range trick! I've tried to learn the
truth, but no one will tell me who took the warrant to the office of
the Guard.

NANETTE.

I wish I could believe you.

PAUL.

[_Forcing her to face him_.]

And so you shall!--Do I look like the vilest of mankind?

NANETTE.

No; in looks you're lucky!

PAUL.

Would any man conspire to kill the wife he adores?

NANETTE.

Why ask that?

PAUL.

Because Diane de Beaumont is my wife.

NANETTE.

Your wife?

PAUL.

Yes! For me to betray her father would be to break her heart! Pain to
her is the anguish of the damned to me! Can you not see that I am--I
must be innocent?

NANETTE.

In these days the fairest faces mask the foulest souls! Looks and
words prove nothing! Evidence alone will clear you of this crime.

PAUL.

That--I have not been able to obtain.

NANETTE.

Then get it quickly before it is too late.

PAUL.

Where is Diane--my wife?

NANETTE.

[_Pointing_.]

There!--Praying for the father she believes you betrayed.

PAUL.

No, she cannot! By the light of her own love she sees the innocence of
mine.

NANETTE.

Then love is lunacy!

PAUL.

Send her here to me!

NANETTE.

She will not come.

PAUL.

I'll stake my life she will!

NANETTE.

You shall see.

[_Exit_.

JEAN LITAIS _enters, watching_ PAUL _intently_.

PAUL.

Two things at any cost I must accomplish! First, prove my innocence of
treachery, and save her father from the guillotine.

JEAN.

[_Advancing_.]

For that I came to help you.

PAUL.

Who are you?

JEAN.

Look well and you will see.

PAUL.

I've seen your face before, but have forgotten where we met.

JEAN.

I am Jean Litais. Six months ago, I was accused, and about to be
condemned. You saw--took pity--spoke in my behalf--and by your
eloquence saved my life! So now the life you saved, and all its
service, is yours to use, or forfeit as you please! A lion freed a
mouse--the mouse now comes to serve the lion.

PAUL.

I do not understand.

JEAN.

I am turnkey here, though once a servant of the Duke's. You love his
daughter; I can help her father to escape.

PAUL.

How?

JEAN.

[_Crossing to the door_.]

This opens on a staircase leading to the river. Here's the key. I have
a boat below. To-night I'll creep up the stairs and knock three times.
Open, then, this door--and you'll find deliverance for those you love.