Don’t ask me!

PAUL.

You promised to save her.

JEAN.

I did.—­But for the burning of the Faubourg, and the attack of the rebels, she would be alive and safe.

PAUL.

And now—?

JEAN.

She’s lost!—­She, with her father and the Marquis, fell into an ambush—­were fired on from every side—­

PAUL.

Killed!  And I am her assassin!

JEAN.

You?

PAUL.

Yes!  I planned the burning of the Faubourg, placed the mines that blew it up, and opened a way for our attack.—­In serving my country, I have killed my wife!

JEAN.

You are a soldier, then,—­one of the blues?

PAUL.

Yes—­and captured there at dawn. [Points at the Faubourg.

JEAN.

And not shot?

PAUL.

No—­paroled!—­paroled!—­paroled!

JEAN.

Impossible!  The watchword on both sides is “No mercy.”

PAUL.

La Rochejacquelein spared my life, that I might once more see my wife.—­Useless generosity, for she had gone to meet her death!

JEAN.

But he—­the General—­was merciful, magnanimous to you?

PAUL.

He was.  I owe him an eternal debt.

JEAN.

Are you willing to pay your debt?

PAUL.

With my life!

JEAN.

His army is routed.  He will be captured—­shot like a dog, unless he’s saved.

PAUL.

He must be saved.

JEAN.

There’s a secret passage from this castle to the glen.  If I could put his pursuers off his track, he would escape.

PAUL.

Bring the General here and leave the rest to me.

JEAN.

You will aid him?

PAUL.