FIRST WORKMAN. They have everything. SECOND WORKMAN. I wonder If they would build a black scaffold for us. FIRST WORKMAN. What have those young men done that they should die? Hein? Do you understand, Maurice? THIRD WORKMAN. I don't. It's justice. [_They continue their work. Laffemas enters; The Workmen are silent. He comes from the back as though he were coming from an inside court of the prison; stops beside The Workmen, appears to examine the breach, and gives them some directions. When the space is opened, he orders them to hang black cloth across it, which covers it entirely; then he dismisses them. At almost the same moment Marion appears, dressed in white, and veiled; she enters through the great door, crosses the court rapidly, and runs to the grating of the small door, at which she knocks. Laffemas follows slowly in the same direction. The grating is opened; The Turnkey appears._ SCENE II Marion, Laffemas MARION (_showing a parchment to The Turnkey_). Order of the King! THE TURNKEY. You can't Enter, madame. MARION. What! LAFFEMAS (_presenting a paper to The Turnkey_). Signed, the Cardinal! THE TURNKEY. Enter. [_When about to enter, Laffemas turns, looks at Marion a moment, then approaches her. The Turnkey shuts the door._ LAFFEMAS (_to Marion_). You here? This questionable place! MARION. I am. [_Triumphantly showing the parchment._ I have the pardon! LAFFEMAS (_showing his_). Yes? I have The revocation! MARION (_with a cry of horror_). Mine was yesterday-- The morning! LAFFEMAS. Mine, last night! MARION (_with hands over her eyes_). My God! No hope! LAFFEMAS. Hope is a flash of lightning which deceives. The clemency of kings is a frail thing; It comes with lagging steps and goes with wings. MARION. The King was moved with pity for their fate! LAFFEMAS. What can the King against the Cardinal? MARION. Oh, Didier, our last hope's extinguished now! LAFFEMAS (_low_). Not--not the last! MARION. Just Heaven! LAFFEMAS (_drawing near to her_). There is here A man whom one short word from you could make Happier than any king, and mightier too! MARION. Away! LAFFEMAS. Is that your answer? MARION (_haughtily_). I beg you! LAFFEMAS. How fleeting are the whims of the fair sex! You were not always, madame, so severe! Now that 'tis question of your lover's life-- MARION (_without looking at him, turning to the small door, her hands clasped_). If it would save your life, I could not go Back to that infamy. My soul's grown pure At touch of you, my Didier; sin is shamed. Your love gives back my lost virginity. LAFFEMAS. Well, love him! MARION.