Do you hear?

LA ROCHE.

Yes, I hear a tumult yonder! Can it be mutiny—revolt?

[Enter SECOND ORDERLY. He presents paper to LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN, who reads it aloud.]

"Have captured Jacobin soldiers. The peasants demand their lives. Shall I surrender them or hold them at your pleasure? La Val—Captain of King's Guards."

[To LA HOGUE eagerly.]

We may obtain information from these fellows. See La Val at once, command him to guard his prisoners with his life, and send them here to me.

LA HOGUE.

But the Count is awaiting orders for to-night's attack.

LA ROCHE.

[Going.]

While you see La Val, I'll see the Count.

[Exit.

LA HOGUE.

[To ORDERLY.]

To Captain La Val!

[Exit quickly with ORDERLY.

SENTINEL.

[Outside.]

Who goes there?

JEAN.

[Outside.]

A friend!

SENTINEL.

[Outside.]

Advance with countersign.

ORDERLY advances, salutes the SENTINEL, whispers in his ear, then steps back against balustrade of terrace as characters enter.—When characters are on, ORDERLY salutes SENTINEL, who returns salute. ORDERLY goes out. SENTINEL about faces and disappears.

Enter JEAN, DENISE, GOUROC, NANETTE, DUKE, AND DIANE.

JEAN.

[To the DUKE.]

You're safe at last, Monsieur, among your friends.

DIANE.

[Grasping JEAN'S hand.]

Thanks to your devotion.

DENISE.

[To the DUKE.]

I will announce your coming to the General.

[Exit.

NANETTE.

[To DIANE.]

Here, child, be seated, and taste comfort once again.

[DIANE sits near the fire; the DUKE and GOUROC at table.]

Now try to smile a bit.

DIANE.

I have forgotten how.

[Calling.]

Jean!

JEAN.

[Crossing to DIANE.]

Yes, Madame?

DIANE.

Hush! Do not let my father hear you call me Madame.

[Converses aside with JEAN.

GOUROC.

[Taking a newspaper from table.]

Strange!—a Paris journal, dated the day after our escape.

DUKE.

[Taking the paper.]

There may be some notice of our flight.

[Reads.

JEAN.

[To DIANE.]

Will you never confess your marriage to Kauvar?

DIANE.

Never!—Unless he finds us with evidence of innocence none can question.

JEAN.

He will! We can trust the wit of his deep love for that.

DIANE.

So you believe him innocent?

JEAN.

As innocent as my own sweetheart, dear Denise.

[DIANE weeps.]

What—tears, Madame?

DIANE.

Tears of triumph—that your heart echoes mine! Ah, Jean, we two, alone, of all the world, believe he's not a traitor.

DUKE.

Here's a list of martyrs slaughtered the day that we escaped.

GOUROC.

[Taking the paper.]

And here's a name underlined with ink.

[Starting up with great joy.]

By heaven, your own!—See!—In the list of fallen heads—the Duc de Beaumont!

[The DUKE takes paper.

DIANE.

[Coming toward GOUROC.]

You speak of the man who took my father's place, as though you exulted in his death!—Was he an enemy of yours?

GOUROC.

I rejoice that the man's disguise was not discovered—for the report of your father's death prevented our pursuit.

DUKE.

[Joyfully to GOUROC.]

You remember the Abbe de St. Simon?

GOUROC.

Yes. He was condemned to die with you.

DUKE.

This journal says that he escaped from the death-cart as it rumbled to the scaffold through the crowd.

GOUROC.

[Starting, and with great emphasis.]

Impossible!

DUKE.

[Holding out the paper.]

See for yourself!

[GOUROC takes paper eagerly.

LA ROCHE.

[Entering, with a cry of joy.]

Duke!

DUKE.

[Holding out his arms.]

Henri!

LA ROCHE.

[Embracing the DUKE.]

In days of misery, a moment such as this is sweet indeed. But how did you escape? I saw your name among the guillotined.

DUKE.

[Turning to GOUROC.]

This gentleman wrought a way for our deliverance!—Monsieur le Marquis de Vaux.

LA ROCHE.

[Grasping GOUROC'S hand.]

Monsieur—the King's friends are all your debtors.

GOUROC.

Nay, sir, the debt is mine. Tis a privilege to save such precious lives.

DUKE.

[Presenting DIANE.]

Here's a lass you played with, years ago.

LA ROCHE.

What!—My little cousin—grown so stately and so sad! Mademoiselle, I claim a kinsman's right to kiss away these shadows.

DIANE.

And I yield the right with pleasure, cousin Henri.

LA ROCHE.

[Kisses her.]

Good cheer, sweet cousin! You are now protected by the soldiers of the King, who—God willing—will punish those who brought this shadow to your face.

GOUROC.

That may not prove an easy task! Granville is overrun with rebels, who are urged to most atrocious crimes by Carrac.

LA ROCHE.

Yes—Thomas Carrac—a brutal monster, reeking with loyal blood; a loathsome anarchist, who glories in the vilest deeds.

GOUROC.

Ravishing without remorse the daughters of our race.

LA ROCHE.

If we could capture wretches such as he, it might end our civil war.

DIANE.

Is he so hard to take?

LA ROCHE.

Yes. Reptiles are worse to overcome than lions. They bite unseen, and escape by crawling. This Carrac is brave in words, but too craven to face fighting in the field. Our soldiers rarely reach these civil sinners.

DUKE.

Let us forget them here. For now we will task your hospitality for a time.

LA ROCHE.

I swear I have not felt the poverty that war entails till now. My old chateau has been dismantled—this hall alone is habitable. I feel ashamed to offer you such shabby quarters.

DUKE.

Nay, cousin, a bed of stones with friends is better than a bed of down with those we do not love.

DENISE.

[Entering, speaks to LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.]

A couch and fire are ready in the room that was your mother's.

LA ROCHE.

[To DIANE.]

Where doubtless you'll be glad to take some rest.

DIANE.

I confess the need, Monsieur.

LA ROCHE.

Denise, show the way.

[DENISE crosses to the door.

DIANE.

[At the door.]

Till to-night, kind friends.

LA ROCHE.

Till then, good rest.

[DIANE courtesies and goes out with NANETTE.]

Gentlemen, I pray you, make yourselves at home; important business claims my time.—I'll rejoin you within an hour.

DUKE.

