so re- 
 proached you? 
 
 MAX. [Unconsciously falling in love.] Not at 
 all [Aside.] She has the virtues of both woman 
 and child ! a remarkable mingling of the two ! 
 quite wonderful! 
 
 MAR. I hardly know how I came to tell you all 
 this except that my heart was so full it over- 
 flowed. 
 
 MAX. On the contrary, I can't see how I came 
 to provoke you so ; I ought to have known better 
 
54 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 than to have acted thus to a fine young lady of 
 seventeen 
 
 MAR. Eighteen. 
 
 MAX. Eighteen! is it possible? Then I am 
 still more culpable. But let the past be for- 
 gotten, and let us shake hands. What, will you 
 not shake hands? [Takes hand.] How you 
 tremble! then I I frighten you 
 
 MAR. Yes oh, yes 
 
 MAX. Please don't say so. My only wish 
 is that we may become true friends and never 
 refer to the past and, above all, never talk of 
 re-entering a convent. Promise me you will 
 abandon that idea. 
 
 MAR. But is it necessary, I must go some- 
 where, Monsieur Max. 
 
 MAX. Why there ? 
 
 MAR. Because I have friends there who love 
 me 
 
 MAX. [Quickly.] Oh! and here as well. 
 [Slowly.] I dare not refer to myself, for our 
 friendship is so newly founded, but Clotilde 
 
 MAR. Oh, Clotilde will soon be a widow and 
 then she will marry again. Widows always do, 
 don't they? 
 
 MAX. Yes, and you will marry too. 
 
 MAR. Never! the convent shall be my home. 
 
 MAX. Come, come; don't talk of renouncing 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 55 
 
 the pleasures of life before you have had expe- 
 rience of them. 
 
 MAR. No, I am not fated to be happy. 
 
 MAX. How can you possibly tell? 
 
 MAR. [As if thinking aloud.] OK, I have 
 known exactly what my future life would be, 
 have known it for a long time, ever since my 
 poor mother died. Ah, Monsieur Max, I was 
 but a little child then, but how well I remember 
 the day. They had placed me on the bed beside 
 her. I can still see it all, she was pale, oh, 
 so pale, and her large tender eyes were fixed 
 upon me, already clouded with the dews of 
 death. She did not speak a word for some 
 time, though her eyes never quitted me for a 
 moment, then slowly to herself she said, quite 
 softly, "Martha, my poor child! my poor 
 little child!" then I heard no more but a sob 
 and her hand dropped on the coverlet and I 
 was led away "My poor little child !" These 
 were my mother's last words, Monsieur Max, 
 and I've often repeated them since. Ah! you 
 see it's far better that I should re-enter the con- 
 vent. 
 
 MAX. [To himself.] "Poor little child!" 
 
 MAR. Am I not right? 
 
 MAX. No, no, certainly not by no means 
 I can't possibly agree with you a convent in- 
 
56 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 deed! it's horrible even to think ofl I only 
 visited the one you were in twice 
 
 MAR. Three times. 
 
 MAX. Oh, was it three times? But the thick 
 walls the gratings the bare idea is enough 
 burr-r-r And why should you enter it ? You 
 have had no experience of the world yet I say? 
 
 MAR. Possibly I've not seen much actual expe- 
 rience, Monsieur, but I have imagined a great 
 deal, oh, yes, indeed. 
 
 MAX. [Aside.] Just like a woman ! [Aloud.] 
 And you have come to the conclusion that a 
 man's dress would be becoming? 
 
 MAR. [Reproachfully.] Oh, Monsieur Max. 
 
 MAX. Well, then, what is your real reason for 
 seeking to enter a convent, something roman- 
 tic, eh? 
 
 MAR. No, no; really, it's only 
 
 MAX. Ah, then you admit there is a reason 
 [Aside.] This is becoming amusing. [A loud.] 
 Won't you confide in me ? 
 
 MAR. [Embarrassed.] Well, then, Monsieur 
 Max, the fact is, we have made a vow 
 
 MAX. "We"? Who do you mean? 
 
 MAR. Two friends of mine, in the convent, 
 and myself Cecile d'Evey and Regina de Mon- 
 terey. 
 
 MAX. "Regina" a tall, dark girl very 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 57 
 
 pretty, who was in the reception room the last 
 time I called? 
 
 MAR. The last time? Oh, every time, she 
 and some of the other girls contrived to be there 
 whenever you came and I may tell you they 
 kr.n\\- you quite well by reputation. 
 
 MAX. Me? How? By what means? 
 
 MAR. Through their friends, who brought 
 tlicm ncwspapeis with reports all about you. 
 
 MAX. Is it possible? And you say they know 
 all about me? 
 
 MAR. Everything. 
 
 MAX. Hum! [Aside.] Then they had plenty 
 to remember. 
 
 MAR. Well, the last time you came was soon 
 after your duel and then oh ! wasn't there ex- 
 citement! You must remember the time, 
 your duel with the Volunteer, I mean 
 
 MAX. [Embarrassed.] The Vol hum! 
 oh, yes ! But you were going to tell me about 
 the vow you made, how about that? What 
 was it? 
 
 MAR. Well, we pledged ourselves. Ah, but 
 you must promise not to make fun of me, Mon- 
 sieur Max. 
 
 MAX. Now it's you who are beginning to 
 tease me you say you pledged yourselves 
 
 MAR. That after we left the convent we would 
 remain in the outside world one year, but at 
 
58 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 the termination of that period, provided we had 
 become disgusted with what we had experienced, 
 we would re-enter it forever. 
 
 MAX. [Aside.} This child is quite a curios- 
 ity [Aloud.} You did not allow yourself too 
 much time. What became of the others Ma- 
 demoiselle Cecile 
 
 MAR. Oh, she has only left the convent six 
 months. 
 
 MAX. But remains outside its walls, eh? 
 
 MAR. Yes, at least she did the last time I saw 
 her she was dressed in the latest fashion 
 
 MAX. Ah, indeed! 
 
 MAR. She spoke of nothing but garden parties 
 and balls. She told me she was trying to dis- 
 cover if it was really her vocation, but I should 
 have been afraid. 
 
 MAX. Yes, yes, Mademoiselle; that's right- 
 there is no need for you to make any such ex- 
 periments. Now tell me about Mademoiselle 
 Regina. 
 
 MAR. Oh, she has married. 
 
 MAX. Ah, I thought so. Well, one out of 
 three is not a large per cent. 
 
 MAR. She married her cousin. 
 
 MAX. Oh, yes, they always do. 
 
 MAR. Such a charming young man, but he 
 is only twenty-five years old. 
 
 MAX. [Quickly.} "Only twenty-five years 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 59 
 
 old" ah! then you think that [Aside.} This 
 is an uncommonly nice girl, uncommonly nice. 
 [Aloud.} And she has really married him 
 
 MAR. Oh, yes, she informed me in her last 
 letter [Feeling in her pocket.} 
 
 MAX. Take my word for it, yon will do as 
 she has done, you will find your cousin. Oh, 
 I know you are going to say you don't think 
 you have a cousin, but you will find one some 
 day and a very lucky cousin he'll be. 
 
 MAR. [Still searching.} I must have lost it. 
 Oh, I remember, I put it in my sketch-book ! 
 O dear, O dear! what shall I do? [Crosses 
 PL.\ 
 
 MAX. We will search for it together. 
 
