WESTERMANN. God in heaven! [_He looks threateningly at_ ROBESPIERRE, _quivering from head to foot. He turns to go, then swings round._] On your guard, Sylla! My head sits more solidly on my shoulders than Custine's. There are still men who do not fear tyranny. I am going to find Danton. [_He knocks against the wall before he finds the door, and then rushes out._ ELÉONORE _enters from the door leading to the Duplays' apartments_.] ELÉONORE. He's gone at last. Oh, Maximilien, I was so worried while he was here! ROBESPIERRE [_affectionately_]. My dear Eléonore. Were you listening? ELÉONORE. That man's voice frightened me. I couldn't help coming. I was in there, in Mamma's bath-room. ROBESPIERRE. What could you have done if he had attempted violence? ELÉONORE [_embarrassed_]. I--I don't know. ROBESPIERRE [_taking her hand from behind her back _]. What is this? ELÉONORE [_blushing_]. A pistol that Philippe left on the table last night when he came home. ROBESPIERRE [_taking the pistol, and holding her hand in his_]. No, no, these hands must not be soiled with such murderous instruments! They must not shed blood, even to save my life. I want there to remain at least two innocent hands in all the world, to purify the world and Robespierre's heart--when the work is at last done. ELÉONORE. But why expose yourself to such danger? You provoked that man, and they say he is cruel. ROBESPIERRE. I am not afraid of the swashbucklers. The moment you take them from the field of battle they merely talk; they tremble when they find themselves in the presence of a new power, one they never met with steel: the Law. ELÉONORE. Citizen Fouché also called, but he was not admitted. That was your order. ROBESPIERRE. My door is forever closed to the man who dishonored the majesty of the Terror in the massacres at Lyon. ELÉONORE. He did not want to go. He even cried. ROBESPIERRE [_severely_]. So do crocodiles. ELÉONORE. He went to see your sister, to ask her to intercede on his behalf. ROBESPIERRE [_his expression changing_]. Is she coming? The fool made her believe he was in love with her! She does not respect him, but that sort of attention always flatters a woman, no matter who the man happens to be. She will try to defend him. In the name of Heaven, don't let her in. Tell her I am very busy, and that I can see no one. ELÉONORE [_smiling_]. You brave all the tyrants of Europe, but you are afraid of your own sister! ROBESPIERRE [_smiling_]. She is a good woman, and she loves me dearly. But she is so tiresome! Her continual jealousy, the scenes she makes--they drive me mad! I think I would agree to anything to keep her quiet. ELÉONORE. Don't worry; Mamma knows, and won't let her in. ROBESPIERRE. My dear friends, how wonderfully you take care of me! ELÉONORE. We are responsible to the nation for you.