PAUL.
[_With sudden suspicion_.]
Duty! And what duty can bring you here?
GOUROC. I have important warrants for your signature.
PAUL.
[_Sitting again, with a sigh of relief_.]
Another time.--I cannot sign them now.
GOUROC.
[_Firmly_.]
Friend, the business of the Republic is sacred; it cannot be
postponed.
PAUL.
[_Wearily_.]
Well, well!--What are these warrants?
[_Takes up pen carelessly_.
GOUROC.
[_Calling off papers, as he gives them to_ PAUL _to sign_.]
Warrants for the arrest of Catherine Cler--
[PAUL _signs_.]
Maxime Berton--
[PAUL _signs_.]
Marie Legrand--
[PAUL _signs_.]
And this blank warrant for a suspected party, whose name that fool
Potin has registered so badly that I must get him to decipher it
before I can fill it in.
[PAUL _signs mechanically_.]
[_Aside_.]
Tis done!--And she is mine!
[_Aloud_.]
Shall you be at the club to-night, friend?
PAUL.
[_Shortly_.]
No!
[_Night comes on_.
GOUROC.
What excuse shall I offer the fraternity?
PAUL.
Say I am busy--busy--[_Striking his breast_.] breaking the heart of a
traitor to France!
GOUROC.
[_Going_.
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