Of such a mistress one can well be proud!

It's honorable, and it gives one style.

'Tis in good taste. If men ask who you are They say, "Beloved of Marion de Lorme."

[_Didier gives him back the portrait; he refuses it._

No, keep the portrait; since the lady's yours, It should belong to you. Keep it, I pray.

DIDIER.

I thank you! [_Puts it in his breast._

SAVERNY.

She is charming in that dress.

So you are my successor! One might say, As King Louis succeeded Pharamond.

The Brissacs, both of them, supplanted me.

[_Laughing._] Then, yes, the Cardinal himself came next, Then little D'Effiat, then the three Sainte-Mesmes, The four Argenteans! In her heart you'll find The best society. [_Laughing._] A little numerous.

DIDIER (_aside_).

My G.o.d!

SAVERNY.

Tell me about it some time. Now, To be quite frank with you, I pa.s.s for dead, And in the morning shall be buried. You Must have escaped police and seneschals.

Your Marion can manage everything!

You joined a strolling company by chance; What a delightful history!

DIDIER.

Yes, true It is a history!

SAVERNY.

To get you out She probably made love to all the jailers.

DIDIER (_in a voice of thunder_).

Do you think that?

SAVERNY.

You are not jealous--what?

Oh, joke incredible!--of Marion!

A man jealous of Marion! The poor child!

Don't go and scold her!

DIDIER.

Have no fear. [_Aside._] The angel-- It was a demon! Oh, my G.o.d!

[_Enter Laffemas and Gracieux. Didier goes out; Saverny follows him._

SCENE VIII

Laffemas, Gracieux

GRACIEUX (_to Laffemas_).

My lord, I do not understand you!

[_Aside._] Humph! A costume Of Alcaid and a figure of police; Small eyes, adorned with big eyebrows! I think He plays the part of Alguazil in this Locality.

LAFFEMAS (_pulling out his purse_).

My friend!

GRACIEUX (_drawing near, low to Laffemas_).

My lord--I see!

Chimene has interested you. You wish To know--

LAFFEMAS (_low, smiling_).

Who is her Roderick?

GRACIEUX.

You mean Her lover?

LAFFEMAS.

Yes!

GRACIEUX.

Who groans beneath her spell?

LAFFEMAS (_impatiently_).

There's one?

GRACIEUX.

Of course!

LAFFEMAS (_approaching him eagerly_).

Then show him to me, quick!