e of news that set me thinking, but I was
struck by the incredible readiness with which people receive at their
houses those about whose antecedents they know positively nothing.

The Duchesse de Montsorel (aside)
Is he to be insulted in my house?

Raoul
If people distrust those whom they do not know, aren't they sometimes
likely, at very short notice, to know rather too much about them?

The Duke
Albert, how can this news of yours interest us? Do we ever receive any
one without first learning what his family is?

Raoul
His grace the duke knows my family.

The Duke
It is sufficient for me that you are found at Madame de Montsorel's
house. We know what we owe to you too well to forget what you owe to
us. The name De Frescas commands respect, and you represent it
worthily.

The Duchesse de Christoval (to Raoul)
Will you immediately announce who you are, if not for your own sake,
at least out of consideration for your friends?

Raoul
I shall be extremely distressed if my presence here should occasion
the slightest discussion; but as certain hints are as galling as the
most direct charges, I suggest that we end this conversation, which is
as unworthy of you, as it is of me. Her grace the duchess did not, I
am sure, invite me here to be cross-examined. I recognize in no one
the right to ask a reason for the silence which I have decided to
maintain.

The Marquis
And you leave us the right to interpret it?

Raoul
If I claim liberty of action, it is not for the purpose of refusing
the same to you.

The Duke (to Raoul)
You are a noble young man, you show the natural distinction which
marks the gentleman; do not be offended at the curiosity of the world;
it is our only safeguard. Your sword cannot impose silence upon all
idle talkers, and the world, while it treats becoming modesty with
generosity, has no pity for ungrounded pretensions--

Raoul
Sir!

The Duchesse de Montsorel (whispering anxiously to Raoul)
Not a word about your childhood; leave Paris, and let me alone know
where you are--hidden! Your whole future depends on this.

The Duke
I really wish to be your friend, in spite of the fact that you are the
rival of my son. Give your confidence to a man who has that of his
king. How can you be descended from the house of De Frescas, which is
extinct?

Raoul (to the duke)
Your grace is too powerful to fail of proteges, and I am not so weak
as to need a protector.

The Duchesse de Christoval
Sir,