SCENE. Interior of the Prison of the Republic. A room with cells. Entrance to outer corridor. Table with chairs near it. As curtain rises, howls of a Mob are heard outside.

POTIN.

[Entering in the midst of the howls, then clapping his hands to his ears.]

Oh, that I were deaf! Then I’d escape the shriek of my wife, and the roar of this cursed tribunal condemning poor devils to death.

[Renewed howls.]

Aye, that’s right! Howl on, hyenas! I could howl, too, yesterday, as well as the worst of ye. But I can’t now; no, not since the arrest of the poor old Duke. There he lies, in yonder cell, and here am I quartered as a witness against him and that villain Gouroc has done all this!

[Enter GOUROC quietly in the background.]

Curse him! He rules me with a rod of red-hot iron! I wish I had him here now! By the gods! I’d take courage for once; I’d tackle him with my tongue like my wife. I’d say

GOUROC.

[Advancing coolly.]

Well, Citizen, you’d say ?

POTIN.

[Aside, startled.]

The devil take you!

GOUROC.

What would you say?

POTIN.

Nothing! anything! everything!

GOUROC.

That’s lucky! I have much for you to say before the day is done. The trial of the Duke will soon begin. When asked who gave you the order for the Duke’s arrest, you must swear that it was Paul Kauvar who did so.

POTIN.

Why, Lord help me! ’Twas you who gave me the order, and forced me to carry it, too.

GOUROC.

Possibly; but, in spite of that, my name must not be mentioned in the affair, to any one, do you hear?

POTIN.

Alas, I do!

GOUROC.

And will swear as I command?

POTIN.

[With sudden resolution.]

Never!

GOUROC.

Do you care to save your head?

POTIN.

Of course! What could I do without it?

GOUROC.

If you refuse to attest as I have dictated, I will declare you guilty of treason in trying to conceal the presence of the Duke in Paris. Such a declaration from me is sure perdition to you. How say you now: will you swear?

POTIN.

[Wilting.]

I will swear.

GOUROC.

You are wise.

[Going.]

Within an hour, the trial comes on. Be at hand, or

[Making a sign across his throat.]

There’s nothing like this to quiet a traitor’s tongue.

[Exit.

POTIN.

[Looking after him.]

To lie living, and be a coward or to lie dead, and be a corpse; that’s the riddle. No! I’ll be neither a coward nor a corpse. I’ll run away! run like a brave man, enlist in the army of Vendée, and so escape damnation, and my wife.

[Starts off.]

Liberty, lend thy wings that I may fly

[NANETTE appears.]

Ye gods! Fate is false again!

NANETTE.

Ha! It’s you, is it?

POTIN.

No, it was me; but now you’re here, I’m nobody.

NANETTE.

Where’s the Duke?

POTIN

[Pointing.]

In that cell.

NANETTE.

And I believe ’twas you betrayed him!

POTIN.

[Indignantly.]

That’s a lie!

NANETTE.

Well said! Short and sharp, like the truth.

[She pats POTIN on the back. He turns away.]

Bravo! But one moment! Do you know who did betray him?

[POTIN shakes his head mournfully.]

You do know! I can see by the wag of your head you know, and I mean to make you tell me! But I can’t stop now; I’m here to see Mam’selle Diane; where is she?

POTIN.

[Pointing to cell.]

There with her father.

NANETTE.

I’ll be back soon, and then I’ll give you a piece of my mind.

POTIN.

Give me peace if you like, dear, but keep the mind for yourself; you’ve none to spare.

NANETTE.

Woe to you when next we meet!

[She flounces out.

POTIN.

Yes, it’s woe to me whene’er we meet! But now to fly; I’ve no time to lose; between my wife and Gouroc, I shall go cracked. So here’s for liberty, and Vendée!

[Exit into his room.

Enter GOUROC, followed by GUARDS escorting MARDOCHE.

GOUROC.

[To GUARDS.]

You may leave the prisoner with me.

[Exit GUARDS.]

And so, Mardoche, you have been tried and condemned.