 MAR. No, no; indeed you must not look 
 [Back C.} 
 
 MAX. [Remonstrating.] Why? Why, just 
 now 
 
 MAR. No, no; promise me you will not. 
 
 MAX. Ah, I will promise everything you de- 
 sire. 
 
 MAR. [Hunting about.] I remember putting 
 the letter in the sketch-book. Oh, it may have 
 dropped out of my pocket in [Crosses R.] my 
 room. I went up there. I'll run up and see, 
 and you won't say a word about it to any one; 
 you promise? 
 
 MAX. [Laughing.] Faithfully. 
 
60 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAR. Indeed; but I beg you to be silent, 
 [Exit Martha R.] 
 
 MAX. This is very curious my mind is be- 
 wildered girls are [Drops to window L.] in- 
 explicable beings. I wonder where the sketch- 
 book Dan be? [Enter Moisand without seeing 
 or being seen by Max, holding Martha's sketch- 
 book in his hand. Max looking about.} 
 
 Mois. [Looking at book.} It's past belief 
 past belief! "Monsieur de Simiers on foot." 
 [Turning over pages.} "Monsieur de Simiers 
 on horseback." "Monsieur de Simiers in the 
 convent" nothing but Monsieur de Simiers! 
 This is the reason she always had the book, 
 and this letter from her friend ! Oh, it's- all as 
 clear as day. But Monsieur Max must see this 
 he must find it by chance. But how? [Sees 
 Max, conceals book.] Ah, Monsieur de 
 Simiers, were you waiting for Pepa? 
 
 MAX. [Surprised.] Good gracious, no! why 
 do you ask ? 
 
 Mois. I thought for the swimming lesson, 
 it is five o'clogk [Puts book stealthily under 
 Max's hat.] 
 
 MAX. [Preoccupied.] So soon [Still search- 
 ing.} 
 
 Mois. Are you looking for your hat? 
 
 MAX. My hat? Oh, no. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 61 
 
 Mois. [Places book on walking stick.] Don't 
 you find Pepa a very charming young woman ? 
 
 MAX. [Preoccupied.] It's very curious where 
 it can be. 
 
 Mois. Eh? 
 
 MAX. Oh, yes; a very sensible child, and 
 with so much candor. [Before sofa.] 
 
 Mois. [Astonished.] What! Pepa? 
 
 MAX. [Pulling himself together.] Eh? Yes, 
 yes, Pepa charming creature. 
 
 Mois. Are you going to prepare for your 
 swim? [Hiding book under Max's gloves.} 
 
 MAX. [Going.] Yes exactly. [Crosses 
 
 Mois. Monsieur de Sirmers, you are forget- 
 ting your gloves. 
 
 MAX. Oh, thanks ; I never wear them when I 
 swim. [Exit, still searching, R.] 
 
 Mois. How provoking; but I must manage to 
 make him see it somehow. Heigh-o, I'll put 
 it here under his hat, he must find it in the end. 
 [Enter Pepa in white.] 
 
 PEPA. Here I am IOOK at me arrayed for 
 victory. [C.] 
 
 Mois. Very pretty. He has only just gone, 
 and he was saying such pretty things about 
 you. [Crosses C.] 
 
 PEPA. Yes? He will say a great many more 
 before he gets through, wait till the rescue. 
 
62 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 [Drops down R. Enter H ermine, dressed in 
 white.] Eh? What's this? You? In white, 
 trying to ruin my effect 
 
 HER. [Indignant.] I? indeed. [Drops to 
 sofa down L. Moisand up L.] 
 
 PEPA. Never mind; it would not matter if 
 you had put on all the colors of the rainbow. 
 Tomorrow I intend to carry him off, do you 
 hear? everything will be arranged tonight 
 for I mean to have him save my life at once. 
 [Crosses L. above table.] Mark my words 
 
 Mois. [Trying to get Pepa away.] Come, 
 Mademoiselle, come. [Crosses up L.] 
 
 PEPA. And you will not prevent him from 
 making love to me as everyone else has done 
 everyone else [E.rit with Moisand.] 
 
 HER. Oh, this is intolerable! [Proceeds to 
 glass up C.] I'll give this sculptor fellow's 
 daughter the lesson she deserves [Enter Max, 
 still searching.] 
 
 MAX. I can't find it anywhere [Down to 
 table R.] 
 
 HER. [Seeing Max.] I'll give you that lesson 
 now, Monsieur de Simiers. 
 
 MAX. Madame. 
 
 HER. I told you once I was your friend, 
 now I am going to prove it. 
 
 MAX. Already ? 
 
 HER. Beware of Pepa. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 63 
 
 MAX. I always am. 
 
 HER. Ah! but you don't know all. She 
 means to make you appear a fool. 
 
 MAX. A fool? 
 
 HER. Yes, a perfect fool, an old fool, by 
 having you propose to her, and then to laugh at 
 you. She told Monsieur Moisand and myself so. 
 I know I am wrong to tell you this but [Crosses. 
 R.] as some one is to be deceived, I prefer it 
 shall be she ! [Max up L. Enter Pepa at backJ\ 
 Here she is [Going.] Remember, I have told 
 you nothing. [E.rits up R.] 
 
 MAX. [Aside.] "A fool !" "An old fool !"- 
 Ah, Mademoiselle Rimband, you have gone too 
 far. [DownR.] 
 
 PEPA. Well, Monsieur de Simiers, what of 
 our swim ? I am waiting for you. 
 
 MAX. Mademoiselle, you need not wait for 
 me. 
 
 PEPA. Eh? 
 
 MAX. The lesson you wish to give me, in 
 modesty, I can dispense with, but would in ex- 
 change, if you will permit me, give you some 
 advice. 
 
 PEPA. Advice ? 
 
 MAX. Yes When a woman braves every- 
 thing says everything dares everything, in 
 fact, unsexes herself and becomes like a man, 
 she rarely charms one. 
 
64 TRIUMPH OF YOUTPI 
 
 PEPA. [Laughs. Aside afterwards.] Her-* 
 mine has spoken. 
 
 MAX. [Continuing.] So much flutter forces 
 one to believe in the emptiness of her mind, and 
 so much coquetry, in the hollowness of her heart. 
 
 PEPA. [Forcedly laughing. Aside.] Hermine 
 has spoken. 
 
 MAX. Should she continue as she has begun, 
 in appearing as she really is not, we fear after 
 a time she herself may forget to remember what 
 indeed she really is. 
 
 PEPA. Eh? 
 
 MAX. And that, having renounced our re- 
 spect she may care but little for our esteem. 
 
 PEPA. [Suffocating.] Your your [Sneer- 
 ingly.] Well, then, one can dispense with it, won 
 ami. Present my compliments to the lady of 
 Sagancy your dear Hermine your esteem! 
 Oh, this is the first time I was ever spoken to in 
 this way in my life. [Exit up L.] 
 
