By heaven!--A close shave!
OFFICER _and_ GUARDS _enter_.
OFFICER.
[_Advancing_.]
Honore Albert Maxime, Duc de Beaumont, you are called to the
guillotine.
[PAUL _comes forth in silence_.]
Fall in.--Forward, march!
[_As the_ GUARDS _start with_ PAUL, DIANE _rushes in with a cry of
agony_.
DIANE.
Father!--Father!--We have been deceived!
[DIANE _rushes into_ PAUL'S _arms; he embraces her passionately_.
GUARDS _force them apart and go out with_ PAUL.]
[_Held back by_ GOUROC _and_ NANETTE, DIANE _shrieks_.]
Father--father!
DUKE.
[_Entering_.]
Diane!--What is it?
DIANE.
[_Turning in amazement and joy_.]
What!--You are there?
GOUROC.
Yes, saved by me.
DIANE.
And he--? Who was he they dragged away?
GOUROC.
A man condemned to die--whom I disguised--to take your father's place.
DIANE.
[_Falling on her knees_.]
O God! Spare this man all pain in death--and give him life eternal!
CURTAIN.
ACT III.
SCENE. _Headquarters of Royalists in Vendee. Interior of hall in old
chateau. Fireplace; large doorways with staircase leading to terrace,
overlooking Granville; Faubourg de Calvaire in middle ground.
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