Paul Verlaine

Paul Verlaine

Summary

Portrait of Paul Verlaine Paul Verlaine Madame Aubin

But don't interrupt me every minute and you will be of my opinion. No. My husband ought not to have to endure these things on his honor and his name. And it's true I am afraid of the past. I'm afraid of the future, too. Or rather, no. It's the present which frightens me, sir! For the future, I'll answer for it. And it will conform to the vows of my finally reawakened conscience.
PELTIER (who has a mounting rage within him and feels himself provoked
to the last degree)
Explain yourself? Are you joking or not? I want to understand you.
MARIE
Sir, you have no right to speak to me like this!
Source: Gutenberg

Portrait of Paul Verlaine Paul Verlaine Madame Aubin

MARIE (who soon gets free)
Look, let's be serious.
(Peltier, who importunes a long explanation sits with bowed head; one hand on the back of a chair, the other playing with his watch chain.)
MARIE What is it you risk? You, a man, a bachelor by this pleasant voyage? Nothing. A duel perhaps on return! In this illogical world we live in your reputation will be far from damaged; a world which dislikes adultery in a woman and is passionately fond of all the gallant sins of a fashionable man.
Source: Gutenberg

Portrait of Paul Verlaine Paul Verlaine Madame Aubin

The essential thing is that four officers from the garrison are indeed willing to serve as seconds and are awaiting us in a nearby woods with swords and pistols as you please even though I have indeed the right to choose the weapons.
PELTIER
I'll come with you.
AUBIN (to his wife, aloud, taking her hand which he kisses) You, Marie, await me here—dead or alive. Do you understand me, my pretty?
(Aubin and Peltier leave)
MARIE What an affair! Am I really dreaming in the end. (throwing herself on a sofa which might soon have become dangerous) A little order in my thoughts.
Source: Gutenberg

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