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