Rousseau (to the magistrate) In a moment, monsieur. I will go with you myself. (To Dupre, pointing to Jules) Do not leave him! (He goes out conducting the magistrate, who makes a sign to the police to keep guard on Jules.) Jules (seizing the hand of De Verby) Ah, general! (To Dupre) And how good and generous of you, M. Dupre, to come here and comfort my mother. (In a low voice) Ah! conceal from her my danger. (Aloud, looking at his mother) Tell her the truth. Tell her that she has nothing to fear. Dupre I will tell her that it is in her power to save you. Mme. Rousseau In my power? Mme. du Brocard How can that be? Dupre (to Mme. Rousseau) By imploring him to disclose the names of those who have led him on. De Verby (to Dupre) Monsieur! Mme. Rousseau Yes, and you ought to do it. I, your mother, demand it of you. Mme. du Brocard Oh, certainly! My nephew shall tell everything. He has been led on by people who now abandon him to his fate, and he in his turn ought-- De Verby (in a low voice to Dupre) What, sir! Would you advise your client to betray--? Dupre (quickly) Whom? De Verby (in a troubled voice) But--can't we find some other method? M. Jules knows what a man of high spirit owes to himself. Dupre (aside) He is the man--I felt sure of it! Jules (to his mother and aunt) Never, though I should die for it--never will I compromise any one else. (De Verby shows his pleasure at this declaration.) Mme. Rousseau Ah! my God! (Looking at the police.) And there is no chance of our helping him to escape here! Mme. du Brocard No! that is out of the question. Antoine (coming into the room) M. Jules, they are asking for you. Jules I am coming! Mme. Rousseau Ah! I cannot let you go. (She turns to the police with a supplicating look.) Mme. du Brocard (to Dupre, who scrutinizes De Verby) M. Dupre, I have thought that it would be a good thing-- Dupre (interrupting her) Later, madame, later. (He leads her to Jules, who goes out with his mother, followed by the agents.) SCENE SIXTH Dupre and De Verby. De Verby (aside) These people have hit upon a lawyer who is rich, without ambition--and eccentric. Dupre (crossing the stage and gazing at De Verby, aside) Now is my time to learn your secret. (Aloud) You are very much interested in my client, monsieur? De Verby Very much indeed. Dupre I have yet to understand what motive could have led him, young, rich and devoted to pleasure as he is, to implicate himself in a conspiracy-- De Verby The passion for glory.