t are you?

MARDOCHE.

A victim--to present madness! An atonement--for past wrongs! A pledge
for future progress!--The Abbe de St. Simon.

GOUROC.

Ha! As I suspected.

[SOLDIERS _are heard approaching_.]

Take care!--Hurry to your cell; they are coming for the Duke.

MARDOCHE.

And my sister--?

GOUROC.

You shall have the money at your parting.

MARDOCHE.

Thus my death will bring her more than all the years I might have
lived to love her. [_Exit_.

OFFICER.

[_Entering, followed by_ GUARDS, _and presenting paper to_ GOUROC.]

An order for the person of Duc de Beaumont.

GOUROC.

[_Looking at order_.]

Correct.--There is his cell.

OFFICER.

[_Reading from paper at the door of_ DUKE'S _cell_.]

Honore Albert Maxime, heretofore Duc de Beaumont, you are called for
trial for your life. In the name of the law, stand forth!

_The_ DUKE _appears with_ DIANE _clinging to him, followed by_
NANETTE.

DUKE.

I am ready.

[_The_ GUARDS _surround him_.

OFFICER.

[_To_ DIANE.]

Young woman, free your father; he must follow me alone.

DIANE.

If he is guilty, then I am guilty. I have shared his prison; I claim
the right to share his scaffold.

OFFICER.

You are not called, and cannot go with him.

DUKE.

Courage, child! Remember who you are, and scorn to show these
miscreants what you feel.

[_Putting her gently from his breast_.]

We shall meet again.--

[_Turning to_ OFFICER.]

Lead on, sir.

[_The_ GUARDS _go off with the_ DUKE.--DIANE _falls into a chair near
table, overcome_. NANETTE _approaches her;_ GOUROC _waves her back_.

GOUROC.

[_Pointing to cell_.]

Wait there, till you're wanted.

[NANETTE _goes out sullenly_. GOUROC _draws near to_ DIANE.]

At last I'm free to crave your pardon for the part I'm forced to play
in these dark days of tragedy.--Say you'll forgive me.

DIANE.

I have nothing to forgive, sir.--You did not betray my father, and if
you dare to feel for such as we, then it is for the Republic to pardon
your secret treachery.

GOUROC.

Always cruel, Mademoiselle. If you knew the truth, you could not wound
me with your scorn.

DIANE.

[_Going_.]

If my face offends you, I will go.

GOUROC.

Stay, and be just.--I am the slave of a great purpose. I am fast
securing the ruin of the Republic. My affected zeal but masks the
well-aimed blows I strike at the enemies of our order.--Before many
weeks