DIANE _sits at
table and takes up sewing_. NANETTE _dusts. Knock is heard outside_.
NANETTE _answers roughly_.]
Come in!
_Enter_ GOUROC, POTIN, GOUJON _and two_ SANS CULOTTES.
GOUROC.
Health and fraternity, Citizens! We come for Paul Kauvar, President of
our Section.
NANETTE.
[_Gruffly_.]
He's not at home.
GOUROC.
Ah, indeed!
[_Sitting_.]
Then we will await him here.
[_All sit in silence_.
NANETTE.
[_Aside, in irritation_.]
Oh, the impudence of these men! How my nails ache to get at their ugly
faces! [_Crossing_.]
How often have I told you that this apartment is not a public office?
POTIN.
But, my precious angel--
NANETTE.
Bah! Religion is abolished, and angels are suppressed! I wish friends
were too!
POTIN.
[_Laughing_.]
Talk of the rack! What is it to a woman's tongue?
NANETTE.
What know you of a woman's tongue?
POTIN.
Enough to damn me, if knowledge were a crime.
NANETTE.
[_To_ GOUROC.]
Come, Citizen, there's no use waiting. President Kauvar don't do
business at home; you've no rights here.
GOUROC.
[_Rising sternly_.]
The patriot has unlimited rights, woman.
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