_sits at the desk and pretends to write_. DIANE _sits at
table and takes up sewing_. NANETTE _dusts. Knock is heard outside_.
NANETTE _answers roughly_.]

Come in!

_Enter_ GOUROC, POTIN, GOUJON _and two_ SANS CULOTTES.

GOUROC.

Health and fraternity, Citizens! We come for Paul Kauvar, President of
our Section.

NANETTE.

[_Gruffly_.]

He's not at home.

GOUROC.

Ah, indeed!

[_Sitting_.]

Then we will await him here.

[_All sit in silence_.

NANETTE.

[_Aside, in irritation_.]

Oh, the impudence of these men! How my nails ache to get at their ugly
faces! [_Crossing_.]

How often have I told you that this apartment is not a public office?

POTIN.

But, my precious angel--

NANETTE.

Bah! Religion is abolished, and angels are suppressed! I wish friends
were too!

POTIN.

[_Laughing_.]

Talk of the rack! What is it to a woman's tongue?

NANETTE.

What know you of a woman's tongue?

POTIN.

Enough to damn me, if knowledge were a crime.

NANETTE.

[_To_ GOUROC.]

Come, Citizen, there's no use waiting. President Kauvar don't do
business at home; you've no rights here.

GOUROC.

[_Rising sternly_.]

The patriot has unlimited rights, woman. He may dare all--violate all,
in his zeal for the Republic.

NANETTE.

Well, then, dare my dusting.

[_Strikes brush into her hand and sends dust all over_ GOUROC.]

GOUROC.

[_Moving off, sputtering_.]

Who is this, Citizen Potin?

POTIN.

[_Proudly_.]

My wife, Citizen Gouroc.

GOUROC.

Who taught her manners?

POTIN.

The Goddess of Liberty, a rough and ready teacher.

GOUROC.

Who teaches with sharp tools.

NANETTE.

Aye--tools so sharp they often cut the fools that use them. Mark that.

GOUROC.

[_Crossing to_ DIANE.]

You are the wife of President Kauvar, I suppose?

[DIANE _starts up and stares. The_ DUKE _rises and advances with
stern hauteur. At sight of_ GOUROC, _he starts, and surveys him with
amazement_.]

Well, old man, are you mad, or do you know me?

DUKE.

[_Significantly_.]

I think we have met before.

GOUROC.

Yes, and may meet again. Permit me to introduce myself. I am Citizen
Gouroc, of the Jacobin Club, and one of the Public Accusers of the
Revolutionary Tribunal.

[DIANE _draws close to_ NANETTE.]

Now, who are you?

DUKE.

I am George Leblanc, private secretary to Paul Kauvar.

GOUROC.

Ah, indeed!--His private secre