And never let you leave my side while I have life to love you.

[Exeunt DENISE, JEAN and ORDERLY, who salutes GUARD before departing.  Tumult in distance.]

LA HOGUE.

[Entering.]

The Count is here and anxious for the fight.

[LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN, listening, pays no attention.  LA HOGUE speaks impatiently.]

Do you hear?

LA ROCHE.

Yes, I hear a tumult yonder!  Can it be mutiny—­revolt?

[Enter SECOND ORDERLY. He presents paper to LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN, who reads it aloud.]

“Have captured Jacobin soldiers.  The peasants demand their lives.  Shall I surrender them or hold them at your pleasure?  La Val—­Captain of King’s Guards.”

[To LA HOGUE eagerly.]

We may obtain information from these fellows.  See La Val at once, command him to guard his prisoners with his life, and send them here to me.

LA HOGUE.

But the Count is awaiting orders for to-night’s attack.

LA ROCHE.

[Going.]

While you see La Val, I’ll see the Count.

[Exit.

LA HOGUE.

[To ORDERLY.]

To Captain La Val!

[Exit quickly with ORDERLY.

SENTINEL.

[Outside.]

Who goes there?

JEAN.

[Outside.]

A friend!

SENTINEL.

[Outside.]

Advance with countersign.

ORDERLY advances, salutes the SENTINEL, whispers in his ear, then steps back against balustrade of terrace as characters enter.—­When characters are on, ORDERLY salutes SENTINEL, who returns salute.  ORDERLY goes out.  SENTINEL about faces and disappears.

Enter JEAN, DENISE, GOUROC, NANETTE, DUKE, AND DIANE.

JEAN.

[To the DUKE.]

You’re safe at last, Monsieur, among your friends.

DIANE.

[Grasping JEAN’S hand.]

Thanks to your devotion.

DENISE.

[To the DUKE.]

I will announce your coming to the General.

[Exit.

NANETTE.

[To DIANE.]

Here, child, be seated, and taste comfort once again.