[DIANE starts up and stares.  The DUKE rises and advances with stern hauteur.  At sight of GOUROC, he starts, and surveys him with amazement.]

Well, old man, are you mad, or do you know me?

DUKE.

[Significantly.]

I think we have met before.

GOUROC.

Yes, and may meet again.  Permit me to introduce myself.  I am Citizen Gouroc, of the Jacobin Club, and one of the Public Accusers of the Revolutionary Tribunal.

[DIANE draws close to NANETTE.]

Now, who are you?

DUKE.

I am George Leblanc, private secretary to Paul Kauvar.

GOUROC.

Ah, indeed!—­His private secretary?  Then I can do my business with you.  It is said that two aristocrats in disguise are lurking about this house.

[All start.]

I must communicate with you in secret, Citizen.

[Turning to DIANE.]

Are you the daughter of this old man?

DIANE.

I am his daughter, Diane Leblanc.

GOUROC.

You remain.

[To SANS CULOTTES.]

You, Comrades, wait across the street;

[Exeunt SANS CULOTTES.]

and you, Citizen Potin, take your wife, leave the room, and wait within call.  You understand?

POTIN.

I do, Citizen.  When the Republic commands, I obey.

[Exit, with NANETTE.

GOUROC.

[Bowing with great politeness.]

Monsieur le Duc de Beaumont.

[DIANE starts.]

DUKE.

[Turning with contempt.]

Monsieur le Marquis de Vaux.

DIANE

[Amazed.]

This—­the Marquis de Vaux?

GOUROC.

You are surprised to see me in this garb.  I am equally surprised to find you the guests of Citizen Kauvar, President of the Republican Section of Fraternity.

DUKE.

Not quite as strange as discovering the dainty Marquis de Vaux a
Public Accuser and the servile slave of the guillotine.

GOUROC.

Reserve your contempt till you understand the meaning of my presence here.  I come to warn you against your host.

DIANE.