We're here to help, not mar the cause; command us in all ways.

LA ROCHE.

Presently!—Till then the poor old house is yours.

[Exit.

[Exit JEAN.

DUKE.

[Sitting near the fire.]

At last, praise God! We're out of reach of traitors!

GOUROC.

Not yet!—The rebel hosts have gathered here at Granville in great force. They may rout the royal army, and capture all of us.

DUKE.

No, not all, for I shall die first, fighting in the ranks.

GOUROC.

But Diane, your daughter—?

DUKE.

Must take the chances of a soldier's child.

GOUROC.

You forget her peril from this scoundrel, Carrac.—Why not put her safely out of the reach of such a brute?

DUKE.

How?

GOUROC.

There are vessels here by which we can escape to England.

DUKE.

I fly no further. I owe the King and country service here.

GOUROC.

Then let Diane go with me to friends in London. When I've found for her safe asylum, I'll return to do my duty at your side.

DUKE.

The daughter of a peer of France could hardly go so far without protection worthy of her rank.

GOUROC.

That she can secure as a Marquise, and my wife.

[The DUKE turns quickly in surprise.]

I know, dear Duke, that you are richer, nobler than myself, but then the love I bear your daughter, together with the dangers that surround her life and honour here—

DUKE.

Say no more!—There's nothing that would ease my mind so much as to see Diane your wife.

GOUROC.

Then plead my cause with her.

DUKE.

I'll more than plead.—Her perils urge me to command this marriage.

GOUROC.

Then do not lose a moment; the attack begins to-night. Before our army strikes, she and I, as man and wife, should sail for England.

NANETTE.

[Entering.]

Monsieur, your daughter desires a word with you—[Glancing at GOUROC.] alone.

DUKE.

Say I'll see her here at once.

[Exit NANETTE.]

I'll broach this marriage to my child without delay.

GOUROC.

[Going.]

I'll be at hand in case you call me.

[Exit.

DUKE.

[Alone.]

This alliance secures Diane from peril. The Marquis is young, noble,—has saved her life, and has a claim on it. She must marry while there's time to get away.

[Enter DIANE.]

Now, dear child, what is it?

DIANE.

Father, I loathe this useless life of mine! I long for action—danger—anything that stirs the blood, and brings oblivion.

DUKE.

Oblivion!—Nay, Diane, I have something happier to suggest than that. Time and circumstance commend to you a marriage. We owe our lives to the wisdom of a man who seeks your hand to-day.

DIANE.

The Marquis?—[After a pause.] I cannot marry, for I do not love him.

DUKE.

Then 'tis time you did.

DIANE.

No more, I beg of you.—It is impossible!

DUKE.

Impossible! When prompted by the wisdom of a father's love? When your escape from peril and my peace of mind demand it?

DIANE.

I cannot argue.

DUKE.

Then at least explain.

DIANE.

Alas, I dare not.

DUKE.

You fear mere frankness with your truest friend?

[DIANE sinks into a chair and hides her face. The DUKE looks at her with suspicion.]

By heaven! You hide your face as though to speak implied dishonour.

DIANE.

No, no! It is not that!

DUKE.

Then why torture me with this concealment? Have I been cruel, or faithless as a father?

DIANE.

Never!

DUKE.

Then I claim a father's sacred right to confidence. Give me one good reason why you refuse the man to whom we owe our lives?

DIANE.

I love another.

DUKE.

[Starting.]

Another!

[After a pause.]

His name—?

DIANE.

What matter, since we shall never meet again?

DUKE.

I understand at last!—'Tis Paul Kauvar!

[DIANE bows her head.]

So! The saviour of your father's life is scorned for his betrayer! No wonder that you blush to own it! This makes my course more clear. The safest cure for this disgraceful love will be your marriage.

DIANE.

That cannot be!

DUKE.

[Going.]

I say it shall!

DIANE.

[Startled.]

Where are you going?

DUKE.

To seek the priest! Delay is dangerous! You wed to-day and sail to-night for England.

DIANE.

No, no! Have pity! I have no right to marry.

DUKE.

[In horror.]

No right?

DIANE.

[Falling at his feet.]

I am a wife already.

DUKE.

His wife?—You, my flesh and blood, a traitor's wife!—Oh God! What have I done to merit such a blow as this?

DIANE.

Father,—forgive! Hear me!

DUKE.

[Flinging her off, rushes to the door.]

Henri, Marquis—here! All of you!

[Enter LA HOGUE, LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN, GOUROC, JEAN and DENISE.]

[To LA ROCHE.]

Call your guards! Drag this woman away! Fling her to these rebel dogs—for she is one of them!

GOUROC.

What has she done?

DUKE.

Deceived a father's love! Become the mate of my betrayer.

[Turning on DIANE.]

Degraded remnant of my race!—Go! Back to your own, wife of a Sans Culotte!

GOUROC.

[Stepping between them.]

Stay! There must be some mistake!

DUKE.

No! She has confessed that she's the wife of Paul Kauvar.

GOUROC.

That cannot be, for Paul Kauvar is dead.

DUKE.

Dead? How do you know that?

GOUROC.

Because he, disguised, took your place on the guillotine.

DIANE.

[Rising.]

My God!

DUKE.

What! I owe my life to him?

GOUROC.

He died to atone his treachery to you.

DIANE.

Traitors do not die to save their victims! His life was noble! His death sublime!

[To the DUKE.]

You have foully wronged the man who bravely met a martyr's death for you!—have scorned and spurned me from your side, because I was his wife. You have disowned me—I now disown you!

[Turning, she goes swiftly up the steps to the terrace.

LA ROCHE.

Where are you going?

DIANE.

Back to the Sans Culottes!

DUKE.

Diane!—Daughter!

DIANE.

No! Not your daughter—but his wife! No longer Diane de Beaumont—but, thank God,—Diane Kauvar!

CURTAIN.



ACT IV.

SCENE. Same as Act III.—DUKE discovered seated in attitude of despair.—GOUROC standing near mantel.—LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN enters sadly.

DUKE.

[Rising anxiously.]

What news?

LA ROCHE.

None.

[The DUKE sinks back into chair.

GOUROC.

Then she has positively escaped?

LA ROCHE.

While we stood dazed with horror at her words—she vanished. Our soldiers have searched, but can find no trace of her.

DUKE.

[Starting up.]

I will find her!

