DIANE.

[Impressed with his sincerity.]

Then his widow swears to keep her word with you.

[She extends her hand to GOUROC.

LA HOGUE crosses, up steps, to GUARDS, and directs them silently to exit.—­They about-face, and go out.

GOUROC.

[Aside, triumphantly kissing DIANE’S hand.]

At last!

[Howls of execration outside.]

What is that?

LA ROCHE.

The mob howling at some captured rebels.

[Enter ORDERLY, who presents paper.]

[Reading paper, LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN speaks to ORDERLY.]

Conduct the prisoner here.

[Exit ORDERLY.]

[Turning to DIANE.]

Cousin, I must ask you to retire.  We have secret business to transact.

DUKE.

[Giving DIANE his arm.]

We will await you in my daughter’s room.

[To GOUROC.]

Marquis, we can complete the plans for your marriage and escape to
England.

[Exeunt DIANE, DUKE, JEAN, DENISE and GOUROC.

GOUROC.

[Aside, as he goes out.]

Now I know that I shall triumph!

LA ROCHE.

[To LA HOGUE.]

When and where were these prisoners secured?

LA HOGUE.

At dawn this morning, in the centre of the Faubourg.  They fought like fiends!  Their leader is a veritable lion.—­Though overcome by numbers, he don’t seem conquered in the least!—­Hang my hide!  I cannot help but like him!

[Howls renewed outside.

ORDERLY.

[Entering.]

The prisoner is here, General.

LA ROCHE.

Bring him in.

[ORDERLY beckons.—­Yells outside.  GUARDS enter and form on terrace behind entrance.—­Enter PRISONER, who strides haughtily in.]

[To ORDERLY.]

Retire and guard the doors.

[ORDERLY right-faces.—­GUARD goes of with ORDERLY.]

[Politely to PRISONER.]

I see, sir, you’re an officer.

PRISONER.

Yes.—­Captain of Volunteers in the ranks of the Republic.

LA ROCHE.

To what corps do you belong?

PRISONER.