4.
Characters:
Mathilda Roquefort
Maximilian Pont l’Eveque, Captain of the Royal Guard
Mathilda found the captain walking up and down the garden path.
Maximilian (rushing towards her): Oh Mathilda, I’m so happy you have come!
Mathilda: What has happened, Maximilian? You don’t look yourself.
Maximilian: I didn’t sleep a wink last night. (27) I thought it over and over (28), but I just don’t see another way out.
Mathilda: Neither do I.
Maximilian: I’m afraid you misunderstood me, my dear Mathilda. (29) I want you to run away with me. We shall go far, very far away. We can take a boat and sail to the shores of New Guinea, to the Mouse Island. Or to America. Wherever you wish. I have friends. They will help us. They will arrange it with the ship rats. (30) I’m rich. With me, you shall know no need. (31)
Mathilda: Why do you say that, Maximilian? You know that I would marry you even if you were poor as a church mouse. If it were my decision, I would. But they have decided for me.
Maximilian: I won’t let anyone take you away from me. I will fight to the death. For you, I am ready to do anything, even commit a crime.
Mathilda: I must go now. Farewell, Maximilian! Farewell, sweetheart!
Maximilian (his gaze following her as she left): I’m not saying goodbye.
