And I, in the face of the scandal that my husband wished to create, and, though appreciating the motive of Mr. Nourvady's affirmation, which it is every honourable man's duty to make who wishes to save a woman's honour, I declare it false; and the facts that the law cannot prove I declare absolutely true. Mr. Nourvady was shut up here with me, by my wish, because he was, because he is, my lover.
JOHN (_running towards her_. THE COMMISSARY _puts himself between them_.)
Whatever may be the punishment of the adulteress, I merit it. (_To the Secretary, who hesitates._) Write, sir, I have not finished. Write. (_She rises, and walks to the table where the Secretary is writing._) So that there may not, by any possibility, be any mistake in the scandalous trials that will follow this scene, and in order that my husband may not have to accuse himself of casting upon me an unjust and hasty suspicion, I declare that not only have I given myself to Mr. Nourvady because I loved him, but because he is rich and I am poor; that after having ruined my husband I sold myself, so incapable was I of bearing poverty. The price of my fall is there: a million in gold struck expressly for me! My husband, there, was right yesterday, when he treated me like a prostitute. I am one, and very happy to be so. And if what I have told you does not convince you; if proofs are necessary, there they are! (_She steeps her bare arms in the gold, and throws handfuls of it all round her._ _To_ JOHN.) And you, sir, if you are in want of money, take some; after the baseness that you commit at this moment, there remains only this for you to do.
JOHN (_going towards her; she looks in his face_; JOHN _falls on a chair_.)
And now do you believe that I am entirely yours?
In the face of the insolence and audacity of the accused, I require her immediate arrest.
I know the rights that the law gives me, and the duties that I have to fulfil. All that has been said has been recorded in the accusation; I limit my office to that. (_To_ NOURVADY.) As you are not in your own house, sir, you can retire; only as the avenue is full of people in front of the principal entrance, leave the house by this exit: one of my agents will join you, in order that the policeman may allow you to pass. (_He points to the left._ NOURVADY _bows to_ LIONNETTE _and goes out by the left, passing in front of_ JOHN, _who, standing with his arms folded, pretends not to see the provoking salute_ NOURVADY _gives him_.)