GOUROC.

But suppose the Duke is called before the signal comes!--I must go and
find some man to take his place.

GOUROC _starts to go_. PAUL'S _face lights with a sudden resolution_.

PAUL.

Stop! The man is found.

GOUROC.

Who is he?

PAUL.

The man they call a traitor--Paul Kauvar.

GOUROC.

[_Suppressing a smile of surprise_.]

You?

PAUL.

Yes. When safely out of France, tell them of my fate. My death may
convince them I loved too deeply to betray.

[_A bell begins to toll_.

A VOICE.

[_In the distance_.]

Hubert, Marquis de Ferrand,--Mardoche, alias the Abbe de St. Simon--

GOUROC.

They're calling the condemned; there's not an instant to be lost.

[_Crossing to cell_.]

In this cell there hangs an old man's coat and wig, kept here to
disguise the spies connected with the prison. Luckily they'll serve
your purpose well.

[_Opening cell door_.]

Quick!--Get ready to answer when the Duke is called.

PAUL.

Tell my wife I died for love of her, and honour.

[_Exit_.

GOUROC.

[_In exultation_.]

Thank luck!--This man's death clears my path, and saves the money I
meant to pay the Abbe.

_Enter_ DIANE _and_ NANETTE.

DIANE.

Where is he? I must see him once again!--Paul! Paul!

[_Starting at sight of_ GOUROC.]

Who's there?

GOUROC.

Tis I! Here to save your father.

THE VOICE.

[_Outside_.]

Comte de Vigny,--Andre de la Roche--

GOUROC.

That's the last call of the condemned.--Your father's name stands next
upon the roll.

DIANE.

Save him!--Save him!

GOUROC.

Obey me instantly, or all is lost; hide quickly in this cell! Trust to
me and wait.

DIANE.

[_Going with_ NANETTE _into a cell_.]

God deal with you as you now deal with me!

[_Exit_.

_Tramp of_ GUARDS _outside_.

GOUROC.

[_Crossing to cell and calling_.]

Kauvar!--Be quick!--stand ready. By heaven!--A close shave!

OFFICER _and_ GUARDS _enter_.

OFFICER.

[_Advancing_.]

Honore Albert Maxime, Duc de Beaumont, you are called to the
guillotine.

[PAUL _comes forth in silence_.]

Fall in.--Forward, march!

[_As the_ GUARDS _start with_ PAUL, DIANE _rushes in with a cry of
agony_.

DIANE.

Father!--Father!--We have been deceived!

[DIANE _rushes into_ PAUL'S _arms; he embraces her passionately_.
GUARDS _force them apart and go out with_ PAUL.]

[_Held back by_ GOUROC _and_ NANETTE, DIANE _shrieks_.]

Father--father!