Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 3).djvu/265

 .—Supposed to have perished? He did perish.

.—Oh no, mamma; he was saved, and has arrived in England in a merchant vessel from China. His mother heard from him to-day, and expects him home next week.

.—Good Heavens! Can such joy be possible? (Falls back in the chair.) And what has she done to deserve such a blessing?

.—Well, then, mamma, it may be a silly idea of mine, but why should not we, too, indulge a hope that?

.—Alas! For us, there is no room for hope, my child-none, none! I have the official assurance of the Government that he is dead. My poor lost boy (Weeps.)

(rising).—Yes, mamma, but perhaps the Government is wrong. It wouldn't be the first time the Government has been wrong, and other Governments too!

Are you going, mamma?

(agitated).—Yes, love, to Mathilde's room. (Goes to door, then pauses and comes down ) Did you say the young man had reached England?

.—Yes, mamma, and may be here any day.

.—What happiness for Gervaise. Her son! her boy! How she must count, one by one, the weary moments. (Quickly), I will be back presently.

(alone).—The ice is broken at last. The idea will now take root in her mind that a mother may recover her son, even if the Government says he is dead.

, You keep watch outside, while I take the prisoner his bread and water. (Takes key from . Enters room ).

.—We must manage Mathilde next. She's certain to have a nervous fit of some sort.

(alarmed).—He's gone!

.—Gone? I thought I locked the door.

.—Yes, but not the window. And I'll lay any money he has caught a glimpse of Mamzelle Mathilde.

.—The poor fellow is in love, you know.

.—In love! and a nice business it is, to be in love.

.—Love laughs at locksmiths—remember that.

.—So there you are, traitor! Come here, sir, directly.

.—Someone is coming. Quick. ( jumps on )

.—If I must, I suppose I must.

(aside).—Just in time. (Turns round.) It's not mamma, after all.

(aside).—I breathe again.

.—Am I intruding? I beg pardon—I

.—Oh, not at all. We thought it was mamma

.—And felt a little flustered.

(surprised).—Why, what has happened?

(to ).—A great joy has been granted to us.

.—Indeed?