Do Not Utter a Word

The dramatic irony in Vanessa is beautifully done. An aunt, who refuses to look at her aging self, has covered all the mirrors in the house and is awaiting for the man who once was her lover. Upon his arrival, Vanessa finds out that her lover, Anatol, is dead and that it is his son, also called Anatol, who has arrived. Heart-broken, Vanessa stays in her chambers for the night; Erika, Vanessa's niece, and Anatol eat the meat and drink the wine that was meant for Vanessa and Anatol Sr. Erika confides in the Baroness that she was seduced by Anatol the night before and refuses his proposal in belief that he doesn't really mean it. Vanessa has become delusionary and believes Anatol is her lover! Vanessa and Anatol get engaged and throw a party. Erika finds out she is pregnant and faints at the party; when recovered, she flees in to cold to have the baby aborted. When Erika returns, Vanessa and Anatol are leaving for Paris. Erika covers all the mirrors and locks up the house, knowing that it is her turn to wit for her lover to return.