LA ROCHE.

[Barring his way.]

This is madness.

DUKE.

Let me pass!

LA ROCHE.

Hear me!

DUKE.

While I listen, she is lost!—An army shall not stop me.

[Breaks from him towards door.

DENISE.

[Entering joyfully.]

She is found!

ALL.

Found?

DENISE.

Yes. Jean tracked her,—they are bringing her here.

JEAN.

[Entering.]

General, I have not failed.

LA ROCHE.

[Grasping his hand.]

You never do.

LA HOGUE enters first, followed by two GUARDS, whom he directs to the entrance at top of steps.—DIANE enters, followed by two GUARDS.

DIANE.

[To LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.]

By what authority, Monsieur, am I arrested?

DUKE.

By mine. I am your father.

DIANE.

My marriage has set me free of parental rule. I claim the right to fly from those who have defamed my noble husband. General, command your soldiers to release me!

GOUROC.

No!—You shall not go.

DIANE.

What will prevent me?

GOUROC.

The force of your own honour.

DIANE.

Honour commands me to return to my husband's friends.

GOUROC.

Honour commands you to keep your word with me.

[DIANE starts and turns away.]

You promised, if I saved your father, and you were free, you'd be my wife.—I have done my part, you must do yours.

DIANE.

[Passionately, to GOUROC.]

Now I understand your joy when you read of the beheadal of the man who took my father's place!—You knew he was my husband.

GOUROC.

I did.

DIANE.

You planned his death to free and force me to this marriage.

GOUROC.

I did not learn that you were his wife till he was going to the guillotine.—Then he told me all, confiding you to my care. I promised him I'd shield you from all peril.—I but keep my word with him, in asking you to keep your word with me.

DIANE.

So you would wed the widow of a Sans Culotte?

GOUROC.

Your husband was my friend; I knew and honoured him.

DIANE.

Ah, you believe, then, that Potin lied when he declared he got the warrant for the Duke's arrest from Paul Kauvar?

GOUROC.

I now believe that your husband was the victim of a trick.

DIANE.

Then swear—before those who have heard the dead defamed—swear that you believe my husband was innocent of infamy.

GOUROC.

[With deep sincerity.]

As I hope for mercy from my God, I believe that Paul Kauvar was guiltless of dishonour.

DIANE.

[Impressed with his sincerity.]

Then his widow swears to keep her word with you.

[She extends her hand to GOUROC.

LA HOGUE crosses, up steps, to GUARDS, and directs them silently to exit.—They about-face, and go out.

GOUROC.

[Aside, triumphantly kissing DIANE'S hand.]

At last!

[Howls of execration outside.]

What is that?

LA ROCHE.

The mob howling at some captured rebels.

[Enter ORDERLY, who presents paper.]

[Reading paper, LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN speaks to ORDERLY.]

Conduct the prisoner here.

[Exit ORDERLY.]

[Turning to DIANE.]

Cousin, I must ask you to retire. We have secret business to transact.

DUKE.

[Giving DIANE his arm.]

We will await you in my daughter's room.

[To GOUROC.]

Marquis, we can complete the plans for your marriage and escape to England.

[Exeunt DIANE, DUKE, JEAN, DENISE and GOUROC.

GOUROC.

[Aside, as he goes out.]

Now I know that I shall triumph!

LA ROCHE.

[To LA HOGUE.]

When and where were these prisoners secured?

LA HOGUE.

At dawn this morning, in the centre of the Faubourg. They fought like fiends! Their leader is a veritable lion.—Though overcome by numbers, he don't seem conquered in the least!—Hang my hide! I cannot help but like him!

[Howls renewed outside.

ORDERLY.

[Entering.]

The prisoner is here, General.

LA ROCHE.

Bring him in.

[ORDERLY beckons.—Yells outside. GUARDS enter and form on terrace behind entrance.—Enter PRISONER, who strides haughtily in.]

[To ORDERLY.]

Retire and guard the doors.

[ORDERLY right-faces.—GUARD goes of with ORDERLY.]

[Politely to PRISONER.]

I see, sir, you're an officer.

PRISONER.

Yes.—Captain of Volunteers in the ranks of the Republic.

LA ROCHE.

To what corps do you belong?

PRISONER.

Kleber's—who waits upon the banks of the river to cut off your retreat.

LA ROCHE.

[Smiling.]

We do not propose to retreat, but to advance.

PRISONER.

Before another day you will be driven, routed, into the heart of Vendee.

LA ROCHE.

If boasting wins, your side will doubtless better ours.

PRISONER.

If blows win—your side is sure to fail. You've not a regiment that's trained better than a pack of boys!

LA HOGUE.

I wish he were a liar, but he isn't.

LA ROCHE.

Our boys struck hard enough, it seems, to capture you.

PRISONER.

We were ten, surprised by a battalion, and yet it cost you nearly fifty of your friends to take but ten of us.

LA HOGUE.

There he goes again riddling us with facts.

LA ROCHE.

Sir,—you know there is no quarter given to traitors found in arms against the King.

PRISONER.

France has no sovereign but the people.—It is you who are the traitors.

LA ROCHE.

Answer civilly and I may show you mercy.

PRISONER.

I neither ask, nor accept mercy. I have done my best to deal a crushing blow to you.—So call your guards, and shoot me without more waste of words.

LA ROCHE.

I see that you are brave.

PRISONER.

Brave? Because I'm not afraid to die?

[Laughs bitterly.]

Bah! It takes more courage sometimes to consent to live.

LA ROCHE.

You are young, a Frenchman, and—though misled—a credit to your country. If you'll give me some excuse, I swear I'd rather spare your life.

PRISONER.

[Laughing.]

Thank you, General; but frankly, I'd rather give you some excuse to take it.

Tremendous explosion heard in the distance. Then a second explosion. The Faubourg in middle ground is blown up and is seen to burn into a blaze.

LA ROCHE.

My God!—See!—The Faubourg!

PRISONER.

[Triumphantly.]

Blown up and burning!—In an hour the houses that were to shelter your attack on our defenses will be gone, and you will have to fight our forces in the open field.—That means defeat for you.

LA HOGUE.

Sacristi! Gag this rogue, or we'll be whipped before we fight.

LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN writes hastily, and strikes a bell. Enter GOUROC, who starts and goes out again with a gesture of menace towards the PRISONER. Enter ORDERLY.

