Dupre More than that! I believe that I am an original man! Listen to me. You throw out hints to me, and you think that as a future ambassador you can try on me your diplomatic methods; but you have chosen the wrong man and I am going to tell you something, which you will take no pleasure in learning. You are ambitious, but you are also prudent, and you have taken the lead in a certain conspiracy. The plot failed, and without worrying yourself about those whom you had pushed to the front, and who eagerly strove for success, you have yourself sneaked out of the way. As a political renegade you have proved your independence by burning incense to the new dynasty! And you expect as a reward to be made ambassador to Turin! In a month's time you will receive your credentials; meanwhile Pamela is arrested, you have been seen at her house, you may possibly be compromised by her trial for perjury! Then you rush to me, trembling with the fear of being unmasked, of losing the promotion which has caused you so many efforts to attain! You come to me with an air of obsequiousness, and with the words of flattery, expecting to make me your dupe, and thus to show your sincerity! Well, you have sufficient reason for alarm--Pamela is in the hands of justice, and she has told all. De Verby What then is to be done? Dupre I have one suggestion to make: Write to Jules that you release him from his engagement, and the Mlle. de Verby withdraws her promise to be his wife. De Verby Is that your advice? Dupre You find that the Rousseau family have behaved abominably, and you ought to despise them! De Verby But you know--engagements of this sort-- Dupre I'll tell you what I know; I know that your private fortune is not equal to the position which you aspire to. Mme. du Brocard, whose wealth is equal to her pride, ought to come to your assistance, if this alliance-- De Verby Sir! How dare you to affront my dignity in this way? Dupre Whether what I say be true or false, do what I tell you! If you agree, I will endeavor to save you from being compromised. But write--or get out of the difficulty the best way you can. But stay, I hear some clients coming. De Verby I don't want to see anybody! Everybody, even the Rousseau family, believes that I have left the city. A servant (announcing a visitor) Madame du Brocard! De Verby Oh, heavens! (De Verby rushes into an office on the right.) SCENE FIFTH Dupre and Madame du Brocard. (Madame du Brocard enters, her face hidden by a heavy black veil which she cautiously raises.) Mme. du Brocard I have been here several times without being lucky enough to find you in. We are quite alone here? Dupre (smiling) Quite alone! Mme. du Brocard And so this harrowing affair has broken out afresh? Dupre It has, unhappily!