MARDOCHE.

Yes. Accused by beasts, tried by fools, and condemned by assassins.

GOUROC.

And of what were you accused?

MARDOCHE.

I was a quiet cobbler; I made shoes for Jacobins that pinched their toes, so I was accused of sympathy with aristocrats.

GOUROC.

Is this all the cry they raised against you?

MARDOCHE.

No. I was never heard to swear, so I was watched and was seen upon my knees. As piety is poison to the Republic, I was accused of being a priest! I was searched, and these were found upon me.

[Showing a crucifix and rosary.]

This was enough. I was immediately condemned to die.

GOUROC.

A fine fool you were, to be caught with such baubles in your bosom.
Had you forgotten old mother Dupaix?

MARDOCHE.

The old woman who never gossiped, wore clean linen, and kept four cats?

GOUROC.

The same who was therefore accused of being a Duchess in disguise, and sent to the guillotine.

MARDOCHE.

Moral: In this age of reason, death to him who prays!

GOUROC.

Or keeps four cats! But cheer up, Citizen; I have a crumb of comfort for you yet. In your cell someone is waiting impatiently to see you.

MARDOCHE.

Who?

GOUROC.

Your sister.

MARDOCHE.

Great heavens! Of what do they accuse her?

GOUROC.

Nothing. She is here by my care to bid you farewell. Listen and understand. You are going to die, and leave your sister in poverty amidst the perils of the Republic. What would you be willing to do to provide her with an independence?

MARDOCHE.

I would do anything. I can do nothing.

GOUROC.

You are mistaken. If you choose, before you die, you can place in her hands 10,000 francs.

MARDOCHE.

How?

GOUROC.

By helping me to save another man’s life.

MARDOCHE.

I do not understand.

GOUROC.

The Due de Beaumont has been discovered, and is about to be condemned. For reasons of my own, I wish to save his life. There is but one way. You, who are destined to die soon, must be disguised as the Duke, answer to his name, and go to the scaffold in his stead. Consent to do this and you shall place in your sister’s hands 10,000 francs in gold.

MARDOCHE.

What! That Jacobin of Jacobins, Gouroc, asks a cobbler to save a Duke ?

GOUROC.

Why not? The Republic is poor, the Duke is rich. He has been condemned for our glory. But if his secret escape will bring us gold, why not crown the Republic with riches as well as fame? Is not this Patriotism?

MARDOCHE.

Yes, Patriotism to-day! Yesterday and to-morrow Jesuitism.

GOUROC.

Well, your answer. Will you save the Duke?

MARDOCHE.

[After a pause.]

I will.

GOUROC.

Good! In your cell you’ll find everything for your disguise.

MARDOCHE.

[As howls are heard outside.]

Listen. That is the voice of fraternity shrieking for fratricide!

GOUROC.

By heaven! No cobbler talks as you do! Who are you? What are you?

MARDOCHE.

A victim to present madness! An atonement for past wrongs! A pledge for future progress! The Abbe de St. Simon.

GOUROC.

Ha! As I suspected.

[SOLDIERS are heard approaching.]

Take care! Hurry to your cell; they are coming for the Duke.

MARDOCHE.

And my sister ?

GOUROC.

You shall have the money at your parting.

MARDOCHE.

Thus my death will bring her more than all the years I might have lived to love her. [Exit.

OFFICER.

[Entering, followed by GUARDS, and presenting paper to GOUROC.]

An order for the person of Duc de Beaumont.

GOUROC.

[Looking at order.]

Correct. There is his cell.

OFFICER.

[Reading from paper at the door of DUKE’S cell.]

Honore Albert Maxime, heretofore Duc de Beaumont, you are called for trial for your life. In the name of the law, stand forth!

The DUKE appears with DIANE clinging to him, followed by NANETTE.

DUKE.

I am ready.

[The GUARDS surround him.

OFFICER.

[To DIANE.]

Young woman, free your father; he must follow me alone.

DIANE.

If he is guilty, then I am guilty. I have shared his prison; I claim the right to share his scaffold.

