And you take this time to declare it! When you have burdened me with obligations that leave me powerless at your feet?--when I must see in the demand for the daughter's hand, a possible bargain for the father's life. [PAUL _turns fiercely. The_ DUKE _checks him_.] No more, sir! Happily I have two securities against dishonour: my child's sense of what is due to herself--my own scorn of life purchased at such a price. PAUL. Perhaps your daughter may not deem the protection of my name so great a degradation as yourself.--Dare you put her to the test? DUKE. What test can you propose? PAUL. [_Seating himself at desk and writing_.] Here is a pass procured at the risk of my life.--I fill it out for George Leblanc.--It will convey you, alone, safely beyond our borders. Here is another. I make this out for George Leblanc and Diane his daughter. This will enable both of you to escape.--These passes have the signatures of the chief of police; I countersign them, thus--a double surety for you, a double risk for me.--Now, Monsieur, either one of these passes is yours, as your daughter may decide, if you will offer her the choice of remaining under my protection, or of leaving France with you. DUKE. [_Striking a bell_.] The choice is at her will. [_Enter_ NANETTE.] Send my daughter here at once. [_Exit_ NANETTE. PAUL. One word, Monsieur. These passes are at stake, and my life as well. I promise to be bound by the decision of your daughter.--If she decides to remain, you promise to go and leave her here with me? DUKE. I promise this on one condition. I pledge my honour to put the alternative fairly before her. You must pledge yours to use no word to influence her choice. PAUL. I pledge myself to silence. DIANE. [_Entering pale and anxious_.] You sent for me, Father? DUKE. I did. Listen, child. I am about to leave France. By my side there is peril--here is safety. Answer frankly: will you follow me, or remain here under the protection of Monsieur Kauvar? DIANE. [_Aside_.] What can this mean? He could not ask this if he knew the truth. [_Aloud_.] Father, I do not understand.--What shall I say? DUKE. What your heart prompts, child. [_Turning away_.] Nay, do not hesitate; I will not influence your choice even with a look. DIANE. If I shrink from danger, if I stay here, what becomes of you? DUKE. I go alone. DIANE. Alone to meet your peril?--Then, by the bond of a daughter's duty, my place is at my father's side. [PAUL _staggers. The_ DUKE _retires quietly to desk_. DIANE _speaks aside to_ PAUL.] Remember he is old, with none but me to comfort his last days. PAUL. [_With stern self-control_.] Monsieur, the double pass for George Leblanc and Diane his daughter has been fairly won. [_Hands the pass to the_ DUKE, _bows coldly, and leaves the room without a look at_ DIANE, _who falls into a chair and hides her face_. DUKE. [_Looking suspiciously at_ DIANE.]