Act II
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 Abbé 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.]
Honoré 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 Abbé 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 Abbé.
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,—André 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.]
Honoré 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.