[The DUKE listens with bowed head.  GOUROC goes to window.

DUKE.

[To GOUROC, as drums draw near.]

Is it the patrol?

GOUROC.

[Solemnly.]

No.  Tis the guard of the death-cart, with to-day’s load for the guillotine.

DIANE.

[Hiding her face.]

This constant agitation is torture.

GOUROC.

You can easily escape it, Mademoiselle.  Accept the refuge I offer you.

DUKE.

We will, Marquis, at once.  Come to my room, and we will complete our plans.

[To DIANE.]

My child, prepare to leave this house to-night, in haste and in secret.

[Exit with GOUROC.

DIANE.

Fly from this house to-night?—­No!  I will not go!  And yet I must, or tell my father the secret I have kept from him so long.

PAUL.

[Outside.]

I am not at home to anyone.  I will not brook intrusion here.

NANETTE.

[Outside.]

I’ll keep out all I can.

DIANE.

Paul is coming!—­How can I tell him we must part?

[PAUL enters.  DIANE turns quickly toward him.

PAUL.

[Absorbed in documents he is carrying.  Crossing slowly to desk, he lays the papers down and, turning, sees DIANE.]

Diane!  Thank heaven you’re alone!

[DIANE checks him by a warning gesture; crosses quickly to the door, listens a moment, then slowly approaches PAUL, looking back anxiously.]

Have you no word of welcome for a very weary friend?

DIANE.

[Throwing herself with nervous impetuosity into his arms.]

Ah, Paul!  God bless and keep you!

PAUL.

God blessed me beyond measure, when he made your heart my own.

DIANE.

[Leading him with nervous intensity to a chair.]

Sit here—­sit here!

[She sits beside him.]

Let me look at your face, and listen to your voice, while I can—­while
I can!

PAUL.

How strangely you say this!

DIANE.