I'll more than plead.--Her perils urge me to command this marriage. GOUROC. Then do not lose a moment; the attack begins to-night. Before our army strikes, she and I, as man and wife, should sail for England. NANETTE. [_Entering_.] Monsieur, your daughter desires a word with you--[_Glancing at_ GOUROC.] alone. DUKE. Say I'll see her here at once. [_Exit_ NANETTE.] I'll broach this marriage to my child without delay. GOUROC. [_Going_.] I'll be at hand in case you call me. [_Exit_. DUKE. [_Alone_.] This alliance secures Diane from peril. The Marquis is young, noble,--has saved her life, and has a claim on it. She must marry while there's time to get away. [_Enter_ DIANE.] Now, dear child, what is it? DIANE. Father, I loathe this useless life of mine! I long for action--danger--anything that stirs the blood, and brings oblivion. DUKE. Oblivion!--Nay, Diane, I have something happier to suggest than that. Time and circumstance commend to you a marriage. We owe our lives to the wisdom of a man who seeks your hand to-day. DIANE. The Marquis?--[_After a pause_.] I cannot marry, for I do not love him. DUKE. Then 'tis time you did. DIANE. No more, I beg of you.--It is impossible! DUKE. Impossible! When prompted by the wisdom of a father's love? When your escape from peril and my peace of mind demand it? DIANE. I cannot argue. DUKE. Then at least explain. DIANE. Alas, I dare not. DUKE. You fear mere frankness with your truest friend? [DIANE _sinks into a chair and hides her face. The_ DUKE _looks at her with suspicion_.] By heaven! You hide your face as though to speak implied dishonour. DIANE. No, no! It is not that! DUKE. Then why torture me with this concealment? Have I been cruel, or faithless as a father? DIANE. Never! DUKE. Then I claim a father's sacred right to confidence. Give me one good reason why you refuse the man to whom we owe our lives? DIANE. I love another. DUKE. [_Starting_.] Another! [_After a pause_.] His name--? DIANE. What matter, since we shall never meet again? DUKE. I understand at last!--'Tis Paul Kauvar! [DIANE _bows her head_.] So! The saviour of your father's life is scorned for his betrayer! No wonder that you blush to own it! This makes my course more clear. The safest cure for this disgraceful love will be your marriage. DIANE. That cannot be! DUKE. [_Going_.] I say it shall! DIANE. [_Startled_.] Where are you going? DUKE. To seek the priest! Delay is dangerous! You wed to-day and sail to-night for England. DIANE. No, no! Have pity! I have no right to marry. DUKE. [_In horror_.] No right? DIANE. [_Falling at his feet_.] I am a wife already. DUKE. His wife?--You, my flesh and blood, a traitor's wife!--Oh God! What have I done to merit such a blow as this? DIANE. Father,--forgive! Hear me! DUKE. [_Flinging her off, rushes to the door_.] Henri, Marquis--here! All of you!