 MAX. Severe but just. Heigh-o, what 
 folly! [Takes up hat and discovers sketch- 
 book.] Is it possible ? Yes, here it is, well, what 
 a chance, Martha's sketch-book. I wonder 
 what is in it. I am curious. I suppose my 
 caricature, among others. But I promised not 
 to look for it. Well, I didn't, I found it, and 
 as a reward, here goes. [Open book.] My por- 
 trait on horseback, another picture of myself 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 65 
 
 and this time in the convent. Oh, yes, I rec- 
 ognize the room, on the I7th of December, 
 probably the date of my first visit. Another 
 picture of myself date, 26th of April and still 
 another, I2th of June [A letter falls out, he 
 picks it up.] What have we here? "And I am 
 positive that he loves you." Ah ! this is evidently 
 Regina's letter the White Mouse spoke of 
 [Reading again.] "And I am positive he loves 
 you." I knew there was something romantic 
 about all this. [Reading.] "And I am positive 
 he loves you, for since he seems to detest you, 
 it is a sure proof he is really in love all the time." 
 This young lady seems to be an old hand at 
 logic. [Reading.] "Be assured your Marquis 
 loves you as much as you love your Marquis." 
 Your Marquis it cannot be your Marquis 
 [Enter Martha.] Here she is [Conceals let- 
 ter and book.] 
 
 MAR. I cannot find my book anywhere, and 
 you? 
 
 MAX. [Quickly.] Oh, I haven't been looking 
 for it. 
 
 MAR. [Going.] I am going to search on the 
 lawn 
 
 MAX. [Detaining her.] Why should you? 
 Stay here ; it is dark now. You will not be able 
 to find it. 
 
 MAR. But it is absolutely necessary 
 
66 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAX. [Persuasively.] Oh, no, it is not sit 
 here and we will have a little quiet talk I know 
 you won't refuse me [Aside.} The letter 
 must have referred to me [Aloud.] Why, 
 how you look at me ; what is the matter? [They 
 sit sofa, L.] 
 
 MAR. I am only so astonished, Monsieur Max, 
 to find you sitting here, close to me, with me, 
 when only this morning 
 
 MAX. Ah! this morning? We will not refer 
 to this morning we did not know each other 
 then although we had been acquainted so long 
 nearly four years indeed! Do you remember 
 the first time I came to see you in the convent ? 
 It was the hem! the I7th of December. 
 
 MAR. What! do you remember the date? 
 
 MAX. I should think so. [Aside.] I am 
 right I am right [Aloud.] The second time 
 was on the 26th of April and the third hem ! 
 let me see 
 
 VI AR. The 1 2th of June ah, you had for- 
 gotten that one. 
 
 MAX. Is it possible you have remembered it? 
 [Aside.] Is it I? I am "her Marquis" 
 
 MAR. Yes, and I also recollect that on one 
 occasion 
 
 MAX. The I2th of June ? 
 
 MAR. The I2th of June, you looked very 
 tired, and you were yawning and gaping all the 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 67 
 
 time and Regina was in an ecstacy She said 
 to me afterwards, ''What an aristocratic air your 
 Marquis has ! it's most becoming." 
 
 MAX. Then it was I I whom they called 
 "Your Marquis." 
 
 MAR. Oh, it was not I who did so, but the 
 girls 
 
 MAX. And and were there no others? 
 
 MAR. "No others"? 
 
 MAX. Who came to see you, whom they 
 called, in fact, no other Marquises? 
 
 MAR. Oh, no. 
 
 MAX. [Aside.] It is I [Aloud.] My pre- 
 cious child ! 
 
 MAR. What do you mean? 
 
 MAX. What do I mean? This unexpected 
 surprise is so delightful I feel such joy 
 
 MAR. Such joy? Why? 
 
 MAX. Because at least we are reconciled to 
 each other. Is it possible you do not also feel 
 happy at this, my dear Martha? 
 
 MAR. Ah! [An exclamation of glad sur- 
 prise.] 
 
 MAX. What is it? 
 
 MAR. That is the first time you have called 
 me by my name. 
 
 MAX. And are you angry with me for so 
 doing? 
 
 MAR. Oh, no. [Aside.] He called me "dear 
 
68 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 Martha." [Aloud.] How good you are, Mon- 
 sieur Max! Can it, then, be true what Clo- 
 tilde always used to say to me, that in the 
 corner of your heart you have a little bit of 
 affection for me? 
 
 MAX. Ah, dear Martha, to say so! A little 
 bit, an enormous amount 
 
 MAR. [Laughingly.] Then the corner must 
 be very small; for at one time I know you 
 hated me no; I mean disliked me I was so 
 awkward so nervous and bashful, and bash- 
 fulness is a dreadful thing it is to be perpet- 
 ually imprisoned within one's self. At the 
 slightest cause your cheek turns pale and for 
 no cause at all it turns red again. If you speak, 
 the sound of your own voice terrifies you, and 
 if you remain silent it is equally embarrassing. 
 You become desolate and sorrowful and mis- 
 erable, and cry out: "He can never know me 
 he does not know me to him I am always in- 
 significant, stupid and dull and it is my fault 
 alone it is he who is right it is he [Recover- 
 ing herself] or she, Monsieur Max or she, as 
 the case may be 
 
 MAX. [Laughing.] Of course. But you said 
 when one is timid. It is the fear of not being 
 beloved, and that is terrible, is it not ? 
 
 MAR. Yes, yes; very terrible, but how can 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 69 
 
 you possibly know that, you have always been 
 so loved? 
 
 MAX. [Astonished.] How, in my turn, may 
 I ask, can you possibly know that? 
 
 MAR. I see it here every day I see how these 
 ladies surround you oh, how I envy these 
 ladies! especially Madame Sagancy 
 
 MAX. [Pleased.] Are you jealous of her? 
 
 MAR. Oh, no ; she is married. 
 
 MAX. What innocence! [Aside.] But what 
 of Mademoiselle Pepa ? 
 
 MAR. Oh, Mademoiselle Pepa is different. 
 She is too forward and runs after you so 
 seems to follow you everywhere. Oh, I don't 
 like her at all, not at all. 
 
 MAX. Ah! I see; it is Mademoiselle Pepa 
 you are jealous of. 
 
 MAR. Of Pepa? 
 
 MAX. Yes; she is not married. 
 
 MAR. No that's true But I, jealous of 
 her? Why [Turning to Max.} Oh! do you 
 love her, then? 
 
 MAX. Oh, my Martha? [About to tell her 
 his love, when voices heard outside.} 
 
 MAR. Some one is coming, let us hide. 
 [Exit R.} 
 
 MAX. Let us hide oh, this is delightful! 
 O God! I am a boy again! [Exit, following 
 Martha. Enter Clotilde and Moisand. Clotilde 
 
70 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 catches sight of disappearing figures, and Moi- 
 sand, to her look of inquiry, says, "Pepa."] 
 
 [CURTAIN.] 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 [At rise MOISAND centre. HERMINE left. 
 PEPA right. Scene as in Acts I and II. 
 
 Mois. [Walks up and down.} Too soon, 
 she has come back too soon. O dear! O dear! 
 it will all begin over again, I am sure. Was 
 there ever such misfortune? My dear friends, 
 we must put our heads together and plan some- 
 thing new. What are we to do, Madame 
 Sagancy? can't you suggest something? 
 
 HER. I ? Oh, I must beg to be excused, reai- 
 ly. I have not closed my eyes all night. I am 
 suffering great pain with my heart this morning ; 
 and, moreover, I never interfere with another's 
 affairs. 
 
 PEPA. Oh, don't you ? 
 
 HER. Pray, consult Mademoiselle Rimband, 
 who has undertaken everything 
 
 PEPA. Oh, have I ? 
 
