[_Aside_.]
What can this mean? He could not ask this if he knew the truth.
[_Aloud_.]
Father, I do not understand.--What shall I say?
DUKE.
What your heart prompts, child.
[_Turning away_.]
Nay, do not hesitate; I will not influence your choice even with a
look.
DIANE.
If I shrink from danger, if I stay here, what becomes of you?
DUKE.
I go alone.
DIANE.
Alone to meet your peril?--Then, by the bond of a daughter's duty, my
place is at my father's side.
[PAUL _staggers. The_ DUKE _retires quietly to desk_. DIANE _speaks
aside to_ PAUL.]
Remember he is old, with none but me to comfort his last days.
PAUL.
[_With stern self-control_.]
Monsieur, the double pass for George Leblanc and Diane his daughter
has been fairly won.
[_Hands the pass to the_ DUKE, _bows coldly, and leaves the room
without a look at_ DIANE, _who falls into a chair and hides her face_.
DUKE.
[_Looking suspiciously at_ DIANE.]
Could there be warrant for his strange presumption? If so, this
separation is none too soon.
[_Enter_ GOUROC.]
Ah, Marquis, congratulate us. We are now released from all need of
burdening even you.--See! Here is a pass which opens the doors of our
prison.
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