Page:Emma Goldman - The Social Significance of the Modern Drama - 1914.djvu/173

 become a mother is immoral, is criminal. Surely he would understand the tragedy of Annette, who had been placed in this condition not through her own fault but because she had been confiding and trusting in the promise of the man. Surely Brignac would come to the rescue of Annette; would help and comfort her in her trying and difficult moment. But Lucie, like many wives, does not know her husband; she does not know that a man who is so hide- bound by statutes and codes cannot have human compassion, and that he will not stand by the little girl who has committed the "unpardonable sin."  Lucie does not know, but she is soon to learn the truth.

''Lucie. I  tell you Annette'' is the victim of this wretch. If you are going to do nothing but insult her, we had better stop discussing the matter.

''Brignac. I ''am in a nice fix now! There is nothing left for us but to pack our trunks and be off. I am done for. Ruined! Smashed! I tell you if she was caught red handed stealing, the wreck wouldn't be more complete. . . . We must make some excuse. We will invent an aunt or cousin who has invited her to stay. I will find a decent house for her in Paris to go to. She'll be all right there. When the time comes she can put the child out to nurse in the country, and come back to us.

Lucie. You seriously propose to send that poor child to Paris, where she doesn't know a soul?

''Brignac. ''What do you mean by that? I will go to Paris myself, if necessary. There are special boarding