PAUL.
That's a lie--a vile, infamous, monstrous lie!
NANETTE.
Is it a lie that you signed the warrant for the Duke's arrest?
PAUL.
My name was forged.
NANETTE.
I know your hand too well to be deceived. I've seen the warrant; it
bears your name, and written by yourself.
PAUL.
Then it was obtained by some strange trick! I've tried to learn the
truth, but no one will tell me who took the warrant to the office of
the Guard.
NANETTE.
I wish I could believe you.
PAUL.
[_Forcing her to face him_.]
And so you shall!--Do I look like the vilest of mankind?
NANETTE.
No; in looks you're lucky!
PAUL.
Would any man conspire to kill the wife he adores?
NANETTE.
Why ask that?
PAUL.
Because Diane de Beaumont is my wife.
NANETTE.
Your wife?
PAUL.
Yes! For me to betray her father would be to break her heart! Pain to
her is the anguish of the damned to me! Can you not see that I am--I
must be innocent?
NANETTE.
In these days the fairest faces mask the foulest souls! Looks and
words prove nothing! Evidence alone will clear you of this crime.
PAUL.
That--I have not been able to obtain.
Pages:
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74