Aurore l'enfant martyre

Act 2, Scene 2, p. 186 to 190.

CATHERINE
There’s that little girl, so pale.... It’s just terrible! I’m going to warn Father, and two detectives as well who can keep an eye on the house. And if they so much as touch that little girl, well, they’ll be on their way to jail, those two. People who have no heart for their children are not fit to live among us; their place is behind bars.

TÉLESPHORE
This way, Doctor. Come in.

DOCTOR
This is the sick child?

TÉLESPHORE
Yes, Doctor.

DOCTOR
You could have given her a better bed.

TÉLESPHORE
We have many children.

DOCTOR
That’s no reason. All right, let’s have a look at the child.

CATHERINE
Look, here, Doctor. (Showing him the child’s shoulder.) She’s sleeping, Doctor.

DOCTOR
This is a sleep that appears to be more like unconsciousness. Let’s try to revive her.

MOTHER
(Aside.) What is she up to, that one?

DOCTOR
Oh, what a frightful wound. How did this happen?

MOTHER
It happened yesterday. She fell down the stairs.

CATHERINE
(Aside.) Damned hypocrite.

DOCTOR
And this wound on her hand?

MOTHER
She was playing with a hot poker.

CATHERINE
Another lie.

DOCTOR
This child appears to have suffered many mishaps. It's very strange.

MOTHER
She’s such a boisterous child. She’s always getting into something.

TÉLESPHORE
Is it very serious, Doctor?

DOCTOR
Very. The end is near. Go for the priest and quickly. There isn’t a moment to waste.

TÉLESPHORE
I’m on my way, Doctor. (He leaves.)

MOTHER
Little Aurore is going to die. (Sad.)

CATHERINE
The gall of that woman! Oh, I’m going to tell them everything. Everything.

DOCTOR
Never in my career as a physician have I seen a case as disturbing as this one. This emaciated body is covered in wounds: it’s obvious that the child is dying as a result of her wounds and hasn't had enough to eat.

MOTHER
But she’s been well treated.

CATHERINE
Yes, with lye and soap.

DOCTOR
I pity those who will bear the responsibility for this child’s death. Two weeks ago, I could have saved her, but now, it’s too late.

MOTHER
But with the right medicine?

DOCTOR
Medicine is useless when the body is worn out by pain and deprivation. There’s nothing more I can do here. It’s time to bring in the priest.

TÉLESPHORE
This way, Father. Come in.

PARISH PRIEST
What is this I hear? Aurore is dying?

DOCTOR
I can do no more, Father. I leave this to you. Goodbye.