La Rochejacquelein spared my life, that I might once more see my
wife.--Useless generosity, for she had gone to meet her death!
JEAN.
But he--the General--was merciful, magnanimous to you?
PAUL.
He was. I owe him an eternal debt.
JEAN.
Are you willing to pay your debt?
PAUL.
With my life!
JEAN.
His army is routed. He will be captured--shot like a dog, unless he's
saved.
PAUL.
He must be saved.
JEAN.
There's a secret passage from this castle to the glen. If I could put
his pursuers off his track, he would escape.
PAUL.
Bring the General here and leave the rest to me.
JEAN.
You will aid him?
PAUL.
I will.--Be quick; we're wasting time.
[JEAN _crosses to door and beckons; enter_ LA HOGUE, LA
ROCHEJACQUELEIN _and_ DENISE.
PAUL.
[_Putting off his coat and crossing_.]
General, off with your coat!
LA ROCHE.
What does this mean?
PAUL.
You were merciful to me--'tis my turn now! We exchange uniforms; I am
captured in your place, mislead your pursuers while you escape.
LA ROCHE.
For you to assist me is treason to your cause.
PAUL.
Ingratitude is treason to my God!--I owe you more than life; let men
call this what they will; I have a divine right to pay my debt.
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