The Duke Ah, well you are getting your own way; there is talk of nothing else but the fortune and coming marriage of Monsieur de Frescas; but of course he can claim a family. (Whispers to the Duchesse de Montsorel) He has a mother. (Perceiving Saint-Charles) What! You here, chevalier, and with the duchess? Saint-Charles (taking the duke aside) Your grace will approve of what I have done. (Aloud) You have been at the palace and I thought it necessary to warn the duchess of the danger which threatens her only son, the marquis; he is likely to be murdered. The Duke Murdered! Saint-Charles But your grace will listen to my advice-- The Duke Come into my study, my friend, and let us at once take steps to avert this catastrophe. Saint-Charles (exchanging a look of intelligence with the duchess) I have strange things to tell your grace. (Aside) I am certainly going to take the duke's part. SCENE TENTH. The Duchess, Mademoiselle de Vaudrey and Vautrin. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey If Raoul is your son, how vile is the company he keeps. The Duchess An angel would purify hell itself. (Vautrin half opens with caution a French casement that leads to the garden, where he has been listening to the preceding conversation.) Vautrin (aside) I know all. Two brothers cannot fight a duel. Ah, here is my duchess! (Aloud) Ladies! Mademoiselle de Vaudrey A man! Help! Help! The Duchess It is he! Vautrin (to the duchess) Silence! Women can do nothing but cry out. (To Mademoiselle de Vaudrey) Mademoiselle de Vaudrey, run to the chamber of the marquis. Two infamous murderers are there; be quick, before they cut out his throat. But let the wretches be seized without making a disturbance. (To the duchess) Stay where you are, madame. The Duchess Go, dear aunt; have no fear for me. Vautrin (aside) My rascals will be vastly surprised. What will they think? This is the way I bring down judgment upon them. (A noise is heard.) SCENE ELEVENTH. The Duchess and Vautrin. The Duchess The whole house is in commotion! What will be said, when it is known that I am here? Vautrin Let us hope that the foundling will be saved. The Duchess But you are known here, and the duke is with-- Vautrin The Chevalier de Saint-Charles. I am imperturbed; you will defend me. The Duchess I? Vautrin Yes, you. Or you will never again see your son, Fernand de Montsorel. The Duchess Raoul is undoubtedly my son then? Vautrin He is--I hold in my possession complete proofs of your innocence, and --your son. The Duchess You! You shall not leave me until-- SCENE TWELFTH. The same persons and Mademoiselle de Vaudrey on one side of the stage, Saint-Charles on the other, and domestics. Mademoiselle de Vaudrey Here he is! (To Vautrin) Begone! At once! The Duchess (to Mademoiselle de Vaudrey) You are ruining everything. Saint-Charles (to the servants) Behold their ringleader and accomplice! Whatever he may say, seize him!