GOUROC.

Health and fraternity, Citizens!  We come for Paul Kauvar, President of our Section.

NANETTE.

[Gruffly.]

He’s not at home.

GOUROC.

Ah, indeed!

[Sitting.]

Then we will await him here.

[All sit in silence.

NANETTE.

[Aside, in irritation.]

Oh, the impudence of these men!  How my nails ache to get at their ugly faces! [Crossing.]

How often have I told you that this apartment is not a public office?

POTIN.

But, my precious angel—­

NANETTE.

Bah!  Religion is abolished, and angels are suppressed!  I wish friends were too!

POTIN.

[Laughing.]

Talk of the rack!  What is it to a woman’s tongue?

NANETTE.

What know you of a woman’s tongue?

POTIN.

Enough to damn me, if knowledge were a crime.

NANETTE.

[To GOUROC.]

Come, Citizen, there’s no use waiting.  President Kauvar don’t do business at home; you’ve no rights here.

GOUROC.

[Rising sternly.]

The patriot has unlimited rights, woman.  He may dare all—­violate all, in his zeal for the Republic.

NANETTE.

Well, then, dare my dusting.

[Strikes brush into her hand and sends dust all over GOUROC.]

GOUROC.

[Moving off, sputtering.]

Who is this, Citizen Potin?

POTIN.

[Proudly.]

My wife, Citizen Gouroc.

GOUROC.

Who taught her manners?

POTIN.

The Goddess of Liberty, a rough and ready teacher.

GOUROC.

Who teaches with sharp tools.

NANETTE.

Aye—­tools so sharp they often cut the fools that use them.  Mark that.

GOUROC.

[Crossing to DIANE.]

You are the wife of President Kauvar, I suppose?