At this moment He is singing a death-warrant, I believe. [_To the old Marquis, grasping his hand._ Be brave! [_He conducts him to a neighboring gallery._ While waiting for the signal, look At these new ceilings, they're by Primatice. [_Both go out. Marion, in deep mourning, enters through the great door in the back, which opens on a staircase._ SCENE II _Marion, the Guards_ HALBERDIER (_to Marion_). Madame, you cannot enter! MARION (_advancing_). Sir! HALBERDIER (_placing his halberd against the door_). I say, No entrance! MARION (_with contempt_). Here you turn your lance against A woman. Elsewhere, 'tis in her defense. MUSKETEER (_laughing, to Halberdier_). Well said! MARION (_firmly_). I must immediately have audience With the Duke de Bellegarde. HALBERDIER (_lowering his halberd, aside_). Ah, these gallants! MUSKETEER. Enter, madame. [_She enters with determined step._ HALBERDIER (_aside, watching her from the corner of his eye_). Well, the old duke is not As feeble as he looks. This rendezvous Would have cost him a sojourn in the Louvre, In former times. MUSKETEER (_making sign to Halberdier to keep still_). The door is open. [_The little gilt door is opened. M. de Laffemas comes out, holding in his hand a parchment to which a red seal hangs by strands of silk._ SCENE III _Marion, Laffemas: gesture of surprise from both. Marion turns away from him with horror_ LAFFEMAS (_low, advancing slowly toward Marion_). You! What is your errand here? MARION. What's yours? LAFFEMAS (_unrolls the parchment and spreads it out before her eyes_). Signed by The King! MARION (_glances at it, then buries her face in her hands_). Good God! LAFFEMAS (_speaking in her ear_). Will you? [_Marion shivers and looks him in the face; he fixes his eyes on hers: lowering his voice._ Wilt thou? MARION (_pushing him away_). Away! Foul tempter! LAFFEMAS (_straightening himself up, sneeringly_). You will not! MARION. I have no fear! The King can pardon: 'tis the King who reigns. LAFFEMAS. Go try him. See what his good will is worth! [_He turns away, then turns back: folds his arms and whispers to her._ Beware of waiting until I refuse! [_Exits. Duke de Bellegarde enters._ SCENE IV Marion, Duke de Bellegarde MARION (_going toward Duke de Bellegarde_). Here you are captain, my lord duke. DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.