been anxious to destroy you! That is
justice; and do you think that I object--I who am to be the loser? In
the game that I play with Destiny, every time I make up my mind that
God is against me, I bow my head and throw up the game. I don't fear
any one except God. He is on your side. Let us talk no more about it.

[_Just as she is speaking the last words, Clarkson comes in.
He is very grave._]

_Mrs. Clarkson_--See there. You are a widow.

_Clarkson_ [_to Mrs. Clarkson_]--My dear Noemi, will you be so kind as
to hand that paper to our friend the duchess. She will perhaps feel
some embarrassment in taking it directly from my hand--and it is a
thing that must be returned to her. Such was the last wish of her
husband; he really did not have time to tell me as much, but I fancy
that I guess it right.

[_Mrs. Clarkson calmly takes the letter and goes to
Catherine._]

_Mrs. Clarkson_--I once said to your friend M. Remonin that if I lost
my game I would lose like one who plays fair. Madam, it was through me
that your marriage came to pass; and now it is through me that your
marriage--is dissolved. [_Turning to Clarkson._] And now, Clarkson, my
dear, let us get out of this. You are a good and a brave fellow. I
will go anywhere with you. I have had enough of Europe--things here
are too small. Do you know, I really believe I am going to find myself
in love with you! Come, let us go! I am positively smothering.

_Clarkson_--Yes, let us go.

[_At the moment that Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson are going out,
servants and police officials, accompanied by a commissioner
of the police service, appear in the door. Clarkson is
pointed out._]

_Commissioner_--I beg your pardon, monsieur,--there seems to have
been--a murder here.

_Clarkson_--Oh no, monsieur, not at all a murder--only a duel.

_Commissioner_--And am I to understand, monsieur, that it is you who--

_Clarkson_--Oh yes, monsieur, it is I. You have come to take me into
custody?

_Commissioner_--Yes, monsieur.

_Clarkson_--What a ridiculous country! I am ready to follow you,
monsieur. But I am an American citizen. I shall give you bail--but of
course, the law before anything....

_Mrs. Clarkson_--Reckon on me, Clarkson. _I_ shall take charge of this
matter.

_Clarkson_--How are you going to do that?

_Mrs. Clarkson_--Oh, that's my affair.

[_Mrs. Clarkson crosses the stage and whispers a word to the
commissioner. The commis