LA ROCHE.

[To ORDERLY.]

Despatch these orders instantly, and send a guard with loaded muskets here at once.

[Exit ORDERLY.]

[Turning despondently to LA HOGUE.]

I fear this is a death-blow to our plans to-night.

PRISONER.

A death-blow dealt by me!—You'd better kill me quickly before I do more damage.

LA ROCHE.

You are right, sir; I should be faithless to my King if I showed you mercy now.

PRISONER.

Bravo! Mercy to enemies is as base as cruelty to friends.

LA HOGUE.

Damn me! There's no fun in killing such a fool—he seems to like it!

[Enter ORDERLY with GUARDS.

LA ROCHE.

[To ORDERLY.]

Take the prisoner outside and shoot him there at once.

[GUARD crosses to PRISONER.]

Have you any last request?

PRISONER.

But one.—You have shown me the kindness of an honest-hearted man. War has made us enemies, but, in the presence of the peace of death, I would like to feel that as Frenchmen we are friends, and ask one parting grasp from you.

LA ROCHE.

[Grasps his hand.]

With all my heart!—May we meet like this above.

LA HOGUE.

[With emotion.]

Curse these youngsters, they make me snivel like a fool.

[_He blows his nose furiously.

The_ PRISONER _bows, takes his place in the platoon of_ GUARDS, _who begin to march off. When they are on the terrace_, LA HOGUE _suddenly cries out_.

LA HOGUE.

Halt!—

[ORDERLY about-faces and waits for orders.]

You have not given us your name.

PRISONER.

I prefer to let it die with me.

LA HOGUE.

Hang it, sir! Courage is glorious even in a rebel rascal like yourself.

LA ROCHE.

Some friend may be glad to know how fearlessly you met your fate.

PRISONER.

The only ears I'd care to reach would rather never hear my name again.

LA HOGUE.

But curse your stubbornness! I want to know your name myself. Can't you be civil as well as brave?

PRISONER.

[Laughing.]

Well, then, to please your gentle highness, I must give it. I am Captain on the Staff of General Kleber—Captain Kauvar.

LA ROCHE and LA HOGUE.

[Starting.]

Kauvar?

PAUL.

Yes—Captain Paul Kauvar.

LA ROCHE.

[Turning amazed to LA HOGUE.]

What do you think of this?

LA HOGUE.

That if I had a regiment of Paul Kauvar's, I'd conquer Europe.

LA ROCHE.

My cousin's husband was guillotined. There's some mistake.

[To GUARD.]

Leave the prisoner, and wait outside for orders.

PAUL.

[Stopping the GUARD.]

Stay!—

[ORDERLY waits for further orders.]

[To LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.]

General, I beg of you to spare me further waiting.—Make an end of this.

LA ROCHE.

When I have questioned you again.

PAUL.

I shall refuse to answer further questions.

LA ROCHE.

I may find a way to break your silence.

PAUL.

I swear you cannot do it.

LA ROCHE.

[Motions GUARDS to go.]

[ORDERLY about-faces, goes on to terrace. GUARDS then march off.]

We shall see! You've given a name that's not your own.

[PAUL starts, but remains silent.]

Paul Kauvar was guillotined the night of the ninth of May.

[PAUL turns, amazed but silent.]

He died to save my kinsman, the Duc de Beaumont.

[PAUL, about to speak, checks himself.]

He was the husband of my cousin.

PAUL.

[Exploding.]

Diane—your cousin?

LA ROCHE.

Ha! I thought I'd make you speak.

PAUL.

[Eagerly.]

You know her?—She has escaped?—Is safe?—alive?—happy?

LA ROCHE.

Oh, ho!—So you would turn the tables—question me?

PAUL.

Is she alive and well?—I ask to know but this.

LA ROCHE.

I'll tell you more, if you will answer first my questions.

PAUL.

All!—that do not force me to betray my cause.

LA ROCHE.

Explain!—You escaped the guillotine?

PAUL.

The story is too long.

LA ROCHE.

Make it brief, but answer.

PAUL.

In the death-cart I found a priest confessing those about him. He questioned me, soon saw that I was not the Duke. "My child," he said, "I die to-day, but as a priest shall be the last to mount the scaffold.—Let me take your place, assume the same disguise, while you slip from the cart and live." At first I refused, as I no longer cared for life! But when he said Diane might not escape unless I lived to aid her, I yielded.—The night was cloudy. When the moon was hidden, the priest put on my coat and wig, and as the death-cart neared the scaffold, I slipped through its slatted floor, and in the darkness mingled with the crowd.

LA ROCHE.

Who was the holy man who set you free?

PAUL.

The Abbe de St. Simon.

LA ROCHE.

Strange! We heard the Abbe had escaped.

PAUL.

He answered when the Duke was called and so was guillotined; but when the Abbe's turn had come, they could not find him, and so gave out that he'd escaped.

LA ROCHE.

Yes, I understand it now.—Proceed!

PAUL.

I found Diane had gone, believing I was guilty of a most ignoble crime. Too sick at heart to follow her, I enlisted and, seeking death, obtained promotion to my present grade.

LA ROCHE.

What if your willingness to die to save her father had convinced Diane that you were innocent, and had taught her a deeper love for you?

PAUL.

Ah! Then life would be worth living once again!—Can you have heard from her—seen her?

LA ROCHE.

You can see her for yourself—save your own life—and bring boundless joy to hers.

PAUL.

How?

LA ROCHE.

Espouse our cause!

PAUL.

What!—Betray my country?

LA ROCHE.

No.—Redeem your country!—Desert the side of those who bring disgrace upon your native land—of fiends, who drown her soil in blood!—blood bred from the noblest heroes of her history.

PAUL.

Heroes who debauched our women, and enslaved our men!—Libertines who let harlots reign in France! Despots whose arrogant descendants are crushed to-day beneath their fathers' sins!

LA ROCHE.

What, sir! You, a soldier, justify these Jacobins—anarchists like Carrac, who slaughter hundreds of defenceless women every day, and even outrage little children?

PAUL.

Anarchists are monsters your race bred when it brutalized their mothers.

LA ROCHE.

Enough, sir! I see that I must leave you to your fate.

PAUL.

But Diane, my wife! Give me one word of her.

LA ROCHE.

Yes. You shall know that she believes you innocent, is sick with grief and desolation in thinking you are dead.