OFFICER.

You are not called, and cannot go with him.

DUKE.

Courage, child! Remember who you are, and scorn to show these miscreants what you feel.

[Putting her gently from his breast.]

We shall meet again.

[Turning to OFFICER.]

Lead on, sir.

[The GUARDS go off with the DUKE. DIANE falls into a chair near table, overcome. NANETTE approaches her; GOUROC waves her back.

GOUROC.

[Pointing to cell.]

Wait there, till you’re wanted.

[NANETTE goes out sullenly. GOUROC draws near to DIANE.]

At last I’m free to crave your pardon for the part I’m forced to play in these dark days of tragedy. Say you’ll forgive me.

DIANE.

I have nothing to forgive, sir. You did not betray my father, and if you dare to feel for such as we, then it is for the Republic to pardon your secret treachery.

GOUROC.

Always cruel, Mademoiselle. If you knew the truth, you could not wound me with your scorn.

DIANE.

[Going.]

If my face offends you, I will go.

GOUROC.

Stay, and be just. I am the slave of a great purpose. I am fast securing the ruin of the Republic. My affected zeal but masks the well-aimed blows I strike at the enemies of our order. Before many weeks have past, Robespierre will go to the scaffold, the Jacobins be ruined, and the Republic crushed. To this great end I am content to suffer anything, even your contempt, if need be.

DIANE.

Yes, I despise all blows dealt in darkness.

GOUROC.

Even though those very blows could save your father’s life?

DIANE.

[Turning and staring at him.]

Save my father’s life?

GOUROC.

Yes; I hold it in my power to set your father free, and escape with both of you to Vendée. Say but the word and it is done.

DIANE.

Tell me the word that I may speak it quickly.

GOUROC.

You know the past. My one wild dream was to win you as my wife. Revolution came; I lost you in the chaos of the times; and when at last I found you, a traitor had nearly caused your death.

DIANE.

[In anguish.]

No more, sir! No more!

GOUROC.

But I can save you yet.

DIANE.

Save my father! That is all I ask.

GOUROC.

To save his life I must imperil my own. I am willing to do this, but

DIANE.

[Scornfully.]

You must have your price!

GOUROC.

Yes that price, the right to save and guard you as my wife. One word of hope, and I am your slave forever.

DIANE.

Such a word would be cruelty to you, and crime in me.

[She starts to go.

GOUROC.

[Seizing DIANE’S hand.]

Hear me, I beg beseech

[A bell tolls.]

Nay I command! Listen!

A VOICE.

[Calls slowly in the distance.]

Hubert, Marquis de Ferrand, Comte de Vigny, Duc de Beaumont

[DIANE turns in horror.

GOUROC.

Your father is called for trial! That means certain death.

DIANE.

[Kneeling.]

Save him! I will pay the price with everything I have.

GOUROC

I may hope?

DIANE.

Yes! Take hope from my despair.

GOUROC.

Then you will be my wife?

DIANE.

When he and I are free.

GOUROC.

Your father shall be saved! I go to perfect all my plans.

[Kissing her hand.]

From this moment I am yours body, mind and soul!

[Exit hurriedly.

DIANE.

When he has saved my father death shall deliver me.

[Exit.

POTIN enters cautiously, with various things hidden under his clothes, giving him a grotesque appearance.

POTIN.

Now, O Fate, is your chance to protect a patriot! If I can only get away, I shall escape perjury in Court, and tongue-lashing from my wife! Now to run! To run for Vendée! Better the awful thunder of masculine war than the piercing tenderness of a woman’s tongue!

[Starting to run of, he begins to sing to the tune of the Marseillaise chorus:]

To leave to leave my wife!

NANETTE.

[Rushing in and stopping him.]

Hold, Citizen Potin!

POTIN.

[Wilting.]

Oh, Republic, I am lost!

NANETTE.

Dodolphe you’re up to mischief! Speak out what’s up?

POTIN.

Patience, gentle lamb!

NANETTE.

