FLAMBEAU.

That must have been a rough surprise!

THE COUNTESS.

'Twas a surprise from which he'll not recover.

THE DUKE.

Heavens! And the girl--!

THE COUNTESS.

What does she matter now?

THE DUKE.

But, did she come?

THE COUNTESS.

Well--No, then! When the door Was broken open by a furious fist, I was alone. She had not come.

THE DUKE.

That's well.

THE COUNTESS.

But servants came; and if I were arrested All would be known too soon. I lost my head.

I stumbled out. I heard I know not whom Sending to fetch the Prefect of Police; And so I fled upon your saddle-horse.

I've killed it--I'm exhausted--

THE DUKE.

Look! She swoons!

THE COUNTESS.

After what I had done I hoped at least To hear from witnesses that you were gone!

A CONSPIRATOR.

You were pursued--And in a moment--

THE DUKE.

Take care of her. Conceal her in the hut.

A CONSPIRATOR.

Yes.

THE COUNTESS.

Go!

THE DUKE.

But are you better?

THE COUNTESS.

Not yet gone?

For G.o.d's sake, go! Ah! could your Father see you Waiting, enfeebled, tender, hesitating, With what contempt he'd shrug his epaulettes!

THE DUKE.

Good-bye!

FLAMBEAU.

We're caught! Too late!

SEDLINZKY.

[_Entering with police officers; he advances to the_ COUNTESS, _whom he mistakes for the_ DUKE.]

Too late, my Lord.

THE COUNTESS.

[_Furiously, to the_ DUKE.]

Ah, Temporizer! Dreamer! Cold Idealist!

SEDLINZKY.

[_Who has turned to the person addressed by the_ COUNTESS _and recognized the_ DUKE, _starts, and, addressing him._]

Your Highness--

[_He turns to the_ COUNTESS.]

Your High--

[_To the_ DUKE.]

Your High--