Noel (aside).—I wish I could think of the name of some country.
Madame (impatiently).—Where—where was my poor boy seen?
Noel (desperately).—In—in Australia—
Madame (rising and crossing L.).—In Australia two weeks ago—absurd!
Noel.—Well, but, Madame, how can I help it? You scold me—frighten me—
Madame.—Oh! you are killing me—killing me! (falling on a chair R.) Go, go! Leave me!
Noel (aside). I don't seem to make much headway. I'll call the others.
(Goes to window L.C. and makes motions outside.)
Madame (rising, to herself).—Oh, if this last hope were to die! No—the news, whatever it is, is sure.
(Enter Mathilde C.)
Ah! she has changed the ribbon in her hair. (Goes towards Mathilde.) (Aloud) Mathilde!
(Enter Blanche and Lucien C.)
Let me look at you! Ah! Those eyes have met Adrien's—he is here.
Blanche.—Be calm, I implore you.
Madame.—Yes; I divine it all. You have both seen him.
Blanche.—Well, then, mamma, we have seen him; but you can only embrace him to-morrow.
Madame.—Ah, my son! my boy! (They try to calm her.) No, no, I'll not listen. (Calls) Adrien!
(Adrien bursts open the door R.U.E., takes a step forward, then stops. Madame des Aubiers screams, and falls into the arms of Noel and Mathilde.)
Adrien.—Oh Heaven, she is dead!
Madame (recovering).—Ah!
(Adrien rushes toward Madame. She pauses a moment, and then wildly seizes his head between her hands, kissing him passionately.)
Thank God! Thank God!
(Blanche approaches. Adrien rises, and Madame clasps them both in her arms.)
Noel (blubbering).—This is too much for me. Now it's all over—I—I—(he falls on the ottoman.)
Blanche (goes to him).—Good gracious! I do believe the silly old noodle is going to faint.
Noel (recovering).—No, no, Mamzelle Blanche. (Rising) The fact is, I hardly know what to do—I'm so happy.
Madame.—Ah, Noel, the night has passed, and the glorious morning breaks again. Even to the hopeless and the desolate, behind the darkest clouds there is a silver lining.
CURTAIN.