Don’t lamb me, sir!

[Twisting him round.]

What’s this mean?

[Tapping him.]

Porpoise!

[Pulling breeches from under his coat.]

Culottes!

[Pulling cap from his breast.]

Ye gods, what’s this?

[Pulling hose from his pockets.]

By heaven! A woman’s hose!

[Shaking hose in his face.]

What does this mean?

POTIN.

Nothing, precious love! This is my uniform; I have recruited for
Vendée.

NANETTE.

You a soldier?

POTIN.

[Posing.]

Yes: The safety of France demands it. I go to preserve the Republic! France beckons while Victory extends her arms, panting to embrace my noble form!

NANETTE.

Embrace ye?

[Putting his head under her arm.]

Let Victory try it if she dare!

TURNKEY.

[Entering with GUARD.]

Citizen Potin, you are wanted as a witness.

POTIN.

Caught! From the frying-pan into the fire!

NANETTE.

We shall meet again, my dear.

POTIN.

Don’t remind me now; I’m sick enough already.

[Enter PAUL KAUVAR. POTIN starts at sight of him, and speaks to the GUARD.]

I’m ready; show the way.

PAUL.

[To POTIN.]

Stop! Thank heaven I have found you! Tell me, who ordered the Duke’s arrest?

POTIN.

[Sullenly.]

What I know of, that I’ll tell only to the Court.

[Exit.

PAUL.

[Turning to NANETTE, who is going.]

Nanette, one word.

NANETTE.

What word can an honest woman speak that you would care to hear?

PAUL.

Justice! I want that word, and all it signifies.

[Mob howls outside.

NANETTE.

Listen! Go to them they’ll give you justice, aye, and glory, for you betrayed the innocent to glut their appetite for blood.

PAUL.

That’s a lie a vile, infamous, monstrous lie!

NANETTE.

Is it a lie that you signed the warrant for the Duke’s arrest?

PAUL.

My name was forged.

NANETTE.

I know your hand too well to be deceived. I’ve seen the warrant; it bears your name, and written by yourself.

PAUL.

Then it was obtained by some strange trick! I’ve tried to learn the truth, but no one will tell me who took the warrant to the office of the Guard.

NANETTE.

I wish I could believe you.

PAUL.

[Forcing her to face him.]

And so you shall! Do I look like the vilest of mankind?

NANETTE.

No; in looks you’re lucky!

PAUL.

Would any man conspire to kill the wife he adores?

NANETTE.

Why ask that?

PAUL.

Because Diane de Beaumont is my wife.

NANETTE.

Your wife?

PAUL.

Yes! For me to betray her father would be to break her heart! Pain to her is the anguish of the damned to me! Can you not see that I am I must be innocent?

NANETTE.

In these days the fairest faces mask the foulest souls! Looks and words prove nothing! Evidence alone will clear you of this crime.

PAUL.

That I have not been able to obtain.

NANETTE.

Then get it quickly before it is too late.

PAUL.

Where is Diane my wife?

NANETTE.

[Pointing.]

There! Praying for the father she believes you betrayed.

PAUL.

No, she cannot! By the light of her own love she sees the innocence of mine.

NANETTE.

Then love is lunacy!

PAUL.

Send her here to me!

NANETTE.

She will not come.

PAUL.

I’ll stake my life she will!

NANETTE.

You shall see.

[Exit.

JEAN LITAIS enters, watching PAUL intently.

PAUL.

Two things at any cost I must accomplish! First, prove my innocence of treachery, and save her father from the guillotine.

JEAN.

[Advancing.]

For that I came to help you.

PAUL.

Who are you?

JEAN.

Look well and you will see.

PAUL.

I’ve seen your face before, but have forgotten where we met.

JEAN.

I am Jean Litais. Six months ago, I was accused, and about to be condemned. You saw took pity spoke in my behalf and by your eloquence saved my life! So now the life you saved, and all its service, is yours to use, or forfeit as you please! A lion freed a mouse the mouse now comes to serve the lion.

PAUL.