PAUL.

You have seen her, then?

LA ROCHE.

Yes—here, within an hour.

PAUL.

She is here now, within call—?

[LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN makes sign of assent. PAUL kneels at his feet.]

My God! In pity's name, let me see her once again.

LA ROCHE.

And so re-open the old wounds?—re-awaken hope, but to deepen her despair?

PAUL.

[Rising slowly.]

No, no! You're right. I will not purchase joy at the cost of pain to her!—Call your guards. I die happy, knowing she'll remember me with love.

LA ROCHE.

For her sake renounce rebellion, and I unite you both forever.

PAUL.

Better I should never see her face again than be unworthy of her love.

LA HOGUE.

Great Caesar! Here's an eagle facing death in loyalty to carrion crows!—The noble bird is mad! We must not kill, but cure him.

LA ROCHE.

What do you propose?

LA HOGUE.

Put him on parole. Let him give his word that he'll not fight until he's exchanged.

LA ROCHE.

True! Captain Kauvar, you are a prisoner of war, a man of proven honour.—Give me your word that you will not lift your sword against the King, till you're exchanged, and you're paroled and free.

PAUL.

Free with honour, to see my wife once more?

LA ROCHE.

Yes!

PAUL.

Oh, generous foe! Next to my country, my life belongs to you.

LA ROCHE.

I have your word?

PAUL.

[Raising his hand.]

You have.

LA ROCHE.

Captain Kauvar, you are paroled.

PAUL.

And my wife?

LA ROCHE.

[Going.]

Shall come to you at once.

[Exit.

PAUL.

Great heavens!—I'm going mad with joy!

[Turning to LA HOGUE.]

Colonel, I must explode or die!

[He embraces LA HOGUE.

LA HOGUE.

[Submitting with gusto.]

Damme! Embraced by a Sans Culotte! I like it, too!

Artillery is heard in the distance.

PAUL.

[Looking off.]

By heavens!—The Republicans are sweeping down from Granville!

[To LA HOGUE.]

Colonel, see! My comrades have attacked you under cover of the town I burned.

[Crash of artillery again.

LA HOGUE.

Damnation!

Enter LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.

ORDERLY.

[Rushing in.]

General, the enemy are upon us!

LA ROCHE.

[Excitedly to LA HOGUE.]

Quick!—To arms!—We must rouse and lead our men!

PAUL.

But Diane—my wife?

LA ROCHE.

Gone!—to England.

[Handing a paper.]

Read, and remember, whatever be my fate, you are on parole.

[He rushes off with LA HOGUE.

The crash of firearms increases.

PAUL.

[Reading.]

"Dear Henri:—The town is burning, my daughter in peril. I see Diane embarked for England, and join you on the field.—Duc de Beaumont."—Gone!—No! I will find her, and fly with her myself.

[Noise of battle outside.—PAUL is about to go, but stops.]

No, no! My God!—She's lost to me again! I cannot go to seek her, for I'm a prisoner on parole!

[He falls prostrate on the stairs.

CURTAIN.



ACT V.

SCENE. Same as Act IV—one hour later. Noise of battle in distance.—PAUL discovered looking on and listening in excitement.—Noise increases and sounds nearer.

PAUL.

[Triumphantly.]

Ah!—The enemy weakens!—gives way!—falls back!—The Royalists fly!—The Republic wins!—Progress triumphs!

[The noise of battle grows louder, but the cries of triumph from Republicans decrease, then die away.—PAUL checks his joy and speaks in changed tones.]

And I—I have no part in this glorious play—because I'm on parole.

[Walking up and down excitedly.]

What torture!—to be here; with heart aflame, and limbs all free; to see the fight, and yet be bound to idleness by an oath, as much a prisoner as though in fetters at the bottom of a cell!

[Changing his whole manner.]

And Diane—where is she? But now within my reach—almost in my arms—naught between us but a promise, a mere breath—that breath as strong as adamantine walls to part us!

JEAN.

[Entering, sees PAUL and cries out.]

Kauvar!

PAUL.

[Turning, starts.]

Jean Litais!

JEAN.

You, alive?

PAUL.

My wife!—Where is she?

JEAN.

Don't ask me!

PAUL.

You promised to save her.

JEAN.

I did.—But for the burning of the Faubourg, and the attack of the rebels, she would be alive and safe.

PAUL.

And now—?

JEAN.

She's lost!—She, with her father and the Marquis, fell into an ambush—were fired on from every side—

PAUL.

Killed! And I am her assassin!

JEAN.

You?

PAUL.

Yes! I planned the burning of the Faubourg, placed the mines that blew it up, and opened a way for our attack.—In serving my country, I have killed my wife!

JEAN.

You are a soldier, then,—one of the blues?

PAUL.

Yes—and captured there at dawn. [Points at the Faubourg.

JEAN.

And not shot?

PAUL.

No—paroled!—paroled!—paroled!

JEAN.

Impossible! The watchword on both sides is "No mercy."

PAUL.

La Rochejacquelein spared my life, that I might once more see my wife.—Useless generosity, for she had gone to meet her death!

JEAN.

But he—the General—was merciful, magnanimous to you?

PAUL.

He was. I owe him an eternal debt.

JEAN.

Are you willing to pay your debt?

PAUL.

With my life!

JEAN.

His army is routed. He will be captured—shot like a dog, unless he's saved.

PAUL.

He must be saved.

JEAN.

There's a secret passage from this castle to the glen. If I could put his pursuers off his track, he would escape.

PAUL.

Bring the General here and leave the rest to me.

JEAN.

You will aid him?

PAUL.

I will.—Be quick; we're wasting time.

[JEAN crosses to door and beckons; enter LA HOGUE, LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN and DENISE.

PAUL.

[Putting off his coat and crossing.]

General, off with your coat!

LA ROCHE.

What does this mean?

PAUL.

You were merciful to me—'tis my turn now! We exchange uniforms; I am captured in your place, mislead your pursuers while you escape.

LA ROCHE.

For you to assist me is treason to your cause.

PAUL.

Ingratitude is treason to my God!—I owe you more than life; let men call this what they will; I have a divine right to pay my debt.

LA ROCHE.

I refuse to let you do a deed that may bring dishonour on your head.

PAUL.

