In these days the fairest faces mask the foulest souls! Looks and words prove nothing! Evidence alone will clear you of this crime. PAUL. That--I have not been able to obtain. NANETTE. Then get it quickly before it is too late. PAUL. Where is Diane--my wife? NANETTE. [_Pointing_.] There!--Praying for the father she believes you betrayed. PAUL. No, she cannot! By the light of her own love she sees the innocence of mine. NANETTE. Then love is lunacy! PAUL. Send her here to me! NANETTE. She will not come. PAUL. I'll stake my life she will! NANETTE. You shall see. [_Exit_. JEAN LITAIS _enters, watching_ PAUL _intently_. PAUL. Two things at any cost I must accomplish! First, prove my innocence of treachery, and save her father from the guillotine. JEAN. [_Advancing_.] For that I came to help you. PAUL. Who are you? JEAN. Look well and you will see. PAUL. I've seen your face before, but have forgotten where we met. JEAN. I am Jean Litais. Six months ago, I was accused, and about to be condemned. You saw--took pity--spoke in my behalf--and by your eloquence saved my life! So now the life you saved, and all its service, is yours to use, or forfeit as you please! A lion freed a mouse--the mouse now comes to serve the lion. PAUL. I do not understand. JEAN. I am turnkey here, though once a servant of the Duke's. You love his daughter; I can help her father to escape. PAUL. How? JEAN. [_Crossing to the door_.] This opens on a staircase leading to the river. Here's the key. I have a boat below. To-night I'll creep up the stairs and knock three times. Open, then, this door--and you'll find deliverance for those you love. PAUL. [_Taking the key_.] How can I repay this deed? JEAN. Trust me--that is all. PAUL. [_Extending his hand_.] I will--I do! JEAN. [_Kissing_ PAUL'S _hand_.] I'm yours in life or death. [_Goes to door_.] Till to-night! [_Exit_. PAUL. [_Alone_.] Saved!--Thank God!--Their freedom in my hand!-- [_Pausing_.] And yet she does not come.--Can it be that she believes me guilty--esteems me lower than the foulest worm? [_Enter_ DIANE.] No, no,--I was right! [_Going toward her_.] I knew you'd come. DIANE. [_Checking him_.] Stop!--Let me look at you and say farewell. PAUL. Then you really think me guilty? DIANE. If an angel had accused you, I would say it was a lie. PAUL. Diane! Diane!--My loyal wife! [_He embraces her_. DIANE. [_Shrinking from him_.] No, no! I am not worthy of your love! I must save my father's life, no matter what it costs me. PAUL. Courage, dear heart! I hold here salvation for you both. DIANE. You? PAUL. Yes! This very night your father shall fly with us to England. DIANE. Ah! Then I am free! I need owe him nothing! PAUL. Owe whom nothing? [_The tramp of_ SOLDIERS _is heard outside_. DIANE. Hark!--The Guard!--Take care! _Enter the_ DUKE, _with_ GUARD _and_ POTIN. DUKE. [_Contemptuously to_ PAUL.]