I do not understand.

JEAN.

I am turnkey here, though once a servant of the Duke’s. You love his daughter; I can help her father to escape.

PAUL.

How?

JEAN.

[Crossing to the door.]

This opens on a staircase leading to the river. Here’s the key. I have a boat below. To-night I’ll creep up the stairs and knock three times. Open, then, this door and you’ll find deliverance for those you love.

PAUL.

[Taking the key.]

How can I repay this deed?

JEAN.

Trust me that is all.

PAUL.

[Extending his hand.]

I will I do!

JEAN.

[Kissing PAUL’S hand.]

I’m yours in life or death.

[Goes to door.]

Till to-night!

[Exit.

PAUL.

[Alone.]

Saved! Thank God! Their freedom in my hand!

[Pausing.]

And yet she does not come. Can it be that she believes me guilty esteems me lower than the foulest worm?

[Enter DIANE.]

No, no, I was right!

[Going toward her.]

I knew you’d come.

DIANE.

[Checking him.]

Stop! Let me look at you and say farewell.

PAUL.

Then you really think me guilty?

DIANE.

If an angel had accused you, I would say it was a lie.

PAUL.

Diane! Diane! My loyal wife!

[He embraces her.

DIANE.

[Shrinking from him.]

No, no! I am not worthy of your love! I must save my father’s life, no matter what it costs me.

PAUL.

Courage, dear heart! I hold here salvation for you both.

DIANE.

You?

PAUL.

Yes! This very night your father shall fly with us to England.

DIANE.

Ah! Then I am free! I need owe him nothing!

PAUL.

Owe whom nothing?

[The tramp of SOLDIERS is heard outside.

DIANE.

Hark! The Guard! Take care!

Enter the DUKE, with GUARD and POTIN.

DUKE.

[Contemptuously to PAUL.]

You here, traitor?

DIANE.

[Aside to the DUKE.]

You must not call him that. He did not betray. The proof is this that he has come to save you.

DUKE.

And so make my debt to him a means of reaching you; but I would not accept my life from hands unclean with treachery.

PAUL.

There’s not a drop of traitor’s blood within my veins!

DUKE.

Yet you signed the warrant for my arrest.

PAUL

Then another hand than mine unknown to me filled in your name.

DUKE.

Plausible trickster! We have here double proof that you are guilty.

[Enter GOUROC in background.]

The evidence of the man to whom you gave the warrant, commanding him to take it to the Guard.

PAUL.

There’s no such man alive or dead!

DUKE.

Potin, advance.

[POTIN comes forward sullenly.]

Repeat what you swore in court. From whom did you receive the warrant for my arrest?

POTIN.

[After a struggle.]

I received it from

[Hesitates.

GOUROC.

[Aside to POTIN.]

Take care! If I denounce you die!

DUKE.

Well, sir, we are waiting.

POTIN.

[Desperately.]

I received it [Pointing at PAUL.] from him.

[PAUL recoils with horror. DIANE, with cry of agony, hides her face upon her father’s breast.

PAUL.

[Crossing to POTIN.]

Potin, look at me. On your word hangs the honour of your old and steadfast friend! Look in my eyes, and, in the name of your own salvation, speak nothing but the truth.

DUKE.

[Sternly.]

’Tis useless to intimidate the witness. He will not prove himself a perjurer, and condemn himself to death, even to please so dear a friend as you.

PAUL.

My God! There is some wicked plot!

DUKE.

Yes and you’re the plotter.

[PAUL falls prostrate into chair near table. Supporting DIANE to the door of his cell, the DUKE pauses and speaks.]

Paul Kauvar, we shall never meet again. Remember my last words. Beggars, thieves, assassins may escape perdition; but neither here, nor hereafter, is there any hope for Judas.

[Exit, supporting DIANE.

[NANETTE follows the DUKE off. POTIN goes into the opposite cell. GOUROC crosses to PAUL.

GOUROC.

How’s this, old Comrade? I thought you were antique in the mastery of your emotions. A man of iron firm as flint!