Then I refuse to owe my life to you.—Accept my assistance, or

[Drawing pistol from the belt of LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.] with my own hand I'll shoot the prisoner you paroled.

LA HOGUE.

[Grasping PAUL'S arm.]

Stop! This can be arranged.

PAUL.

How?

LA HOGUE.

You are a prisoner on parole.—The General is as good as captured now.—Let him release you from your word, then his escape will only be an exchange of prisoners.

PAUL.

Will you consent to this?

LA ROCHE.

No, I cannot. The exchange would not be fair to the side you serve. I am a General; you, but a Captain.

LA HOGUE.

But we have the other prisoners, the comrades of the Captain; we can shoot them all at once, or exchange them if we choose for you.

PAUL.

Free them—and I but make a fair exchange in helping you to get away.

[Shouts outside.

[Cheers.

JEAN.

My God! The crowd rush on this way.

DENISE.

[Kneeling to LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.]

In Mercy's name—!

LA HOGUE.

The King's cause dies with you!—You are bound to live for him!

LA ROCHE.

[Stripping off his coat.]

Enough—I consent.

DENISE.

Thank God!

PAUL and LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN exchange uniforms.

LA ROCHE.

By heavens! I never thought to wear this colour on my back! I do it for King Louis' sake.

PAUL.

And I wear this in honour of the King of Kings, who is our common Father.

LA ROCHE.

My saviour!

PAUL.

Nay, your brother!

PAUL and LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN look in each other's eyes a moment, then part in silence. JEAN and DENISE cross to panel in wall. LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN crosses and turns.

LA ROCHE.

[Saluting PAUL.]

Long live the King!

PAUL.

[Saluting LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.]

Long live the Republic!

LA HOGUE.

[As LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN goes out,.]

Your comrades are there.

[Pointing.]

This key will set them free.

PAUL.

[Taking LA HOGUE'S hand.]

Our lives are yours!—Farewell!

LA HOGUE.

Damme! I never thought I'd live to love a Sans Culotte!

[As LA HOGUE goes out, JEAN crosses to PAUL.

JEAN.

When you are recognized, our pursuit will recommence.

PAUL.

How much time is needed to make sure your escape?

JEAN.

At least one hour.—If your disguise is discovered in less time, you will have risked your life in vain.

PAUL.

Don't fear!

JEAN.

I have your word, and no matter what happens, you will play your part for one whole hour?

PAUL.

You have my word, however tragic this comedy may become.

JEAN.

When the General is free, I shall return.

[A bell tolls the hour of Two.]

Listen! Remember, you have pledged your honour to endure all things for an hour. Till then—God help you!

[Exit.

Shouts and yells outside from Republican soldiers; PAUL sits near the fire and pays no attention. Firing outside, followed by cries and cheers.

POTIN.

[Outside.]

This way!—This way!—That's his nest!—We'll find the bird in there!

[Rushes on, followed by SOLDIERS.]

[Looking around.]

Deserted! The rogue of a royal General is hiding like a mouse! We'll unearth him!—Come on!

[He is going toward door, followed by his MEN, when he sees PAUL, and starts back.]

Halt!

[Points at PAUL.]

See!—There is La Rochejacquelein!

[To the MEN.]

Make ready—Aim!

[SOLDIERS aim at PAUL, who does not move]

[To PAUL.]

General La Rochejacquelein, we recognize your uniform. Surrender!

[PAUL does not move.]

General, your sword, or we fire!

PAUL.

[Rising coolly.]

Fire!

POTIN.

We do not want to kill you.

[Advancing with extended hand.]

We'd rather have your sword.

PAUL.

[Recognizing POTIN, speaks aside.]

Potin!—The wretch!—He may recognize me before the hour is up!

[He draws his sword and extends it backward.

POTIN.

[Taking the sword.]

General, you are our prisoner.

[To SOLDIERS.]

Comrades, to us—a squad of the battalion of the Bonnet Rouge—is due the glory of taking the leader of these Royalist Brigands!—Hurrah for our Battalion!

[All cheer.

VOICES.

[Outside.]

Long live the Republic!

POTIN.

[Looking off]

Bah! Here come the rabble—a crowd of anarchists!

GOUJON.

Who never share the fighting.

POTIN.

But claim all the glory fighting brings.

GOUJON.

Curse these civil shouters!

SOLDIERS all groan. Cries of "Carrac! Carrac!" with cheers heard outside.

POTIN.

Here they come, led on by Scarlotte—

GOUJON.

Scarlotte! A woman in form—a fury in nature!

POTIN.

Like my wife.

[Cheers outside.]

Good heavens! Worse and worse! Yonder comes Carrac—the king of curs!—Damme! The devil himself is a saint compared with him.

GOUJON.

The beast!

POTIN.

The bloodiest beast of all—a tiger!

[To SOLDIERS.]

Quick, form on this side [Pointing to the left.] and protect the General.—This hog will want to eat him, before we can deliver him to Kleber and get the credit of his capture.

[SOLDIERS form in front of PAUL.

SCARLOTTE.

[Outside.]

This way, you fools!—Death to Rochejacquelein. Come on!

MOB.

[Outside.]

Death to Rochejacquelein!

SCARLOTTE.

[Entering, followed by MOB.]

Rochejacquelein!—Rochejacquelein!—Where is Rochejacquelein?

MOB.

Down with Rochejacquelein! Down with Rochejacquelein!

BOURDOTTE.

[Appearing.]

Silence! Here comes Carrac, the great Carrac—representative of the Republic—who never spares an enemy!

[Comes down stage.

POTIN.

And never makes a friend.

MOB.

Carrac!—Carrac!—Long live Carrac!

CARRAC appears, followed by a second MOB, and makes a gesture commanding silence.

CARRAC.

So—this is the ancestral hall of that cursed kin of kings, La Rochejacquelein!—Ha! He's doubtless sneaking like a coward in some safe corner of his den. Is the place surrounded?

BOURDOTTE.

On every side.

SCARLOTTE.

Good!—Tear his house about his ears!

CARRAC.

Aye—strip the old hawk's nest.

MOB.

Aye!—Aye!

[The MOB dismantle the house, with yells of exultation.

SCARLOTTE.

[Urging them on.]

Heroes of Liberty!—demolish every trace of beauty in the place!

Amid a scene of anarchic rage and turmoil, the room is stript stark.

CARRAC.

