Raoul In these times, everyone seems to be a foreigner. The Marquis It is not altogether the piece of news that set me thinking, but I was struck by the incredible readiness with which people receive at their houses those about whose antecedents they know positively nothing. The Duchesse de Montsorel (aside) Is he to be insulted in my house? Raoul If people distrust those whom they do not know, aren't they sometimes likely, at very short notice, to know rather too much about them? The Duke Albert, how can this news of yours interest us? Do we ever receive any one without first learning what his family is? Raoul His grace the duke knows my family. The Duke It is sufficient for me that you are found at Madame de Montsorel's house. We know what we owe to you too well to forget what you owe to us. The name De Frescas commands respect, and you represent it worthily. The Duchesse de Christoval (to Raoul) Will you immediately announce who you are, if not for your own sake, at least out of consideration for your friends? Raoul I shall be extremely distressed if my presence here should occasion the slightest discussion; but as certain hints are as galling as the most direct charges, I suggest that we end this conversation, which is as unworthy of you, as it is of me. Her grace the duchess did not, I am sure, invite me here to be cross-examined. I recognize in no one the right to ask a reason for the silence which I have decided to maintain. The Marquis And you leave us the right to interpret it? Raoul If I claim liberty of action, it is not for the purpose of refusing the same to you. The Duke (to Raoul) You are a noble young man, you show the natural distinction which marks the gentleman; do not be offended at the curiosity of the world; it is our only safeguard. Your sword cannot impose silence upon all idle talkers, and the world, while it treats becoming modesty with generosity, has no pity for ungrounded pretensions-- Raoul Sir! The Duchesse de Montsorel (whispering anxiously to Raoul) Not a word about your childhood; leave Paris, and let me alone know where you are--hidden! Your whole future depends on this. The Duke I really wish to be your friend, in spite of the fact that you are the rival of my son. Give your confidence to a man who has that of his king. How can you be descended from the house of De Frescas, which is extinct? Raoul (to the duke) Your grace is too powerful to fail of proteges, and I am not so weak as to need a protector. The Duchesse de Christoval Sir, I am sure you will understand a mother's feeling that it would be unwise for her to receive many visits from you at the Christoval house. Inez (to Raoul) A word would save us, and you keep silence; I perceive that there is something dearer to you than I am.