 Mois. Then Mademoiselle 
 
 PEPA. Oh, no, no, as Madame Sagancy has 
 not interfered in the matter up till now. she can 
 give you a more unbiased opinion. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 71 
 
 Mois. My friends, I beg of you both, we had 
 never more need of harmony. Madame 
 Sagancy 
 
 HER. You must really not believe Mademoi- 
 selle Rimband. She is evidently concealing her 
 success from us. Her infallible plan of falling 
 in the water and being rescued has had its an- 
 ticipated effect. She had her intended meet- 
 ing with Monsieur de Simiers last night, and 
 will carry him off today. 
 
 Mois. Oh, did you? Ah! then it's true, last 
 evening 
 
 PEPA. Ach. [Stamps up and doivn in rage.] 
 
 HER. Oh, but tell us all about it. 
 
 PEPA. You know very well there is nothing to 
 tell. 
 
 Mois. What! Why allow me 
 
 HER. Indeed Dear me ! what a disappoint- 
 ment ! and why ? 
 
 PEPA. Why? Because Monsieur Max was 
 on his guard. He had been told and forewarned 
 of my plans. But I can assure that person that 
 she shall not enjoy her triumph long. I mean 
 to have my revenge, do you hear, Hermine? 
 my revenge! 
 
 HER. I hear, darling, but I do not understand. 
 
 PEPA. Oh, indeed! [Aside.] The hypocrite. 
 
 Mois. Will you allow me? I understand 
 something about this matter. [To PC pa.] You 
 
72 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 say you had no meeting with Monsieur Max here 
 last evening? then who was here with him 
 when Clotilde and I entered? 
 
 PEPA. Yesterday? [Rises.] 
 
 HER. At night? [Looks at Pepa. Rises.] 
 
 PEPA. In this room? [Looks at H ermine.] 
 
 Mois. Yes, here, who was the woman? 
 
 PEPA and HER. A woman? 
 
 Mois. Who ran away as we entered ? I saw 
 her quite distinctly. [To H ermine.] 
 
 PEPA. A woman? [Crosses to Moisan-d.] 
 
 Mois. Yes. 
 
 HER. With him? [Crosses to Moisand.] 
 
 Mois. Yes. 
 
 HER. and PEPA. And you saw her? 
 
 Mois. Yes yes yes saw her distinctly. So 
 did Clotilde. I did not recognize her, but saw 
 her saw her. 
 
 PEPA. [Bursting into laughs.] Ha! ha! 
 ha ! Well done ! capital ! [Mock courtesy 
 to H ermine.] Ha! ha! ha! This time it 
 is excellent Brava! brava! Hermine. 
 
 HER. What are you saying? what do you 
 mean ? 
 
 PEPA. I say, this time you have done it neat- 
 ly. Brava! Very well done! Accept my 
 congratulations, you have conquered. 
 
 HER. I repeat, I don't know what you mean? 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 73 
 
 PEPA. Oh, come, come, you may as well 
 admit it. [R. of table.] 
 
 HER. [Furious.] Admit it! when it was you 
 all the time. [Crosses to L. of table.] 
 
 PEPA. I ? Oh, this is going too far. I ? Oh, 
 let me tell [Crosses tip L. C.] you some plain 
 facts, Monsieur Moisand, and you too, Her- 
 mine. You, and only you, were here with Mon- 
 sieur de Simiers last evening; and it is in a line 
 with the rest of your work, you miserable 
 hypocrite! for you have been playing false to 
 Clotilde, and to me, and to every one else; and 
 you have not, and never had, a thought beyond 
 yourself ! There ! 
 
 HER. [Staggering.] This is monstrous. [Sits 
 at L. of table.] 
 
 PEPA. It is the truth, and nothing but the 
 truth. As for this man, I am going to give him 
 a piece of my mind that will open his eyes. [Exit 
 up L.] 
 
 HER. [Half fainting.] Oh, what a dreadful 
 creature. 
 
 Mois. Madame [Crosses to H ermine.] 
 
 HER. Oh, how I suffer! what pain I am in! 
 she has killed me. 
 
 Mois. Take heart, all will yet be well. 
 
 HER. No no it shall never be said she had 
 the last word, I'll not endure that [Exit 
 up L. after Pepa.] 
 
74 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 [CLOTILDE appears at back during last 
 speech, and watches H ermine off.} 
 
 Mois. [Exhausted.} O dear! O dear! [Crosses 
 down L., sits.} 
 
 CLO. Well, it seems to be decreed that every 
 one is to fly from me directly I make my appear- 
 ance. 
 
 Mois. [Springing up.} Clotilde! 
 
 CLO. What is happening here, Father? What 
 is the matter with you all ? 
 
 Mois. It is you who have something on your 
 mind, yes, ever since your return, won't you 
 tell me what it is? [Back C.} 
 
 CLO. Father, this is subterfuge. You are only 
 pretending to be astonished when I say I am 
 surprised, and you cover it up by asking what is 
 the matter with me. 
 
 Mois. Well, why will you not confide in me ? 
 What has happened since your absence. What 
 did the lawyer want with you ? Won't you tell ? 
 [Aside.} Well, I have taken the precaution to 
 write to the lawyer myself, and anxiously await 
 his reply. [Crosses L. to table.} 
 
 CLO. I will tell you all when I know what has 
 taken place here. Won't you tell me? [Crosses 
 L., sits on sofa. ] 
 
 Mois. But there is nothing to tell. And, be- 
 sides, what interest to you can the doings of 
 these people be? 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 75 
 
 CLO. What interest ? Oh none, of course ; but, 
 being a woman, I am curious, and I want to 
 know if you are sure it was Pepa. 
 
 Mois. Pepa ? 
 
 CLO. Yes, yesterday evening here with 
 Monsieur Max. You said that 
 
 Mois. Oh, yes, I said so because I thought 
 so then. 
 
 CLO. But you no longer believe it? 
 
 Mois. Oh, I believed it then ; but now I am not 
 so certain; it may have been Hermine. 
 
 CLO. At any rate, it was the one or the other ? 
 
 Mois. Most decidedly. 
 
 CLO. [Aside.] Then it is not very dangerous. 
 But why should Pepa have such very red eyes ? 
 That looks as if she had not slept. No I don't 
 understand this [Aloud.] Go and say I am 
 waiting. 
 
 Mois. To whom ? 
 
 CLO. Max. 
 
 Mois. Do you wish me to, really? [Sits L. 
 of table.] 
 
 CLO. I beg of you at once, too, please. [Enter 
 Max.] Ah! here he is. Leave us, please. 
 
 Mois. [Aside. Rising, going up L. to garden.] 
 I was right. It's going to begin all over aga 
 but I will stop it. 
 
 CLO. [To Moisand.] Leave us! I beg leave 
 us! [Up to Moisand. Back to C.] 
 
76 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 Mois. [Aside, going.] I'll send Hermine or 
 Pepa or Martha or any one I can find I'll 
 not leave them together for an instant, oh, I 
 will stop it. [Exit L.] 
 
 CLO. Were you looking for me, Max ? 
 
 MAX. No I mean I was only looking first 
 I mean I want you to accept my apologies 
 
 CLO. For what? [Turns away.} 
 
 MAX. Oh, yesterday, on your arrival I I 
 scarcely asked you how you were or I was so 
 preoccupied. 
 
 CLO. Yes? But you are so still, are you not? 
 [Crosses L., sits sofa.] 
 
 MAX. You had a pleasant journey I trust 
 nothing occurred to annoy you. 
 
 CLO. Come come my dear Max, tell me at 
 once what you want to say, won't you? 
 
