LA ROCHE.
I may find a way to break your silence.
PAUL.
I swear you cannot do it.
LA ROCHE.
[_Motions_ GUARDS _to go_.]
[ORDERLY _about-faces, goes on to terrace_. GUARDS _then march off_.]
We shall see! You've given a name that's not your own.
[PAUL _starts, but remains silent_.]
Paul Kauvar was guillotined the night of the ninth of May.
[PAUL _turns, amazed but silent_.]
He died to save my kinsman, the Duc de Beaumont.
[PAUL, _about to speak, checks himself_.]
He was the husband of my cousin.
PAUL.
[_Exploding_.]
Diane--your cousin?
LA ROCHE.
Ha! I thought I'd make you speak.
PAUL.
[_Eagerly_.]
You know her?--She has escaped?--Is safe?--alive?--happy?
LA ROCHE.
Oh, ho!--So you would turn the tables--question me?
PAUL.
Is she alive and well?--I ask to know but this.
LA ROCHE.
I'll tell you more, if you will answer first my questions.
PAUL.
All!--that do not force me to betray my cause.
LA ROCHE.
Explain!--You escaped the guillotine?
PAUL.
The story is too long.
LA ROCHE.
Make it brief, but answer.
PAUL.
In the death-cart I found a priest confessing those about him.
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