I am going to do my duty—­follow the father who would die without my care.

PAUL.

[After a pause.]

Yes, I remember now.—­You are right.—­You will be safer out of
France.—­The dream!  The dream!

DIANE.

What dream?

PAUL.

No matter!  I am resigned now!  Yes, resigned—­resigned—­resigned!

[Sinks sobbing into chair.

DIANE.

No, no, Paul!—­I cannot endure this!—­I will stay!  I will stay!

PAUL.

[Starting up.]

No!  You must not!  I dare not keep you here.—­I fear the worst!

DIANE.

What do you mean?

PAUL.

Don’t ask me.  I do not know myself.  But you—­when you are gone—­you will not forget me?

DIANE.

Not while memory lasts!

PAUL.

And I—­perhaps I—­some day—­shall be free to seek you.

DIANE.

God grant that day is near!

PAUL.

And we—­when we meet again, will you find courage to acknowledge who I am?

DIANE.

Nay—­if you desire it—­I’ll prove my deathless love before I go.—­I’ll tell my father all.

PAUL.

No, never!—­Never till I’ve won a name that even your proud father is forced to honour.  Meantime, I ask but this—­your love and trust, while I have life to strive.

DIANE.

You shall have it!—­Yes, through sunshine and shadow, I will love and trust you to the end.

[They embrace.

DUKE.

[Outside.]

Nanette, the coach is ready:  be quick, bear our baggage to the door.

[PAUL and DIANE separate quickly.  Entering, the DUKE glances suspiciously at the two, then advances to PAUL.]

Paul Kauvar, let us not part in bitterness.  I owe you much; I grieve to see you suffer.  Courage!  Believe me, I never honoured you as I do now.

[Extends his hand.  PAUL turns away.]

Will you not take my hand?

PAUL.

No, Monsieur.  Not until you think it worthy to guide and guard your daughter, as my wife.