Well done—noble levellers of the age!—Pull the boasted culture of the nobility to the gutter.—Bravo!—We've demolished the old nest; now to hunt the young hawk down!

MOB.

Aye!—Aye!

POTIN.

[Waving the MOB back.]

Stop!—La Rochejacquelein is found!

SCARLOTTE.

Where is he?

POTIN.

There—our prisoner.

SCARLOTTE.

Drag him to the river!

MOB.

Aye—to the river!

POTIN.

Stand back!—He belongs to our battalion.

CARRAC.

What insolence is this? We demand his surrender here—to us.

POTIN.

We surrender him to none but our own Colonel.

CARRAC.

We are the people and supreme!—We represent the civil power of the State, that rules the soldier.

MOB.

Aye!—Aye!

POTIN.

[To the SOLDIERS.]

Make ready!—Aim!

[SOLDIERS aim;—the MOB fall back.]

You're ten to one.—Come on, you civil rulers, and take him if you can.

CARRAC.

This is treason!

SCARLOTTE.

Aye—treason!—Treason!

[The MOB groan.

POTIN.

Soldiers have no rulers but their officers!

CARRAC.

Someone go for General Kleber. Bid him come at once—to quell this mutiny.

SCARLOTTE.

I will bring him.

[Crosses.]

Death to all who dare to balk the people's will!

[Exit.

BOURDOTTE.

Meantime, Citizen Carrac, we have some prisoners here at hand that we can dispatch at once.

CARRAC.

How many?

BOURDOTTE.

Five.—Two men, and three women—perfect beauties!

CARRAC.

Bravo! Their beauty and their lives are ours!

[Cheers from MOB.]

Bring them in!

[Exeunt eight SANS CULOTTES.]

Citizens, we've won to-day a glorious victory.

POTIN.

There he goes boasting, when he never struck a blow.

CARRAC.

Let's complete our triumph—prove our power—

MOB.

Bravo!—Bravo!

CARRAC.

You are the people!—You are France!—Let the Nation voice her will through you.—What shall we do with our prisoners?

BOURDOTTE.

Kill them.

MOB.

Aye—kill them—kill them!

BOURDOTTE.

Drown the men like puppies, and put the women to public shame!

MOB.

Aye! Aye!

CARRAC.

The voice of the people is the voice of God.—Have your will—it is God's command!

Enter CITIZENS, dragging the DUKE, GOUROC, DIANE, NANETTE, and ALINE, a young girl.

_The_ MOB _groan and laugh mockingly.

The young girl is dragged forward—two_ SANS CULOTTES _contending for her_.

FIRST SANS CULOTTE.

She's mine!

SECOND SANS CULOTTE.

You lie!—I caught her first!

ALINE.

Mercy!—Kill me if you will,—but spare me this!

CARRAC.

[Laughing.]

Citizens,—behold your victims!

[MOB rush forward with ferocious yells.

DUKE.

[Interposing.]

No, no!—Let my grey hairs suffice!

[The MOB pause.

PAUL.

[Starting up, speaks aside.]

My God!—That voice!

[During what follows, PAUL—screened from the MOB'S view by his soldier GUARDS—expresses in pantomime his conflicting emotions.

CARRAC.

[To the DUKE.]

Who are you?

GOUROC.

[Speaking quickly.]

We are Citizens of the Republic!—He

[Pointing at the DUKE.]

is George Leblanc—and I, Citizen Gouroc of the Committee of Public Safety.

[CARRAC and MOB draw back with astonishment.

PAUL.

[Aside.]

And Diane!—Is she there?—I must see!

[Starts, stops.]

No, no!—They would know me; the hour is not up!

CARRAC.

You, Citizen Gouroc?—I don't believe it.

GOUROC.

[Holding out papers.]

Here are our credentials.

CARRAC.

They may be forgeries.

MOB.

Aye—forgeries! forgeries!

CARRAC.

[To the MOB.]

Silence! While we proceed in our examination.

[The MOB utter low murmurs. CARRAC turns to NANETTE.]

Who are you?

NANETTE.

[Advancing defiantly.]

I am Citizeness Nanette Potin.

POTIN.

[Aside.]

My wife!—

[Sneaks behind comrades.

CARRAC.

Ha, wait!

[Seeing DIANE, he drags her forth.]

By the gods!—here's a feast for Jupiter himself.—Speak out, delicious wench, and tell us who you are.

DIANE.

I am Diane—

GOUROC.

[Interrupting quickly.]

She is Diane Gouroc.—

[Pointing at the DUKE.]

His daughter and my wife.

PAUL.

[Exploding.]

Liar!

[All start and turn toward PAUL, who speaks aside.]

God help me!—I forget; the hour is not ended.

CARRAC.

Who is it calls this citizen a liar?

GOUJON.

The prisoner.

CARRAC.

Ah, ha! It seems he knows these citizens.—In the name of the law and the Republic, I summon instantly as a witness Henri de la Rochejacquelein.

DIANE.

My cousin captured?

[All turn toward her, amazed.

GOUROC.

[Starting.]

My God!—We're lost!

CARRAC.

So—the prisoner is the beauty's cousin.

[To GOUROC.]

Traitor! You have lied!—This convicts you all.

MOB.

To the guillotine!—To the guillotine!

BOURDOTTE.

No! A marriage! A Republican marriage!

MOB.

Aye! A marriage! marriage!

[BOURDOTTE drags forth NANETTE.

NANETTE.

What are you going to do?

BOURDOTTE.

Tie you to this man and throw you in the river.—That's the way we marry Royalists!

[The MOB laugh mockingly.

NANETTE.

[Shrieking.]

Help!

POTIN.

[Exploding.]

Damnation!—Tongue or no tongue, I must save her.

[Bounds forward and frees his wife.]

Nanette!

NANETTE.

[Joyfully embracing POTIN.]

Dodolphe!

CARRAC.

What does this mean?

POTIN.

This is my wife; the wife of a soldier of the Republic, and so, sacred to her country.

SOLDIERS.

Aye! Aye!

POTIN.

[Pointing to GOUROC.]

Do what you like with him—for such cattle as he deserve to die!

[GOUROC turns and glowers.]

Glare! Who cares? I'm a soldier. 'Tis my turn now!—You shall pay dearly for making me a perjurer!

[To MOB.]

Citizens, this devil here forced me to swear falsely against a patriot.

BOURDOTTE.