PAUL.

Agony is fire that melts the mettle of the hardest man.

GOUROC.

But why should you a Jacobin care for this old Duke?

PAUL.

I loved his daughter she became my wife.

GOUROC.

[Starting.]

What! Diane de Beaumont is your wife?

PAUL.

Yes has been my wife in secret for six months.

GOUROC.

[Aside.]

So I have a double task! To save her and kill her husband.

[Aloud.]

The same old story, Comrade, and as usual a woman mars the plot! You were a patriot, till love enmeshed you in his magic web; then you became the weakest of mankind a husband. I am sorry, very sorry; but Paul my friend if I can serve you now, I beg of you command me.

PAUL.

Yes, you can serve me. You have been my friend be more!

GOUROC.

Your sorrow seems so deep, I swear I think I’d serve it even at the cost of conscience! Speak then, without fear.

PAUL.

Help me to save the father of my wife! See! This key opens yonder door; to-night, at any moment, you may hear three knocks. That signal will be given by a man who will conduct you safely out of France.

GOUROC.

A man that you can trust?

PAUL.

To the death. I saved his life.

GOUROC.

But suppose the Duke is called before the signal comes! I must go and find some man to take his place.

GOUROC starts to go. PAUL’S face lights with a sudden resolution.

PAUL.

Stop! The man is found.

GOUROC.

Who is he?

PAUL.

The man they call a traitor Paul Kauvar.

GOUROC.

[Suppressing a smile of surprise.]

You?

PAUL.

Yes. When safely out of France, tell them of my fate. My death may convince them I loved too deeply to betray.

[A bell begins to toll.

A VOICE.

[In the distance.]

Hubert, Marquis de Ferrand, Mardoche, alias the Abbe de St. Simon

GOUROC.

They’re calling the condemned; there’s not an instant to be lost.

[Crossing to cell.]

In this cell there hangs an old man’s coat and wig, kept here to disguise the spies connected with the prison. Luckily they’ll serve your purpose well.

[Opening cell door.]

Quick! Get ready to answer when the Duke is called.

PAUL.

Tell my wife I died for love of her, and honour.

[Exit.

GOUROC.

[In exultation.]

Thank luck! This man’s death clears my path, and saves the money I meant to pay the Abbe.

Enter DIANE and NANETTE.

DIANE.

Where is he? I must see him once again! Paul! Paul!

[Starting at sight of GOUROC.]

Who’s there?

GOUROC.

Tis I! Here to save your father.

THE VOICE.

[Outside.]

Comte de Vigny, Andre de la Roche

GOUROC.

That’s the last call of the condemned. Your father’s name stands next upon the roll.

DIANE.

Save him! Save him!

GOUROC.

Obey me instantly, or all is lost; hide quickly in this cell! Trust to me and wait.

DIANE.

[Going with NANETTE into a cell.]

God deal with you as you now deal with me!

[Exit.

Tramp of GUARDS outside.

GOUROC.

[Crossing to cell and calling.]

Kauvar! Be quick! stand ready. By heaven! A close shave!

OFFICER and GUARDS enter.

OFFICER.

[Advancing.]

Honore Albert Maxime, Duc de Beaumont, you are called to the guillotine.

[PAUL comes forth in silence.]

Fall in. Forward, march!

[As the GUARDS start with PAUL, DIANE rushes in with a cry of agony.

DIANE.

Father! Father! We have been deceived!

[DIANE rushes into PAUL’S arms; he embraces her passionately. GUARDS force them apart and go out with PAUL.]

[Held back by GOUROC and NANETTE, DIANE shrieks.]

Father father!

DUKE.

[Entering.]

Diane! What is it?

DIANE.

[Turning in amazement and joy.]

What! You are there?

GOUROC.

Yes, saved by me.

DIANE.

And he ? Who was he they dragged away?

GOUROC.

A man condemned to die whom I disguised to take your father’s place.

DIANE.

[Falling on her knees.]

O God! Spare this man all pain in death and give him life eternal!

CURTAIN.