 MAX. What I want? 
 
 CLO. Yes 
 
 MAX. Ah ! Clotilde, if you knew what has hap- 
 pened to me. 
 
 CLO. I think I can partly guess. 
 
 MAX. You? No, indeed you cannot for it 
 happened in such a wonderful way but I don't 
 see how I can tell you. 
 
 CLO. You know you can confide everything 
 in me. 
 
 MAX. Oh, yes, I know but it sounds mad 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 77 
 
 anything you like Oh, dear, my head is going 
 round like a wheel. 
 
 CLO. And what you want to tell me is that 
 you have found an axle to that wheel; and the 
 fact is, you're in love. 
 
 MAX. In love? Oh, dear, no no no in 
 love? I can't, I will not be love is one of 
 those diseases that are mortal at my age but 
 when one seldom takes it it must be sought 
 after, so to speak Now, I don't mean to treat 
 myself to that ailment but I wish I had been 
 less affected when I learned that this charming 
 young that this person I mean. 
 
 CLO. [Aside.] Is it Pepa?- 
 
 MAX. [Breaking off.] There, I cannot explain 
 for it is not my secret 
 
 CLO. It is Pepa. [Aside.] 
 
 MAX. I was amazed staggered. I am per- 
 fectly calm now but yesterday oh, you should 
 have seen me yesterday. 
 
 CLO. [Aside.] Pepa. 
 
 MAX. I said to myself, "I must have mis- 
 understood her meaning" but you know there 
 is nothing to misunderstand she told me all so 
 plainly. 
 
 CLO. [Astonished.] She told you? 
 
 MAX. That she loves me. As plainly as a 
 woman can. 
 
 CLO. [Aside.] Oh! no one but Pepa 
 
78 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAX. Ah! but isn't man a strange creature 
 after all Clotilde eh? Here is a gentleman 
 myself indeed who yesterday thought no 
 more of of this person than of any one else 
 but chance brought them together and, well, 
 what happened I can hardly tell a head bent 
 low a voice trembled a tear fell and behold! 
 a lost man his brains turned, his heart gone. 
 
 CLO. Then tell me, please, how can I help you 
 in all this? 
 
 _AX. Ah, exactly, I was coming to that. I 
 want to ask you what shall I do? The situa- 
 tion is a very delicate one. Here is a young 
 a in fact a charming person, who to whom 
 I am not indifferent now what shall I do? go 
 away? That would be ah ah unmannerly. 
 Say nothing? That is impossible. 
 
 CLO. Write to her 
 
 MAX. What have I to write about? 
 
 CLO. Speak to her 
 
 MAX. But what should I say? "Mademoi- 
 selle," or Madame or Madame "You have 
 made a sad mistake, you cannot love me nor I 
 you." You see what nonsense. Poor ch I 
 mean poor person what shall I do? If I were 
 not so old . [Pulling himself together.} I mean 
 I am resolved quite resolved that this affair 
 shall be over. Find me a way, and I'll prove it. 
 
 CLO. Perhaps I can. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 79 
 
 MAX. You ? How ? 
 
 CLO. Oh, not so fast. First prove to me you 
 are in earnest and your good fortune really dis- 
 tresses you, then afterwards later on well, 
 we shall see [Enter H ermine.] Ah, here she 
 is look 
 
 MAX. Who? 
 
 CLO. The young lady or the lady or the 
 lady 
 
 MAX. [Seeing H ermine.] Oh [Sneering- 
 ly.] 
 
 CLO. It is not she, then ? 
 
 MAX. Ah, well, if I tell you who it is not, you 
 will very soon find out who it is. 
 
 CLO. [Aside.] It is Pepa [Aloud.] Well, 
 since I do not know for [Rises] certain it is not 
 Hermine and have no desire to be a [Crosses 
 R.] nuisance, I will leave you. 
 
 MAX. With the effigy? Tell me my way to 
 escape beforehand. 
 
 CLO. No, no later on. Begin to prove your 
 distress now [Aside.] It can only be Pepa. 
 [*&&] 
 
 HER. [To Max.] Well, here I am 
 
 MAX. Yes, Madame. Can I do anything? 
 
 HER. Monsieur Moisand told me you wished 
 to speak to me. 
 
 MAX. I? Oh, he made a mistake I mean 
 
 HER. Oh, then, he evidently wished to say 
 
8o TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 something agreeable to me but before going I 
 have something I would like to ask you. [Looks 
 off up R.] 
 
 MAX. What is it, dear Madame? 
 
 HER. I was looking to see that Pepa was not 
 Coming. [Sighs. Max shows her to sofa. She 
 sits.] Uncertainty is too trying Monsieur de 
 Simiers, do you advise me to get a divorce ? 
 
 MAX. [Amazed.] To what? you said you 
 [Sits at table L.] 
 
 HER. Ah, every one, all my friends and rela- 
 tives and family solicitor have advised that 
 course; for, ah! Monsieur Max, I have never 
 known true happiness, believe me. 
 
 MAX. Now I am in for it. 
 
 HER. When quite young, I may say little more 
 than a child, I was married to my valetudina- 
 rian 
 
 MAX. [Aside.] Must I listen to all this? 
 
 HER. [Frightened.] What's wrong? Can you 
 see Pepa? 
 
 MAX. No, no. [Aside.] Unfortunately. 
 
 HER. Well, at last, my antiquity, moved by 
 pity, asked for a separation and obtained it, 
 then I was thrown by Mademoiselle Pepa into 
 that gay world for which I have neither taste 
 nor inclination. Alone and yet not free, loving 
 without having been beloved, married without 
 a husband? [Max rises.] Eh, is it she? 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH oi 
 
 MAX. But, pray tell me, what use can I be to 
 you in this dilemma? 
 
 HER. A still small voice forbade me to look 
 forward to the future with hope to joy to 
 happiness. Until the present I have listened to 
 its dictates. It is only for the last few days 
 that I 
 
 MAX. [Looking off]. Here is Pepa. 
 
 HER. [Going.] She? oh, I will tell you the 
 rest later on. [Crosses R. C.] 
 
 MAX. [Detaining her.] No, no; please finish 
 your story now make haste. "For the last 
 few days" 
 
 HER. Well, for the last few days, I have com- 
 menced to hope again. 
 
 MAX. In short, you are anxious to marry 
 again eh ? 
 
 HER. Perhaps. 
 
 MAX. To find another husband? 
 
 HER. Yes 
 
 MAX. Some jolly old fellow like Monsieur 
 Moisand. 
 
 HER. Oh, no, no, not that not that. In 
 you my confidence is boundless. [Crosses to 
 back of chair at table R.] 
 
 MAX. Oh, yes, I see. 
 
 HER. Tell me you are anxious I should obtain 
 a divorce and I will do so, to marry a certain 
 person, and your wish shall be obeyed. 
 
82 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAX. But whom? 
 
 HER. [Going.] Whom you please. 
 
 MAX. [Gallantly relaxing and kissing her 
 hand.] Oh, Madame! [Enter Pepa.] 
 
 HER. [Conscious of Pe pa's presence. To Max.] 
 Whom you please. [Exit up R.] 
 
 MAX. [Aside, in glee.] I can marry them all 
 if I like. [Down L. at table.] 
 
 PEPA. Was it to see this Monsieur Moisand 
 sent me here? 
 
 MAX. [Aside.] It seems he intended to send 
 the entire household. 
 
