[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!

DUKE.

[Entering.]

Diane!—­What is it?

DIANE.

[Turning in amazement and joy.]

What!—­You are there?

GOUROC.

Yes, saved by me.

DIANE.

And he—?  Who was he they dragged away?

GOUROC.

A man condemned to die—­whom I disguised—­to take your father’s place.

DIANE.

[Falling on her knees.]

O God!  Spare this man all pain in death—­and give him life eternal!

CURTAIN.

ACT III.

SCENE. Headquarters of Royalists in Vendee.  Interior of hall in old chateau.  Fireplace; large doorways with staircase leading to terrace, overlooking Granville; Faubourg de Calvaire in middle ground.  Doors from hall.  Bay window with large table covered with papers, maps, etc.  Charts near table and fireplace.

DISCOVERED:  SENTINEL on terrace; LA HOGUE seated at the table busy with papers.

At rise of curtain—­drums and fifes heard in distance.

DENISE enters, goes to terrace, gazes anxiously, then turns and crosses quickly to LA HOGUE.

DENISE.

[Shouting loudly.]

Monsieur La Hogue!

LA HOGUE.

[Gruffly.]

Well?