When was this?

POTIN.

Three months ago in Paris.—I was secretary to my Section.—This man had a blank warrant signed by our president, Paul Kauvar.—He made me fill it in with the name of the Duc de Beaumont—and, after, falsely swear that Kauvar had ordered the arrest.

[Cries of execration from the MOB.

DIANE.

Father! You hear? It is to him that we owe our agony!—One of your own race.

POTIN.

Kauvar was his friend—this dog betrayed him!

NANETTE.

Yes, while he himself was all the time a Marquis in disguise.

PAUL.

He, my friend—a traitor!

CARRAC.

Death to the brigand!

MOB.

Death to him! To the river! Drown him!

[They seize GOUROC.

GOUROC.

[Breaking away from them.]

Fiends—I defy you, and escape you!

[Draws pistol, fires, and falls dead.

BOURDOTTE.

[Feeling GOUROC'S breast.]

Dead.—Dead as potted pork.

CARRAC.

And the people cheated of their just revenge!

CITIZENS bear GOUROC'S body off.

BOURDOTTE.

Ah, look, we have still the old Aristo and his daughter!

MOB.

Aye!—Aye! Away with them! Away with them!

[They rush on the DUKE and DIANE.

PAUL.

My God! Will this hour never end?

CARRAC.

[To the MOB.]

Here! Strip her! Drive her to her death!

[The MOB howls.—DIANE breaks from CARRAC.—Bell tolls.

PAUL.

[With a cry of joy.]

The hour strikes!—I'm free!

[CARRAC _seizes_ DIANE _again and drags her to the centre of the stage.

Rushing from his concealed position_, PAUL _tears_ DIANE, _fainting, from the arms of_ CARRAC, _whom he flings to the ground—warning back the_ MOB, _who pause for a moment, staring in amazement_.

BOURDOTTE.

Ha—the brigand—kill him!—

MOB.

[Advancing.]

Kill him!—Kill him!

POTIN.

[Aiming, with SOLDIERS.]

Halt!—He is our prisoner.

[The MOB recoil.

PAUL.

[Flinging off his coat and hat.]

No! Not your prisoner! Your officer!—Captain on Kleber's staff: Captain Paul Kauvar.

DIANE.

[With a cry—quivering, incredulous.]

Paul!—Alive!

PAUL.

Heaven is merciful at last!

[He takes her in his arms.

POTIN.

By the gods, it is!—The Citizen Kauvar!

GOUJON.

Then La Rochejacquelein has got away?

CARRAC.

[Rising, to PAUL.]

If you are a soldier of the Republic, how is it we find you in the coat of a brigand?

PAUL.

That's my affair, not yours.

CARRAC.

What! You refuse to answer? [Coming close to PAUL.] Do you know who I am?

PAUL.

[With quiet, increasing intensity, before which CARRAC is utterly cowed.]

Yes,—Carrac—an anarchist—a fiend—in the name of liberty invoking the tyranny of terror! An assassin—shouting fraternity and committing fratricide! A libertine—claiming equality with the good, while ravishing the pure! A monster—part vulture, part toad—who, in the holy name of progress, makes our Country and our Cause revolting to the world!

BOURDOTTE.

Ha! See! Carrac recoils! He's found his match at last!—

[MOB laugh and jeer.

SCARLOTTE.

[Appearing.]

Room there!—Room for General Kleber.

MOB.

[Falling back on both sides.]

Kleber!—Kleber!—Long live Kleber!

KLEBER.

[Entering with three OFFICERS.]

I am told there is mutiny—treason here. Who and where are the accused?

CARRAC.

[Pointing at PAUL.]

There stands the worst of them!

KLEBER.

[Astounded]

Captain Kauvar!—Of what is he accused?

CARRAC.

Treachery to France! He has worn the colours of the Royal Cause.

GOUJON.

We arrested him as Rochejacquelein.

CARRAC.

Whom he has aided to escape.

KLEBER.

A terrible charge! The punishment is instant death.—Captain Kauvar, what have you to say?

PAUL.

But little.—I led last night the band of men who mined the Faubourg and cleared the road for our army to advance.

KLEBER.

A desperate undertaking, crowned with great success!—We gave you all up as dead.

PAUL.

We should have been, but for the clemency of Rochejacquelein. He spared my men, and put me on parole. He could have shot us all, but by letting him escape I saved the band of patriots to whom our army owes its victory to-day.

[All cheer.

KLEBER.

Captain Kauvar, you did right!

[The MOB cheer.

CARRAC.

Citizens, the watchword sent from Robespierre to Vendee was this: "Death without mercy to the Aristocrats."

[Pointing at the DUKE.]

Here is one, at least; I claim him for the guillotine.

MOB.

Aye—to the guillotine! To the guillotine!

KLEBER.

[As the MOB rush on the DUKE.]

Halt!

[The MOB fall back.]

Citizens, I bring you glorious news! These despatches have just reached me on the field. They come from the National Convention at the Capitol of France. Listen!

[Reads.]

"The tyrant Robespierre has been guillotined. The reign of terror is at an end. Proclaim amnesty, mercy, and fraternity to all Frenchmen in Vendee."

[All cheer.

CARRAC.

Robespierre dead! What will the people do without the guillotine?

PAUL.

Drive anarchists and Carracs out of France!

BOURDOTTE.

Aye! Away with him! Away with him!

[Rushing on CARRAC, the MOB nearly tear him to pieces as they bear him away.

SCARLOTTE.

[Fighting the MOB.]

Ingrates—traitors—dogs—ye shall not harm him—back! back! back!

[Exit, facing the MOB, and trying to save CARRAC.

JEAN.

[Bounding in from panel, speaks to PAUL.]

You see I have returned!

DUKE.

And the General?

JEAN.

Has escaped to England, [Pointing to PAUL.] thanks to him.

KLEBER.

[Taking a cross from his own breast, and advancing to PAUL.]

Captain Kauvar, you risked almost certain death to purchase victory for France. In the name of the Republic, I decorate you for heroic courage on the field!

[He places the cross on PAUL'S breast. All cheer.

DUKE.

[Extending his hand to PAUL.]

My son!—

[PAUL clasps it.

DIANE.

At last, thank God, dear France is free of tyrants.

PAUL.

Liberty is wed to Justice, and Anarchy is ended!

CURTAIN.



End of the Play.