TIN.]

Have you any blank warrants?

POTIN.

I have!--I keep them always handy, especially for the petticoat sex.

[_Giving them_.]

I say, Comrade, I hope it's a she-man this time, for there's nothing
like this--[_Making sign across throat_] to stop the wag of a woman's
tongue.

GOUROC.

Go.--Remain in the ante-room.--I may want you to summon a guard.

POTIN.

[_Going_.]

All right, Citizen! I'm always ready at the call of the Republic.

[_Exit_.

GOUROC.

Good!--Now to secure my victory!--But where can I find Kauvar?

[_Starts for door_. KAUVAR _enters, absorbed in thought, without
seeing_ GOUROC, _who watches him_.]

He's just in time! Fate conspires with me for success.

[PAUL _seats himself at desk and buries his face in his arms_.--GOUROC
_goes over quietly and touches him on the shoulder_.

PAUL.

[_Starting up in dismay_]

You here, Gouroc!

GOUROC.

I am, old friend,--though you seem scarce glad to see me.

PAUL.

Pardon, Comrade; you find me at a moment when my mind's absorbed with
many cares.

GOUROC.

I understand;--in times like these perplexity pursues the patriot. I
would not now intrude, dear friend, if duty did not force me.

PAUL.

[_With sudden suspicion_.]

Duty! And what duty can bring you here?

GOUROC. I have important warrants for your signature.

PAUL.

[_Sitting again, with a sigh of relief_.]

Another time.--I cannot sign them now.

GOUROC.

[_Firmly_.]

Friend, the business of the Republic is sacred; it cannot be
postponed.

PAUL.

[_Wearily_.]

Well, well!--What are these warrants?

[_Takes up pen carelessly_.

GOUROC.

[_Calling off papers, as he gives them to_ PAUL _to sign_.]

Warrants for the arrest of Catherine Cler--

[PAUL _signs_.]

Maxime Berton--

[PAUL _signs_.]

Marie Legrand--

[PAUL _signs_.]

And this blank warrant for a suspected party, whose name that fool
Potin has registered so badly that I must get him to decipher it
before I can fill it in.

[PAUL _signs mechanically_.]

[_Aside_.]

Tis done!--And she is mine!

[_Aloud_.]

Shall you be at the club to-night, friend?

PAUL.

[_Shortly_.]

No!

[_Night comes on_.

GOUROC.

What excuse shall I offer the fraternity?

PAUL.

Say I am busy--busy--[_Striking his breast_.] breaking the heart of a
traitor to France!

GOUROC.

[_Going_.]

A welcome message.--I sha'n't forget it.

[_Exit_.

P