plies dishonour.

PAUL.

[_Indignantly_.]

Dishonour!

[_Checking himself_.]

Monsieur, honesty is honoured now, even though it be not allied to an
empty title. Tis not a crest, but character, that measures manhood in
this modern age. Therefore I do not fear to tell you--

[DUKE _turns quickly_. PAUL _hesitates_.]

that I love your daughter.

DUKE.

[_With terrible contempt_.]

And you take this time to declare it! When you have burdened me with
obligations that leave me powerless at your feet?--when I must see
in the demand for the daughter's hand, a possible bargain for the
father's life.

[PAUL _turns fiercely. The_ DUKE _checks him_.]

No more, sir! Happily I have two securities against dishonour:
my child's sense of what is due to herself--my own scorn of life
purchased at such a price.

PAUL.

Perhaps your daughter may not deem the protection of my name so great
a degradation as yourself.--Dare you put her to the test?

DUKE.

What test can you propose?

PAUL.

[_Seating himself at desk and writing_.]

Here is a pass procured at the risk of my life.--I fill it out for
George Leblanc.--It will convey you, alone, safely beyond our borders.
Here is another. I make this out for George Leblanc and Diane his
daughter. This will enable both of you to escape.--These passes have
the signatures of the chief of police; I countersign them, thus--a
double surety for you, a double risk for me.--Now, Monsieur, either
one of these passes is yours, as your daughter may decide, if you will
offer her the choice of remaining under my protection, or of leaving
France with you.

DUKE.

[_Striking a bell_.]

The choice is at her will.

[_Enter_ NANETTE.]

Send my daughter here at once.

[_Exit_ NANETTE.

PAUL.

One word, Monsieur. These passes are at stake, and my life as well. I
promise to be bound by the decision of your daughter.--If she decides
to remain, you promise to go and leave her here with me?

DUKE. I promise this on one condition. I pledge my honour to put the
alternative fairly before her. You must pledge yours to use no word to
influence her choice.

PAUL.

I pledge myself to silence.

DIANE.

[_Entering pale and anxious_.]

You sent for me, Father?

DUKE.

I did. Listen, child. I am about to leave France. By my side there is
peril--here is safety. Answer frankly: will you follow me, or remain
here under the protection of Monsieur Kauvar?

DI