wed the widow of a Sans Culotte?

GOUROC.

Your husband was my friend; I knew and honoured him.

DIANE.

Ah, you believe, then, that Potin lied when he declared he got the
warrant for the Duke's arrest from Paul Kauvar?

GOUROC.

I now believe that your husband was the victim of a trick.

DIANE.

Then swear--before those who have heard the dead defamed--swear that
you believe my husband was innocent of infamy.

GOUROC.

[_With deep sincerity_.]

As I hope for mercy from my God, I believe that Paul Kauvar was
guiltless of dishonour.

DIANE.

[_Impressed with his sincerity_.]

Then his widow swears to keep her word with you.

[_She extends her hand to_ GOUROC.

LA HOGUE _crosses, up steps, to_ GUARDS, _and directs them silently to
exit.--They about-face, and go out_.

GOUROC.

[_Aside, triumphantly kissing_ DIANE'S _hand_.]

At last!

[_Howls of execration outside_.]

What is that?

LA ROCHE.

The mob howling at some captured rebels.

[_Enter_ ORDERLY, _who presents paper_.]

[_Reading paper_, LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN _speaks to_ ORDERLY.]

Conduct the prisoner here.

[_Exit_ ORDERLY.]

[_Turning to_ DIANE.]

Cousin, I must ask you to retire. We have secret business to transact.

DUKE.

[_Giving_ DIANE _his arm_.]

We will await you in my daughter's room.

[_To_ GOUROC.]

Marquis, we can complete the plans for your marriage and escape to
England.

[_Exeunt_ DIANE, DUKE, JEAN, DENISE _and_ GOUROC.

GOUROC.

[_Aside, as he goes out_.]

Now I know that I shall triumph!

LA ROCHE.

[_To_ LA HOGUE.]

When and where were these prisoners secured?

LA HOGUE.

At dawn this morning, in the centre of the Faubourg. They fought like
fiends! Their leader is a veritable lion.--Though overcome by numbers,
he don't seem conquered in the least!--Hang my hide! I cannot help but
like him!

[_Howls renewed outside_.

ORDERLY.

[_Entering_.]

The prisoner is here, General.

LA ROCHE.

Bring him in.

[ORDERLY _beckons.--Yells outside_. GUARDS _enter and form on terrace
behind entrance.--Enter_ PRISONER, _who strides haughtily in_.]

[_To_ ORDERLY.]

Retire and guard the doors.

[ORDERLY _right-faces_.--GUARD _goes of with_ ORDERLY.]

[_Politely to_ PRISONER.]

I see, sir, you're an officer.

PRISONER.

Yes.--Captain of Volunteers in the ranks of the Republic.

LA ROCHE.

To what corps do you belong?

PRISONER.

Kleber's--who