LA ROCHE.

For her sake renounce rebellion, and I unite you both forever.

PAUL.

Better I should never see her face again than be unworthy of her love.

LA HOGUE.

Great Caesar!  Here’s an eagle facing death in loyalty to carrion crows!—­The noble bird is mad!  We must not kill, but cure him.

LA ROCHE.

What do you propose?

LA HOGUE.

Put him on parole.  Let him give his word that he’ll not fight until he’s exchanged.

LA ROCHE.

True!  Captain Kauvar, you are a prisoner of war, a man of proven honour.—­Give me your word that you will not lift your sword against the King, till you’re exchanged, and you’re paroled and free.

PAUL.

Free with honour, to see my wife once more?

LA ROCHE.

Yes!

PAUL.

Oh, generous foe!  Next to my country, my life belongs to you.

LA ROCHE.

I have your word?

PAUL.

[Raising his hand.]

You have.

LA ROCHE.

Captain Kauvar, you are paroled.

PAUL.

And my wife?

LA ROCHE.

[Going.]

Shall come to you at once.

[Exit.

PAUL.

Great heavens!—­I’m going mad with joy!

[Turning to LA HOGUE.]

Colonel, I must explode or die!

[He embraces LA HOGUE.

LA HOGUE.

[Submitting with gusto.]

Damme!  Embraced by a Sans Culotte!  I like it, too!

Artillery is heard in the distance.

PAUL.

[Looking off.]

By heavens!—­The Republicans are sweeping down from Granville!

[To LA HOGUE.]

Colonel, see!  My comrades have attacked you under cover of the town I burned.

[Crash of artillery again.

LA HOGUE.

Damnation!

Enter LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.

ORDERLY.