[_The_ DUKE _sits at the desk and pretends to write_. DIANE _sits at table and takes up sewing_. NANETTE _dusts. Knock is heard outside_. NANETTE _answers roughly_.] Come in! _Enter_ GOUROC, POTIN, GOUJON _and two_ SANS CULOTTES. GOUROC. Health and fraternity, Citizens! We come for Paul Kauvar, President of our Section. NANETTE. [_Gruffly_.] He's not at home. GOUROC. Ah, indeed! [_Sitting_.] Then we will await him here. [_All sit in silence_. NANETTE. [_Aside, in irritation_.] Oh, the impudence of these men! How my nails ache to get at their ugly faces! [_Crossing_.] How often have I told you that this apartment is not a public office? POTIN. But, my precious angel-- NANETTE. Bah! Religion is abolished, and angels are suppressed! I wish friends were too! POTIN. [_Laughing_.] Talk of the rack! What is it to a woman's tongue? NANETTE. What know you of a woman's tongue? POTIN. Enough to damn me, if knowledge were a crime. NANETTE. [_To_ GOUROC.] Come, Citizen, there's no use waiting. President Kauvar don't do business at home; you've no rights here. GOUROC. [_Rising sternly_.] The patriot has unlimited rights, woman. He may dare all--violate all, in his zeal for the Republic. NANETTE. Well, then, dare my dusting. [_Strikes brush into her hand and sends dust all over_ GOUROC.] GOUROC. [_Moving off, sputtering_.] Who is this, Citizen Potin? POTIN. [_Proudly_.] My wife, Citizen Gouroc. GOUROC. Who taught her manners? POTIN. The Goddess of Liberty, a rough and ready teacher. GOUROC. Who teaches with sharp tools. NANETTE. Aye--tools so sharp they often cut the fools that use them. Mark that. GOUROC. [_Crossing to_ DIANE.] You are the wife of President Kauvar, I suppose? [DIANE _starts up and stares. The_ DUKE _rises and advances with stern hauteur. At sight of_ GOUROC, _he starts, and surveys him with amazement_.] Well, old man, are you mad, or do you know me? DUKE. [_Significantly_.] I think we have met before. GOUROC. Yes, and may meet again. Permit me to introduce myself. I am Citizen Gouroc, of the Jacobin Club, and one of the Public Accusers of the Revolutionary Tribunal. [DIANE _draws close to_ NANETTE.] Now, who are you? DUKE. I am George Leblanc, private secretary to Paul Kauvar. GOUROC. Ah, indeed!--His private secretary? Then I can do my business with you. It is said that two aristocrats in disguise are lurking about this house. [_All start_.] I must communicate with you in secret, Citizen. [_Turning to_ DIANE.] Are you the daughter of this old man? DIANE. I am his daughter, Diane Leblanc. GOUROC. You remain. [_To_ SANS CULOTTES.] You, Comrades, wait across the street; [_Exeunt_ SANS CULOTTES.] and you, Citizen Potin, take your wife, leave the room, and wait within call. You understand? POTIN. I do, Citizen. When the Republic commands, I obey. [_Exit, with_ NANETTE. GOUROC. [_Bowing with great politeness_.]