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PDFNot since he, my lover, went to Paris to aid the Duc de Beaumont to escape.
LA ROCHE.
This fiendish reign of terror has prevented me from hearing of the Duke till now.
DENISE.
And you have heard—?
LA ROCHE.
The worst of news! Among some papers captured in a skirmish, I found this journal, [Producing paper.] printed at Paris some three months ago. It contains a list of those beheaded the preceding day.—See this name I’ve underlined.
DENISE.
[Reading.]
“The Duc de Beaumont.”
Enter a MAN from panel in wall up stage.
LA ROCHE.
Guillotined at night, upon the tenth of last October.
DENISE.
My God! If Jean has failed to save the Duke, he must be dead himself!
THE MAN.
[Advancing.]
Not yet!
LA ROCHE.
[Turning quickly.]
Who’s this?
DENISE.
It’s Jean!—
[Rushing into his arms.]
My Jean returned!
LA ROCHE.
Litais!—Is it really you?
JEAN.
Every bit of me, my lord.
DENISE.
Thank heaven!
LA ROCHE.
How did you pass the guard?
JEAN.
Faith, I know every corner of the old chateau. No guard could bar my way while I’d such news to bring! The Duke and his daughter are here—in the park.
LA ROCHE.
Alive and safe—?
JEAN.
As you are!—Grant me a guard to bring them through our lines.
LA ROCHE.
[Strikes a bell.]
[Enter ORDERLY, who salutes.]
See that Monsieur and his friends have safe passage through our lines.
ORDERLY crosses stage and stands at door.
JEAN.
In an instant we’ll return.—Come, Denise; you shall see your old master once again.
DENISE.
