free to lie.

POTIN.

[_Turning away in disgust_.]

Damn it! I must run or be ruined.

[_Starts to go, but, in passing window, recoils with a cry of
dismay_.]

Sacristie!--See!--See there!

[_Points out of window_.

NANETTE.

[_Contemptuously looking out of window_.]

What now?

POTIN.

There goes the Phantom!

NANETTE.

[_Starting_.]

The dumb girl of the guillotine!

POTIN.

Who glides like a phantom through the streets, without home, friend,
or occupation.

NANETTE.

[_With horror_.]

Except to stand by the scaffold, and count the heads that fall from
the guillotine.

POTIN.

They say that calamity overtakes everyone she follows: that it's
disaster to stand in her way, and sure death to notice her.

NANETTE.

Aye, even those who think themselves too great to believe in God, have
faith in the fatal power of this pale child. My God! look there!

POTIN.

Good Lord!--It's Mademoiselle Diane! She's crossing the street in
front of the Phantom.

NANETTE.

Aye!--Go.--Hurry Mademoiselle here, before she has a chance to heed
this messenger of misery.

POTIN.

[_Going hurriedly_.]

Goddess of Reason, save us all!

[_Exit_.

NANETTE.

Goddess of Reason!--A fine deity for days as mad as these:

[_Crossing to mantel and looking at_ KAUVAR'S _picture_.]

Ah, Citizen Kauvar!--Patriot!--Revolutionist!--Bold son of Liberty,
as you are!--You'd love this age of terror less if it brought death
to Mademoiselle Diane.--Yes, I've watched ye, sturdy citizen, and
in spite of your stern devotion to the Republic, I suspect you carry
another idol in your heart.

DIANE

[_Outside, laughing_.]

All right, Citizen,--I'll not forget; though the poor crazed girl is
not half as harmful as her saner neighbours.

NANETTE.

Ah! Here she comes--Diane Leblanc,--a ray of sunlight in this prison
men call Paris.

DIANE.

[_Entering with flowers_.]

Ah, Nanette! Quick! Water and a vase. See!

NANETTE.

What--flowers?

[_Brings vase_.

DIANE.

Yes, they bloom even in this reign of terror.

[_Putting flowers in vase_.]

But you see these fragile beauties are sinless, and therefore know no
fear.--Is my father in his room?

NANETTE.

No. He went away an hour ago.

DIANE.

Gone an hour, and not returned? That makes me anxious!--Is Citizen
Kauvar at home?

NANETTE.

Not yet! He's been away all night.

DIANE.

Good heavens!--Nanette-