This night The Cardinal, in litter, will attend.

[_Marion is buried in a deep and painful reverie. Suddenly she pa.s.ses her two hands over her brow and turns, as if wild, toward Laffemas._

MARION.

How could you manage their escape?

LAFFEMAS (_low_).

You mean?

Two of my men could guard this place, by which The Cardinal pa.s.ses-- [_He listens at the small door._ I think some one comes!

MARION (_wringing her hands_).

You'll save him?

LAFFEMAS.

Yes.

[_Low._] To tell you in this place-- The walls have echoes--elsewhere.

MARION (_with despair_).

Come!

[_Laffemas goes toward the large door and signs to her to follow. She falls on her knees, turned toward the grating of the prison; then she arises with a convulsive effort and disappears through the great door after Laffemas. Saverny and Didier enter, surrounded by Guards._

SCENE III

_Didier, Saverny. Saverny, dressed in the latest fashion, enters gayly and petulantly. Didier is in black, walks slowly, is very pale.

A jailer accompanied by Halberdiers conducts them. The Jailer places the two Halberdiers as sentinels beside the black curtain. Didier sits, silently, on the stone bench_

SAVERNY (_to The Jailer, who opens the door for him_).

Thank you.

The air is very good!

THE JAILER (_low, and drawing him aside_).

My lord, two words with you.

SAVERNY.

Four, if you like.

THE JAILER (_lowering his voice still more_).

Will you escape?

SAVERNY (_eagerly_).

Speak! How?

THE JAILER.

That's my affair.

SAVERNY.

Truly? [_The Jailer nods his head._ Lord Cardinal, You meant to keep me from attending b.a.l.l.s, But it appears I am to dance again.

The pleasant thing that life is!

[_To The Jailer._] When, my friend?

THE JAILER.

To-night, as soon as it is dark.

SAVERNY.

My faith!

I shall be charmed to leave these quarters. Whence Comes this a.s.sistance?

THE JAILER.

Marquis de Nangis.

SAVERNY.

My good old uncle!

[_To The Jailer._] 'Tis for both, I hope!

THE JAILER.

I can save only one!

SAVERNY.

For twice as much?

THE JAILER.

I can save only one!

SAVERNY (_tossing his head_).

Just one?

[_Low to The Jailer._] Then listen; Good jailer, that's the one to save!