Could there be warrant for his strange presumption? If so, this separation is none too soon. [_Enter_ GOUROC.] Ah, Marquis, congratulate us. We are now released from all need of burdening even you.--See! Here is a pass which opens the doors of our prison. We fly to-night to Vendée, where we hope you may soon rejoin us, and our cousin Rochejacquelein. GOUROC. [_Aside_.] The devil!-- [_Aloud_.] You are fortunate, Duke. Alas that I cannot go with you! DUKE. Well, come, Diane; time flies. We must prepare for our escape. [_Going with_ DIANE.] Au revoir, Marquis. GOUROC. Au revoir, Monsieur le Duc, and bon voyage, Mademoiselle de Beaumont. [_Exeunt the_ DUKE _and_ DIANE. GOUROC _changes to a fierce and hurried manner_.] Ah!--Not so fast, dear Duke! You're not out of France yet. This sudden flight destroys all my plans. Again this girl, the heiress of ten millions, will get beyond my reach.--No!--death, dishonour--nothing shall snatch her from me now!--Aye, but how to prevent it? [_Reflecting_.] The Duke has not many years to live, and in these ticklish times old men's days are easily shortened. He dead, his daughter's at my mercy. [_With sudden triumph_.] I have it!--I see the way to place her wholly in my grip!--A brilliant move and easy to execute!--Kauvar knows nothing of my rank! [_Rings bell, goes to desk and begins to look at papers_.] Yes, these are what I need to guarantee my triumph! [_Enter_ POTIN.] Have you any blank warrants? POTIN. I have!--I keep them always handy, especially for the petticoat sex. [_Giving them_.] I say, Comrade, I hope it's a she-man this time, for there's nothing like this--[_Making sign across throat_] to stop the wag of a woman's tongue. GOUROC. Go.--Remain in the ante-room.--I may want you to summon a guard. POTIN. [_Going_.] All right, Citizen! I'm always ready at the call of the Republic. [_Exit_. GOUROC. Good!--Now to secure my victory!--But where can I find Kauvar? [_Starts for door_. KAUVAR _enters, absorbed in thought, without seeing_ GOUROC, _who watches him_.] He's just in time! Fate conspires with me for success. [PAUL _seats himself at desk and buries his face in his arms_.--GOUROC _goes over quietly and touches him on the shoulder_. PAUL. [_Starting up in dismay_] You here, Gouroc! GOUROC. I am, old friend,--though you seem scarce glad to see me. PAUL. Pardon, Comrade; you find me at a moment when my mind's absorbed with many cares. GOUROC. I understand;--in times like these perplexity pursues the patriot. I would not now intrude, dear friend, if duty did not force me. PAUL. [_With sudden suspicion_.] Duty! And what duty can bring you here? GOUROC. I have important warrants for your signature. PAUL. [_Sitting again, with a sigh of relief_.] Another time.--I cannot sign them now. GOUROC. [_Firmly_.] Friend, the business of the Republic is sacred; it cannot be postponed. PAUL. [_Wearily_.] Well, well!--What are these warrants?