 PEPA. All the time I wish to speak a few 
 words to you. [C.] 
 
 MAX. [Aside.] She too. 
 
 PEPA. I will only detain you a minute, I 
 have come expressly to say if I have appeared 
 to be making advances to you 
 
 MAX. You ? Oh ! oh ! oh !- 
 
 PEPA. There is no need for modesty now. 
 If ever I have appeared to be making advances 
 to you it was only under compunction and 
 was ordered by by someone whose secret I 
 must not divulge. 
 
 MAX. Oh, indeed 
 
 PEPA. Never for one instant was my heart 
 affected. 
 
 MAX. It is needless to say so. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 83 
 
 PEPA. On the contrary, it is most necessary 
 to assure you I have been only playing a part. 
 
 MAX. Oh, indeed. 
 
 PEPA. Now one thing more, seeing I am 
 on this subject, and you can answer me frankly 
 like a man, for it seems to you I resemble one 
 
 MAX. Oh, I did not say so. 
 
 PEPA. Yes you did, yes you did; but we 
 will not refer to that again. Answer me this, 
 Why do you prefer Hermine to me? 
 
 MAX. What? 
 
 PEPA. Admit there is a reason. There must 
 be a reason oh, you men ! you are poor miser- 
 able things. Even a little frankness upsets 
 you. You actually like to be deceived, and it's 
 a great consolation to know you are seldom dis- 
 appointed. But for all that, there was no reason 
 that I 'can see for you to speak to pretend to 
 believe that I I cared for you [Breaking 
 down]; and I hate you! I hate you!! I hate 
 you!!! [Bursting into tears, up L.] 
 
 MAX. O Mademoiselle Pepa 
 
 PEPA. [Through her tears.] Well, what is it? 
 What's the matter? 
 
 MAX. Oh, if you only knew how happy I feel. 
 [Up to Pepa.] 
 
 PEPA. [Still crying.] Happy? 
 
 MAX. Yes, I didn't believe it possible for 
 any one to hate me so cordially as you do. 
 
84 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 PEPA. Oh, it's not a difficult task. [Aside.] 
 Here is Clotilde. [Enter Clotilde.] Release my 
 hand, Monsieur. I don't want any one to see me 
 I expect my nose is dreadfully red, and my 
 eyes are like gooseberries 
 
 MAX. [Kissing her hand.] Oh, I thank you 
 a thousand times 
 
 PEPA. Release my hand, I say for, I repeat, 
 it is not at all difficult to hate you. [Exit L.] 
 
 MAX. [Aside, in glee.] I can marry them all 
 if I like. 
 
 MAX. Ah, Clotilde, if you only knew what 
 has just happened to me. 
 
 CLO. What ! again ? 
 
 MAX. Oh, don't laugh, I beg of you, I feel 
 quite upset. 
 
 CLO. Again ? 
 
 MAX. Again? Yes; a hundred times more 
 than ever I did before. Ah, Clotilde, it is 
 really true that some one can love me. 
 
 CLO. But on that point you seemed already 
 assured a short time ago. 
 
 MAX. A short time ago ah! but there is no 
 longer one but two 
 
 CLO. [Astonished.] TWO- 
 MAX. Yes, two I should say three, you un- 
 derstand. 
 
 CLO. Three. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 85 
 
 MAX. Oh, I am the cause of wounded vani- 
 ties and jealousies and flirtations. But as these 
 ladies are older than the other one 
 
 CLO. The other one ? 
 
 MAX. Yes; oh, much older and it may not 
 be absurd to think that she can love me for my- 
 self. Since the others can 
 
 CLO. The others? which others? 
 
 MAX. Why, you know, Hermine and Pepa 
 both. 
 
 CLO. Yes; but the third since there is a 
 third the one who loves you. [Sits R. of table.] 
 
 MAX. They all love me. 
 
 CLO. Then the one that you love 
 
 MAX. Yes; but I don't love her, I tell you. 
 [L.] 
 
 CLO. Ah, Max, I beg of you no more riddles 
 and enigmas. Tell me tell me who is the 
 third? 
 
 MAX. But in naming the other two, is it pos- 
 sible I have not Indicated the third? Who can 
 there be but? 
 
 CLO. [With suppressed cry.] Mc.rtha! 
 
 MAX. Yes yes it is she and never no, 
 never have I so regretted my additional ten 
 years 
 
 CLO. [Slowly.] Then you are really really 
 in love. 
 
86 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAX. For the last hour I would have given 
 anything to say no but I can't I cannot. 
 
 CLO. And she she loves you you are 
 certain ? 
 
 MAX. Certain? If I only were I am cer- 
 tain she believes she does but is she sincere to 
 herself? I can't tell. These are the only proofs 
 I have see her sketch-book and a letter. Will 
 you look at them? [Gives them.] She is so 
 young she has seen no one but me and you 
 know, Clo tilde, the first object of our love is 
 often only the last plaything of our childhood. 
 That is why I hesitate, what shall I do? 
 
 CLO. Do? Do nothing. I vill speak to her. 
 [Rises, crosses L. to table.] 
 
 MAX. You will speak to her? That's odd- 
 you wished me to marry her. 
 
 CLO. You do not, then, wish me to speak to 
 her? 
 
 MAX. Oh, yes, yes I do, only what I say is 
 [MARTHA enters up back L. just at door, 
 turns away at onte.] 
 
 CLO. Ah, well, here she comes. Leave us 
 alone together. 
 
 MAX. Then you are going to tell her? 
 
 CLO. Only that which is necessary, but you 
 [Pushing him to door.] 
 
 MAX. Yes, yes, poor child. You will explain 
 everything clearly, won't you? That what I am 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 87 
 
 doing is, is only from self-abnegation, and 
 and 
 
 CLO. Yes, yes 
 
 MAX. [Coming back.] That it is a resolution 
 which costs me great great 
 
 CLO. Yes yes [S/te.] 
 
 MAX. Great pain, and that it is not because 
 I do not love her 
 
 CLO. [Pushes him softly to door.] I will 
 but she must not see us together 
 
 MAX. And and do not say there is too 
 great a difference is our ages, that would be 
 useless. Lay stress, rather, on the difference in 
 our natures our characters 
 
 CLO. Have no fear 
 
 MAX. And, above all, be as gentle as possible 
 oh ! be gentle. Do not cause the poor child 
 needless pain. Perhaps, after all, I should 
 have done better to speak myself. But no, 
 you are best. All the same, I feel we were made 
 for each other 
 
 CLO. My friend, I entreat you to 
 
 MAX. I am going I am going ; but tell her I 
 think it is true happiness that is slipping away 
 from me forever, oh, I am going. But don't 
 say that I am too old, will you? I'm going 
 don't say it I'm going [Exit up R.] 
 [Enter MARTHA up L.] 
 
88 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAR. [Coughs, and then speaks.] Your father 
 says you wish to speak to me. 
 
 CLO. My father? [Rises.] Oh, no matter; 
 it is true, I do wish to speak with you. Come 
 here, my child, come close to me 
 
 MAR. [After business.] How you look at 
 me! and you are pale. What is the matter 
 with you ? 
 
 CLO. You you love him, then? 
 
 MAR. [About to embrace Clotilde.} Clotilde! 
 ah, Clotilda! 
 
 CLO. [ Withdrawing. ] It is true, then ? 
 
 MAR. But who told you ? 
 
