_Mrs. Clarkson_--You? What difference does it make to you? They are not doing anything but what they chose to do. "Hands off," as the officials at the gaming-tables say when the ball has stopped rolling. You have wished to be free, haven't you? and you are perfectly right; you never said so to anybody, but you begged it all the same of One who can do anything. He has heard your prayer, and he has made use of me to save you; of me, who have been anxious to destroy you! That is justice; and do you think that I object--I who am to be the loser? In the game that I play with Destiny, every time I make up my mind that God is against me, I bow my head and throw up the game. I don't fear any one except God. He is on your side. Let us talk no more about it. [_Just as she is speaking the last words, Clarkson comes in. He is very grave._] _Mrs. Clarkson_--See there. You are a widow. _Clarkson_ [_to Mrs. Clarkson_]--My dear Noémi, will you be so kind as to hand that paper to our friend the duchess. She will perhaps feel some embarrassment in taking it directly from my hand--and it is a thing that must be returned to her. Such was the last wish of her husband; he really did not have time to tell me as much, but I fancy that I guess it right. [_Mrs. Clarkson calmly takes the letter and goes to Catherine._] _Mrs. Clarkson_--I once said to your friend M. Rémonin that if I lost my game I would lose like one who plays fair. Madam, it was through me that your marriage came to pass; and now it is through me that your marriage--is dissolved. [_Turning to Clarkson._] And now, Clarkson, my dear, let us get out of this. You are a good and a brave fellow. I will go anywhere with you. I have had enough of Europe--things here are too small. Do you know, I really believe I am going to find myself in love with you! Come, let us go! I am positively smothering. _Clarkson_--Yes, let us go. [_At the moment that Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson are going out, servants and police officials, accompanied by a commissioner of the police service, appear in the door. Clarkson is pointed out._] _Commissioner_--I beg your pardon, monsieur,--there seems to have been--a murder here. _Clarkson_--Oh no, monsieur, not at all a murder--only a duel. _Commissioner_--And am I to understand, monsieur, that it is you who-- _Clarkson_--Oh yes, monsieur, it is I. You have come to take me into custody? _Commissioner_--Yes, monsieur. _Clarkson_--What a ridiculous country! I am ready to follow you, monsieur. But I am an American citizen. I shall give you bail--but of course, the law before anything.... _Mrs. Clarkson_--Reckon on me, Clarkson. _I_ shall take charge of this matter. _Clarkson_--How are you going to do that? _Mrs. Clarkson_--Oh, that's my affair. [_Mrs. Clarkson crosses the stage and whispers a word to the commissioner. The commissioner bows very respectfully. Mrs. Clarkson goes out._]