The Red and the Black. Стендаль
Reynal (to his wife)
Why don’t you discuss your orders with our young tutor, while I arrange matters with his father.
(Julien and Madame Reynal withdraw to the other end of the garden.)
Reynal
Everything is settled satisfactorily?
Sorel (churlishly)
Nothing is settled.
(Reynal and Sorel mime a ferocious argument.)
Madame Reynal
Do you mean to say you know Latin, Monsieur?
Julien (defensive, ironic)
That is why I’ve come as a tutor, Madame!
Madame Reynal
You won’t beat the children?
Julien
Beat them? Why should I do that?
Madame Reynal
You will promise me to be kind to them, not to scold them?
Julien (struck by her beauty at last)
I’ll obey you in everything.
Madame Reynal
How old are you, Monsieur?
Julien
Nineteen.
Madame Reynal
My eldest son is eleven. You can reason with him. His father slapped him once and I was sick for a week.
Julien
I swear, before God, I will never beat your children.
Madame Reynal
What’s your name, Monsieur?
Julien (struggling to get it out)
Julien Sorel. I’m very nervous about entering a strange house. I crave your protection. I hope you will forgive my many mistakes.
(Madame Reynal and Julien continue their conversation in mime.)
Sorel
If I take him back, he will keep this coat you promised to give him?
Reynal
Of course.
Sorel
Now, about the money.
Reynal
You know my offer. You accepted yesterday.
Sorel
That’s true, I don’t deny it. But, we are poor. (with a stroke of genius) Today, we’ve had a better one.
Reynal
So. May I ask from whom?
Sorel
No matter. Not only is the money better, but my son will eat with the family.
Reynal
He shall do that here as well. And I add a hundred to my offer. Is it agreed?
Sorel
Agreed. (reluctant still)
Reynal
Well, your father and I are agreed, young man. Everyone will treat you with respect here. If I am satisfied with you, I will help you establish yourself later on. (Reynal takes Julien by the arm) Now, there are some things you must understand immediately. I don’t want to see either your family or your friends here. I shall give you an advance on your salary, but on your word of honor, you must not give one sou to your father.
Julien
That’s easily given.
Reynal
Everyone here is to call you Monsieur. Alphonse. (a servant appears) Take Monsieur Sorel’s luggage to his room. (the servant takes the traps) And now, it is time for you to meet the children. A little dignity will not be amiss. I want them to respect you.
Julien
Thank you, Monsieur.
(Julien leaves to join Madame Reynal.)
Reynal (addressing old Sorel)
Our business is at an end, Monsieur.
Sorel
Good day.
(Madame Reynal returns.)
Reynal
Without bowing. What a churl. (noticing his wife) Well, what do you think of our new acquisition, my dear?
Madame Reynal
I’m not so pleased with that upstart peasant as you are. You’ll make him insolent with your kindness. I know the type. We’ll have to get rid of him in a month.
Reynal
So be it. But, people will have gotten used to seeing our children with a tutor. And, we’ll get another one. After all, educated peasants are a dime a dozen. So much the better.
CURTAIN
ACT I
SCENE 3
Fouqué’s humble lodgings.
Fouqué
Julien, so good to see you.
Julien
I told you, I don’t forget my friends.
Fouqué
This is delightful. In fact, I was going to look you up anyway.
Julien
I beat you to it.
Fouqué
I have a business proposition to put to you, Julien.
Julien
Really? I’m hardly in a position to undertake any business. You sound so serious.
Fouqué
I am serious. I apologize for sounding so pompous. My timber business is going very well, and I need some help, a partner, in fact.
Julien
If I hear of any one....
Fouqué
You, Julien. I want you.
Julien
Me? I’m honored, but I’m soon to take my vows. And, besides that, I’ve got this tutoring job. I’m not a priest, but I am of a scholarly turn....
Fouqué
With your education, we could make three times what I’m making now....
Julien
Really, I’m touched, but....
Fouqué
You’re not cut out to be a priest.
Julien
Everyone seems to think that, except me.
Fouqué
You’re ambitious, Julien.
Julien
Who denies it?
Fouqué
And, you’ve quarreled with Reynal or you wouldn’t be here.
Julien
You’ve a good head on your shoulders for judging people. You’ll make your fortune.
Fouqué
Julien, if we become partners we’ll be rich in a few years....
Julien
But, I’d like to keep my tutoring position, just for the present.
Fouqué
Reynal