Aurore, the Child Martyr

Act 1, Scene 2, p. 162 to 166.

There is a knock at the door. Catherine enters.

MOTHER
It’s you Catherine. Come on in.

CATHERINE
(Entering.) Hello, Madame Chose, I would’ve come before, but I had too many errands to run.

MOTHER
Yes, I know who it is.

CATHERINE
What do you mean, you know?

MOTHER
You know very well that everything gets known in the village... you and Abraham. And I've heard something else: that you plan to marry in two or three weeks. Have you thought about it carefully?

CATHERINE
It’s all we can dream of. It’s our one pleasure until it becomes reality.

MOTHER
What can I do for you this morning?

CATHERINE
I’d need a pound of butter if you have enough.

MOTHER
I just happen to have some here. It’s in the basement. I’ll get it for you right away. (She leaves.)

CATHERINE
(Notices Aurore, who is lying down.) Look at this poor little girl lying there like a dog. It's a strange thing, but I don’t trust that woman. Each time I come here, the little girl’s always in rags, and always crying, while her own children are always happy, well dressed, and healthy looking. I’m going to try questioning her. After all, she’s just a stepmother. Little girl, come here.

AURORE
Yes, Mademoiselle.

CATHERINE
Tell me, does your stepmother take good care of you?

AURORE
(Hesitant.) Well, yes....

CATHERINE
Your yes doesn’t sound very true to me. You know, you don’t have to be afraid that I’ll tell your stepmother. I won’t tell her, don’t worry. But if you don’t tell me the truth, you’ll have to confess it to Reverend Father, who might not let you receive communion.

AURORE
I can’t say anything.

CATHERINE
Why?

AURORE
Because she said that she’d beat me even more if I talked.

CATHERINE
And what about your father; what does he say about this?

AURORE
My father believes what my stepmother tells him; and when I complain, he beats me too.

CATHERINE
That’s terrible to mistreat a poor, defenceless little girl! And she dares practice her religion! What did she do to you again?

AURORE
Well, the other day, I was thirsty and she gave me lye, and, because I wouldn’t drink it, she hit me hard on the shoulder. Here, see, Mademoiselle. (She shows her shoulder.)

CATHERINE
I would feel guilty if I didn’t go tell the priest. I’m going right away.

AURORE
No, no, Mademoiselle, don’t say anything. She told me she’d rip out my tongue if I talked. (She lies down.)

CATHERINE
Don’t you worry about anything, my darling. I’m going to fix everything right away. Go lie down.(Someone comes in.) Be careful, she’s here!

MOTHER
(Enters.) Here, here’s your butter, Mademoiselle Catherine. (To herself.) Well now, she seems different from before. I wonder if the little one talked?

CATHERINE
Thank you very much. If it’s all right with you, I’ll pay you another time.

MOTHER
I’m in no hurry; take your time.

CATHERINE
Thank you, Madame Chose.

MOTHER
(To Aurore.) Here, my darling, come have some nice cream with bread.

CATHERINE
(Exiting, to herself.) That damned hypocrite! I’d feel remorse if I didn’t go tell the parish priest, and I’m going right away. (To the mother.) Goodbye, Madame Chose!

MOTHER
Goodbye. Don’t think too much about your beau.

CATHERINE
Not to worry, Madame Chose. You know he’s a widower.

MOTHER
Yes.

CATHERINE
Yes, with four children. But you see, I love children. I do. I could never be like a lot of stepmothers who mistreat their husbands' children. Oh no, no, no! You know, Madame Chose, I’m not saying this about you. (As she leaves.) I’ll say something more anyway.... And, when there’s something good to eat on the table, everyone will get their share, no more for one than for the other. Well now, here I am carrying on when I have so many errands to run. Goodbye, Madame Chose. (She leaves.)