long live the emperor! say I.

Justine
For mercy's sake, hold your tongue, you old fool!--If any one heard
you, you would get us all arrested.

Antoine
I am not afraid of that, thank God! The answers I made to the
magistrate were non-committal; I never compromised M. Jules, like the
traitors who informed against him.

Justine
Mme. du Brocard with all her immense savings ought to be able to buy
him off.

Antoine
Oh, nonsense! Since the escape of Lavalette such a thing is
impossible! They have become extremely particular at the gates of the
prison, and they were never particularly accommodating. M. Jules will
have to take his dose you see; he will be a martyr. I shall go and see
him executed.

(Some one rings. Exit Antoine.)

Justine
We will go and see him! When one has known a condemned man I don't see
how they can have the heart to--As for me I shall go to the Court of
Assizes. I feel, poor boy, I owe him that!

SCENE SECOND

Dupre, Antoine and Justine.

Antoine (aside, as he ushers in Dupre)
Ah! The lawyer. (Aloud) Justine, go and tell madame that Monsieur
Dupre is waiting. (Aside) The lawyer is a hard nut to crack, I'm
thinking. (Aloud) Sir, is there any hope of saving our poor M. Jules?

Dupre
I perceive that you are very fond of your young master?

Antoine
Naturally enough!

Dupre
What would you do to save him?

Antoine
Anything, sir!

Dupre
That means nothing.

Antoine
Nothing?--I will give whatever evidence you like.

Dupre
If you are caught in contradicting yourself and convicted of perjury,
do you know what you run the risk of?

Antoine
No, sir.

Dupre
The galleys.

Antoine
That is rather severe, sir.

Dupre
You would prefer to serve him without compromising yourself?

Antoine
Is there any other way?

Dupre
No.

Antoine
Well! I'll run the risk of the galleys.

Dupre (aside)
What devotion is here!

Antoine
My master would be sure to settle a pension on me.

Justine
Here is madame.

SCENE THIRD

The same persons and Madame Rousseau.

Mme. Rousseau (to Dupre)
Ah! Monsieur, we have been impatiently expecting this visit. (To
Antoine) Antoine! Quick, inform my husband. (To Dupre) Sir, I trust in
your efforts, alone.

Dupre
You may be sure, madame, that I