 CLO. You should have told me. My affection 
 deserved your confidence. That was not right, 
 White Mouse 
 
 MAR. [Amazed.] How unkindly you speak to 
 me 
 
 CLO. [Quickly. Sits.] Yes, yes, my child; 
 I am wrong, forgive me. But why did you 
 never say a word to me? 
 
 MAR. But I did no* know it myself, Clotilde, 
 how could I ever suspect such a thing? 
 
 CLO. Take care, then, my child take good 
 care that you are sure now. There are some 
 mistakes that affect a life's happiness, as I know 
 to my cost. 
 
 MAR. Oh, I thought you would be pleased. 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 89 
 
 CLO. [With an effort.} Come, come; tell me 
 what took place, tell me all about it. 
 
 MAR. But there is nothing to tell 
 
 CLO. Then how you do know that you are in 
 love? 
 
 MAR. Oh, I know thatit was only yester- 
 day 
 
 CLO. Yesterday? Here? Ah, I understand, 
 go on 
 
 MAR. He had been very cruel to me. More 
 teasing than ever even went to the extent of 
 giving me a doll. Oh, I felt so humiliated, and so 
 angry, too that in the end I rebelled. I can't 
 remember the exact words I used, but I was very 
 severe, I assure you, for I was determined to 
 be some one of importance in his eyes, and not 
 the miserable dependent he believed me, and 
 then, Clotilda, when I had spoken, a change came 
 and I saw, oh, quite clearly! he could do with 
 me as he liked for my anger was only love 
 my sorrow nothing but love indeed I saw I 
 saw I loved him altogether. 
 
 CLO. But he he what did he say to you ? 
 
 MAR. I don't know, I only recollect that his 
 eyes embraced me, his smile caressed, and his 
 voice seemed to pierce my heart. O Clotilde, 
 do you think he loves me ? 
 
 CLO. Did he tell you so ? 
 
 MAR. Oh, no, how frightened I should have 
 
90 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 been if he had, oh, and delighted too ! Think 
 of it ! To be loved by him he is good so brave 
 so far above all other men. 
 
 CLO. How do you know that? 
 
 MAR. Why, you told me so yourself. O 
 Clotilde, if he does not love me I feel that I 
 should die. 
 
 CLO. Do you really think love kills ? 
 
 MAR. Oh, Clotilde! 
 
 CLO. It does not kill, my child, but it causes 
 cruel pain, and so I warn you to take care. 
 He has said nothing definite to you yet, and even 
 when he has, who knows but he may come next 
 week next day and say 
 
 MAR. He does not love me ? 
 
 CLO. [Quickly.] Ah, I did not say that. 
 
 MAR. You would not speak so if there was 
 no cause. I feel by your words you wish me to 
 love him no more. I have always obeyed you, 
 Mama, tell me what I must do, and I will do it. 
 [Bursts Into tears.] 
 
 CLO. [Embracing her.] My darling, my 
 love, my child, my precious heart, my whole 
 life, my White Mouse, marry him. Yes, you 
 love him, and it is I who have always wished it, 
 and wish it still.- Do you hear? I wish it, 
 I wish it, I wish it. 
 
 MAR. [Astonished.] But 
 CLO. [Rapidly.] Yes, he is good, he is loyal, 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 91 
 
 he is superior to every one I know, and he 
 loves you, he loves you, I am sure. Oh, why 
 are you surprised ? Don't you think a man could 
 love you? You, all beauty, simplicity and youth, 
 ah ! triumphant youth ! [Hides her face in her 
 hands and bursts into tears.] 
 
 MAR. Then why are you ? 
 
 CLO. [Drying her eyes.] The first surprise, 
 that is all. Kiss me, my child. Now I am 
 as happy as you are. Tell me you are happy, 
 it will do me so much good, so much good 
 
 MAR. Oh, yes [Sees Max off.] Here he 
 is. [Runs back down L.] 
 
 CLO. Oh, I did not doubt he would soon be 
 back [Martha going.] Where are you going? 
 
 MAR. Oh, I can't stay now, I shouldn't 
 dare 
 
 CLO. Why not, since he loves you ah ! he is 
 more frightened than you are stay and comfort 
 him. It is my place to go. 
 
 MAR. But what shall I say to him? What 
 shall I do? 
 
 CLO. Follow the dictates of your heart, my 
 child; for the dictates of a pure heart are the 
 surest gwd es to peace [Goes up.] 
 [Enter MAX.] 
 
 MAX. [To Clotilde.] I have reflected 
 
 CLO. Ah! 
 
 MAX. Yes, after all, I should prefer to speak 
 
92 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 to her myself, if it is all the same to you,- 
 cause in fact I think it would be much better, 
 understand ? 
 
 CLO. [Going out.] Certainly, my friend, I 
 understand. 
 
 MAX. You do think so, eh? Knowing 
 exactly what has passed between us, it will be 
 so much easier for me than for you to explain 
 to make her understand 
 
 CLO. The language of reason, eh? 
 
 MAX. Exactly. Yes, I think so, think 
 so 
 
 MAR. What can they be talking about? 
 
 MAX. Indeed, it seems to me a matter of eti- 
 quette, and only right, that she should learn from 
 myself the reason, the scruples that prevent 
 my marrying her. For I can't marry her, 
 ;can I? in that we are agreed? 
 
 CLO. In that, as in everything else. Now go 
 to her, and have courage. [Going.] 
 
 MAX. It isn't a question of courage. [Pulling 
 her back.] O Clotilde, you didn't tell her I was 
 hem ! too old eh ? 
 
 CLO. Set your mind at rest. 
 
 MAX. [With effusion.] Ah, Clotilde, how 
 good you are! you are really too good too 
 good! 
 
 CLO. I belong to the Sisterhood, my friend. 
 [Exit.} 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH c 3 
 
 [MAX walks up and doum at back, rery 
 much preoccupied.} 
 
 MAR. [To herself.} "Follow the dictates of 
 [my own heart," she said. Oh, but what good 
 is that if he loves me ? 
 
 MAX. [To himself.} It's breaking the ice 
 [that's difficult. 
 
 MAR. [Aside.} Oh, I am so frightened! 
 
 MAX. [Looking at her. Aside.} Poor child! 
 ;for her real happiness, I'll do it [Aloud.} 
 \ Hem ! 
 
 MAR. [Sits sofa down L.} Why does he say 
 nothing to me? I wonder if he is as Clotilde 
 said afraid. How wrong of him ! 
 
 MAX. [Resolutely.} Mademoiselle Martha 
 
 MAR. "Mademoiselle"? Why "Mademoi- 
 selle"? [Rises, crosses up C.] Why not Mar- 
 tha or White Mouse, if you prefer it . I do 
 I Are we not friends now ? 
 
 MAX. [Warmly.] Friends? Oh, yes, and, 
 for my part, I hope you will always believe I am 
 your sincere, sincere friend. It seems so natural 
 to love you, my dear child, and I swear to you 
 that my heart [Stopping, aside.] Hum ! 
 that's not it, not it at all, not it at all. 
 
 MAR. [Aside.] What is the matter with him 
 todav? 
 
 MAX. [Decidedly.] If you please, Mademoi- 
 selle 
 
94 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAR. What! Again? [Steps down.] 
 
 MAX. Do you not wish us to talk reasonably 
 to each other? 
 
 MAR. Reasonably? [Aside.] Ah! he is no 
 longer the same. 
 
