NANETTE.
You--a soldier?
POTIN.
[_Posing_.]
Yes: The safety of France demands it. I go to preserve the Republic!
France beckons--while Victory extends her arms, panting to embrace my
noble form!
NANETTE.
Embrace ye?
[_Putting his head under her arm_.]
Let Victory try it if she dare!
TURNKEY.
[_Entering with_ GUARD.]
Citizen Potin, you are wanted as a witness.
POTIN.
Caught!--From the frying-pan into the fire!
NANETTE.
We shall meet again, my dear.
POTIN.
Don't remind me now; I'm sick enough already.
[_Enter_ PAUL KAUVAR. POTIN _starts at sight of him, and speaks to
the_ GUARD.]
I'm ready; show the way.
PAUL.
[_To_ POTIN.]
Stop!--Thank heaven I have found you! Tell me, who ordered the Duke's
arrest?
POTIN.
[_Sullenly_.]
What I know of, that I'll tell only to the Court.
[_Exit_.
PAUL.
[_Turning to_ NANETTE, _who is going_.]
Nanette, one word.
NANETTE.
What word can an honest woman speak that you would care to hear?
PAUL.
Justice!--I want that word, and all it signifies.
[_Mob howls outside_.
NANETTE.
Listen! Go to them--they'll give you justice, aye, and glory, for you
betrayed the innocent--to glut their appetite for blood.
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