pare for sudden and secret flight.

DIANE.

[_Starting_.]

Flight! Where can we be safer than under our present host's
protection?

GOUROC.

Under mine, Mademoiselle. Kauvar is a man of the people. To him such
words as loyalty, truth and honour are but empty puffs of air.

DIANE.

[_Proudly and passionately_.]

On whose lips is there meaning purer, or prouder, than on Paul
Kauvar's?

DUKE.

[_With haughty surprise_.]

Mademoiselle! When you speak so warmly, you forget the distance that
separates you from one of his rank.

[_Cries in the distance of_ "To the Guillotine!" _with the roll of
muffled drums_.

DIANE.

[_In solemn voice_.]

Nay, father, listen!--Do we need more to remind us of the nearness of
the protected to the protector?

[_The_ DUKE _listens with bowed head_. GOUROC _goes to window_.

DUKE.

[_To_ GOUROC, _as drums draw near_.]

Is it the patrol?

GOUROC.

[_Solemnly_.]

No. Tis the guard of the death-cart, with to-day's load for the
guillotine.

DIANE.

[_Hiding her face_.]

This constant agitation is torture.

GOUROC.

You can easily escape it, Mademoiselle. Accept the refuge I offer you.

DUKE.

We will, Marquis, at once. Come to my room, and we will complete our
plans.

[_To_ DIANE.]

My child, prepare to leave this house to-night, in haste and in
secret.

[_Exit with_ GOUROC.

DIANE.

Fly from this house to-night?--No! I will not go! And yet I must, or
tell my father the secret I have kept from him so long.

PAUL.

[_Outside_.]

I am not at home to anyone. I will not brook intrusion here.

NANETTE.

[_Outside_.]

I'll keep out all I can.

DIANE.

Paul is coming!--How can I tell him we must part?

[PAUL _enters_. DIANE _turns quickly toward him_.

PAUL.

[_Absorbed in documents he is carrying. Crossing slowly to desk, he
lays the papers down and, turning, sees_ DIANE.]

Diane! Thank heaven you're alone!

[DIANE _checks him by a warning gesture; crosses quickly to the
door, listens a moment, then slowly approaches_ PAUL, _looking back
anxiously_.]

Have you no word of welcome for a very weary friend?

DIANE.

[_Throwing herself with nervous impetuosity into his arms_.]

Ah, Paul! God bless and keep you!

PAUL.

God blessed me beyond measure, when he made your heart my own.

DIANE.

[_Leading him with nervous intensity to a chair_.]

Sit here--sit here!

[_She sits beside him_.]