 MAX. [Wavering.] That which Clotilde was 
 saying to you just now 
 
 MAR. Clotilde? 
 
 MAX. [Feigning*] Yes ; has she said nothing 
 to you regarding her project for me? Oh, it's 
 not of much interest for you and it's so extrava- 
 gant. If it had not arisen with her ha ! ha ! 
 ha! I should really laugh because because 
 ah, dear Clotilde ! she wants to marry me to 
 some one think of that ! 
 
 MAR. [Lowering her eyes.] Oh 
 
 MAX. Yes yes [Aside.] Not a very good 
 beginning, but the best I can think of [Aloud.] 
 Yes, actually to marry me me! ha! ha! 
 ha! 
 
 MAR. [Aside.] How "can he speak like that? 
 I was not to be happy for long 
 
 MAX. I have always said to her, "This dream 
 that you are planning for me, Clotilde," for it 
 is nothing but a dream, I should never dare 
 to raise my thoughts or hopes so high as 
 [Aside f recovering himself.] Hum! that's hard- 
 ly what I meant to say [Aloud.] I said to 
 her, "She whom you destine for me is separated 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 95 
 
 from me by differences of various kinds, for 
 instance, of character, of nature, and and 
 even of age. Oh, she is not a child, that I 
 know well. She is older than she looks, very 
 much older, but to be a wife for me, think of 
 it ! for me ? O Heaven !" [Pulls himself up.] 
 
 MAR. [Slowly.] Then you do not think her 
 worthy of you, Monsieur Max ? 
 
 MAX. Ah, it is I who am unworthy of her 
 
 MAR. [Slowly.] You do not love her, Mon- 
 sieur Max. 
 
 MAX. I do I do I mean I did not say 
 I did not love her I did not explain myself 
 clearly I was too matter-of-fact [Tenderly.] 
 Let us both be matter-of-fact. I am not old, it 
 is true, but in ten years so reflect on that in 
 ten years' time I I shall be ten years older 
 
 MAR. [Timidly.] And so will she 
 
 MAX. And so will she, but that is hardly the 
 same thing because ten years hence I I shall 
 be hem! At present I am thirty perhaps 
 thirty-three 
 
 MAR. [Aside joyfully.] What a fib! 
 
 MAX. And she is only nineteen 
 
 MAR. Twenty 
 
 MAX. [Understanding the fib. Aside.] Twenty, 
 ah, the darling! how she loves me! [Aloud.] 
 Ah, my dear child, do not unnerve me, I have 
 need of all my courage, for all this is nothing 
 
96 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 but a delicious dream that it would be unmanly 
 and unwise to transform into reality. 
 
 MAR. [With a sob.] You do not love her, 
 Monsieur Max. 
 
 MAX. I swear to you I :could not give her a 
 greater proof of my love -of my affect of my 
 friendship than I am doing now at this mo- 
 ment. I swear that I swear it to you [She 
 hides her face in her hands.] Mademoiselle 
 Martha White Mouse my dear little White 
 Mouse can't you understand can't you under- 
 stand not to sacrifice her I am sacrificing my- 
 self? 
 
 MAR. You do not love her. 
 
 MAX. Indeed indeed you must not say that. 
 It's my experience, and not my heart, cries 
 "Halt!" If you could only understand that 
 she is my first romance, and my last glimpse of 
 departing joy that she is here close to me 
 by my side and to touch her I have only to 
 extend my hand [Martha puts her hand into 
 his.] 
 
 MAR. And then ? 
 
 MAX. What then? then for good or ill I 
 I love you 
 
 MAR. [Withdrawing her hand and putting it 
 on her heart.] Ah, what happiness ! 
 
 MAX. Oh, it's too much. It's too much, 
 I can resist it no longer, I am as weak, as 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 97 
 
 weak as you; but whatever the future may 
 bring, I can always look back to this day, to this 
 hour, and find in it a Mecca for my soul. I 
 love you! I love you! I love you! Look 
 at me it is now my turn to tremble it is I who 
 am crying now. How grateful I am to you 
 for allowing me to love you! how happy I am 
 to tell you so! to dare to tell you so! 
 
 MAR. [With delight.} Monsieur Max! 
 
 MAX. Ah, not Monsieur Max now call me 
 Max and say you love me 
 
 MAR. [Very low.} Yes 
 
 MAX. No, no, not like that It will make me 
 so happy if you will say, "Max, I love you!" 
 Repeat it after me now "Max" 
 
 MAR. "Max" 
 
 MAX. "I love you" 
 
 MAR. "I" oh, I dare not. 
 
 MAX. Martha come Martha my darling, 
 my sweetheart I ask you on my knees to, "I 
 loves 
 
 MAR. "II love you" 
 
 MAX. Ah, my dearest my darling my lit- 
 tle White Mouse my wife my very own you 
 love me and I I adore you 
 [Enter CLOTILDE.] 
 
 MAR. But Clotilde where is Clotilde all this 
 time? 
 
 CLO. Forgotten. 
 
98 TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 
 
 MAR. Ah, no j never ! 
 
 MAX. [To Clotilde.] I intended to make a 
 stubborn defense but [Pointing to Martha.} 
 Look there 
 
 CLO. I knew it could end no other way. From 
 the first she knew you loved her. 
 
 MAX. She knew? How? 
 
 CLO. I told her. 
 
 MAX. Oh ! [Max looks at Martha, who lowers 
 her eyes.] 
 
 CLO. And you knew perfectly well she loved 
 you. 
 
 MAR. He knew ? How ? 
 
 CLO. He found your sketch-book and this 
 letter. 
 
 [Enter MOISAND, with telegram, up L.] 
 
 Mois. [In great flurry.] A dozen times, at 
 least, Clotilde, I asked you the cause of your 
 absence and what has happened. And now I 
 learn it from the lawyer. But why did you seek 
 to hide the good news, why ? 
 
 [Enter HERMINE up R., and PEPA up L., 
 during speech.] 
 
 MAX, MAR., HER. and PEPA. What is it? 
 what is the matter? 
 
 Mois. [Showing telegram.] She is a widow. 
 
 HER. and PEPA. A widow? Why did you 
 not tell us ? 
 
 Mois. Why? 
 
TRIUMPH OF YOUTH 99 
 
 CLO. I did not wish to cloud the joy of the 
 happy ones. 
 
 PEPA. The joy? 
 
 HER. The happy ones ? 
 
 Mois. Which happy ones? 
 
 CLO. Oh, I forgot; you do not know yet. 
 Monsieur de Simiers is about to be married. 
 
 PEPA and HER. [Looking at each other.] 
 With whom ? 
 
 CLO. This is his fiancee. [Taking Martha's 
 hand.] 
 
 PEPA. [Looking at H ermine.] Well, at any 
 rate, it's not you. 
 
 HER. [Looking at Pepa.] Nor you 
 
 Mois. Martha, that child, the White 
 Mouse ? 
 
 CLO. [To Martha.] Are you happy? 
 
 MAR. Oh, yes, Mama 
 
 CLO. [About to embrace her.] My little 
 daughter 
 
 [MOISAND joins R. t HERMINE and PEPA.] 
 
 MAX. [Interrupting and taking Martha to his 
 arms.] My little wife! My little White Mouse! 
 [CURTAIN.] 
 
B+Jtll. 
 
 PQ2380 
 P2S62 
 
 M510529