[_Walking up and down excitedly_.]

What torture!--to be here; with heart aflame, and limbs all free;
to see the fight, and yet be bound to idleness by an oath, as much a
prisoner as though in fetters at the bottom of a cell!

[_Changing his whole manner_.]

And Diane--where is she? But now within my reach--almost in my
arms--naught between us but a promise, a mere breath--that breath as
strong as adamantine walls to part us!

JEAN.

[_Entering, sees_ PAUL _and cries out_.]

Kauvar!

PAUL.

[_Turning, starts_.]

Jean Litais!

JEAN.

You, alive?

PAUL.

My wife!--Where is she?

JEAN.

Don't ask me!

PAUL.

You promised to save her.

JEAN.

I did.--But for the burning of the Faubourg, and the attack of the
rebels, she would be alive and safe.

PAUL.

And now--?

JEAN.

She's lost!--She, with her father and the Marquis, fell into an
ambush--were fired on from every side--

PAUL.

Killed! And I am her assassin!

JEAN.

You?

PAUL.

Yes! I planned the burning of the Faubourg, placed the mines that blew
it up, and opened a way for our attack.--In serving my country, I have
killed my wife!

JEAN.

You are a soldier, then,--one of the blues?

PAUL.

Yes--and captured there at dawn. [_Points at the Faubourg_.

JEAN.

And not shot?

PAUL.

No--paroled!--paroled!--paroled!

JEAN.

Impossible! The watchword on both sides is "No mercy."

PAUL.

La Rochejacquelein spared my life, that I might once more see my
wife.--Useless generosity, for she had gone to meet her death!

JEAN.

But he--the General--was merciful, magnanimous to you?

PAUL.

He was. I owe him an eternal debt.

JEAN.

Are you willing to pay your debt?

PAUL.

With my life!

JEAN.

His army is routed. He will be captured--shot like a dog, unless he's
saved.

PAUL.

He must be saved.

JEAN.

There's a secret passage from this castle to the glen. If I could put
his pursuers off his track, he would escape.

PAUL.

Bring the General here and leave the rest to me.

JEAN.

You will aid him?

PAUL.

I will.--Be quick; we're wasting time.

[JEAN _crosses to door and beckons; enter_ LA HOGUE, LA
ROCHEJACQUELEIN _and_ DENISE.

PAUL.

[_Putting off his coat and crossing_.]

General, off with your coat!

LA ROCHE.

What does this mean?

PAUL.

You were merciful to me--'tis my turn now! We exchange uniforms; I