Vautrin Death! (Exit the Marquis, after exchanging bows with Raoul.) The Duchesse de Montsorel (to the Duchesse de Christoval) My dear duchess, I implore you to excuse Inez. We cannot make our explanations before her. The Duchesse de Christoval (to her daughter, making signs to her to leave the room) I will rejoin you in a moment. Raoul (kissing his hand to Inez) This is perhaps good-bye forever! (Exit Inez.) SCENE ELEVENTH. The Duchesse de Christoval, the Duchesse de Montsorel, Raoul and Vautrin. Vautrin (to the Duchesse de Christoval) Do you suspect the motive that brings madame here? The Duchesse de Christoval After what happened yesterday I prefer not to say. Vautrin I guessed her love for him immediately. Raoul (to Vautrin) This atmosphere of falsehood stifles me. Vautrin (to Raoul) One word more, and the affair will be ended. The Duchesse de Montsorel Madame, I know well how strange my present conduct must appear to you, and I won't attempt to justify it. There are solemn duties before which the conventions and even the laws of society must give way. What is the character and what the powers of this man? The Duchesse de Christoval (to whom Vautrin makes a signal) I am forbidden to answer this question. The Duchesse de Montsorel Well, I will tell you; this man is either the accomplice or the dupe in an imposture of which we are the victims. In spite of the letters and documents which he brings to you, I am convinced that all evidence which gives name and family to Raoul is false. Raoul To tell the truth, madame, I do not know what right you have to interfere in personal matters of mine. The Duchesse de Christoval Madame, you were wise to send out of the room my daughter and the marquis. Vautrin (to Raoul) What right? (To the Duchesse de Montsorel) You need not avow it, for we divine it. I can well understand, madame, the pain you feel at the prospect of this marriage, and am not therefore offended at your suspicions with regard to me, and the authentic documents which I have brought to the Duchesse de Christoval. (Aside) Now for the final stroke. (He takes her aside) Before becoming a Mexican I was a Spaniard, and I know the cause of your hatred for Albert. And as to the motive which brings you here, we will talk about that very soon at the house of your confessor. The Duchesse de Montsorel You know? Vautrin All. (Aside) She has some motive. (Aloud) Will you examine the documents? The Duchesse de Christoval Well, my dear? The Duchesse de Montsorel Be quick, and send for Inez. Examine the deeds carefully, I implore you. This is the request of a despairing mother. The Duchesse de Christoval A despairing mother! The Duchesse de Montsorel (to herself, looking at Raoul and Vautrin) How is it possible that this man should know my secret and have this hold upon my son? The Duchesse de Christoval Will you come, madame? (Exeunt the two duchesses.) SCENE TWELFTH. Raoul, Vautrin and later Lafouraille.