o longer Diane de Beaumont--but,
thank God,--Diane Kauvar!

CURTAIN.

ACT IV.

SCENE. _Same as Act III_.--DUKE _discovered seated in attitude of
despair_.--GOUROC _standing near mantel_.--LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN _enters
sadly_.

DUKE.

[_Rising anxiously_.]

What news?

LA ROCHE.

None.

[_The_ DUKE _sinks back into chair_.

GOUROC.

Then she has positively escaped?

LA ROCHE.

While we stood dazed with horror at her words--she vanished. Our
soldiers have searched, but can find no trace of her.

DUKE.

[_Starting up_.]

I will find her!

LA ROCHE.

[_Barring his way_.]

This is madness.

DUKE.

Let me pass!

LA ROCHE.

Hear me!

DUKE.

While I listen, she is lost!--An army shall not stop me.

[_Breaks from him towards door_.

DENISE.

[_Entering joyfully_.]

She is found!

ALL.

Found?

DENISE.

Yes. Jean tracked her,--they are bringing her here.

JEAN.

[_Entering_.]

General, I have not failed.

LA ROCHE.

[_Grasping his hand_.]

You never do.

LA HOGUE _enters first, followed by two_ GUARDS, _whom he directs
to the entrance at top of steps_.--DIANE _enters, followed by two_
GUARDS.

DIANE.

[_To_ LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.]

By what authority, Monsieur, am I arrested?

DUKE.

By mine. I am your father.

DIANE.

My marriage has set me free of parental rule. I claim the right to fly
from those who have defamed my noble husband. General, command your
soldiers to release me!

GOUROC.

No!--You shall not go.

DIANE.

What will prevent me?

GOUROC.

The force of your own honour.

DIANE.

Honour commands me to return to my husband's friends.

GOUROC.

Honour commands you to keep your word with me.

[DIANE _starts and turns away_.]

You promised, if I saved your father, and you were free, you'd be my
wife.--I have done my part, you must do yours.

DIANE.

[_Passionately, to_ GOUROC.]

Now I understand your joy when you read of the beheadal of the man who
took my father's place!--You knew he was my husband.

GOUROC.

I did.

DIANE.

You planned his death to free and force me to this marriage.

GOUROC.

I did not learn that you were his wife till he was going to the
guillotine.--Then he told me all, confiding you to my care. I promised
him I'd shield you from all peril.--I but keep my word with him, in
asking you to keep your word with me.

DIANE.

So you would