Scene III

Marion, Laffemas: gesture of surprise from both. Marion turns away from him with horror

LAFFEMAS (low, advancing slowly toward Marion).

You!
What is your errand here?

Marion.

What’s yours?

LAFFEMAS (unrolls the parchment and spreads it out before her eyes).

Signed by
The King!

MARION (glances at it, then buries her face in her hands).

Good God!

LAFFEMAS (speaking in her ear).

Will you?

[Marion shivers and looks him in the face; he fixes his eyes on hers: lowering his voice.

Wilt thou?

MARION (pushing him away).

Away!
Foul tempter!

LAFFEMAS (straightening himself up, sneeringly).

You will not!

MARION.

I have no fear!
The King can pardon: ’tis the King who reigns.

LAFFEMAS.

Go try him. See what his good will is worth!

[He turns away, then turns back: folds his arms and whispers to her.

Beware of waiting until I refuse!

[Exits. Duke de Bellegarde enters.