You here? This questionable place!

MARION.

I am. [_Triumphantly showing the parchment._ I have the pardon!

LAFFEMAS (_showing his_).

Yes? I have The revocation!

MARION (_with a cry of horror_).

Mine was yesterday-- The morning!

LAFFEMAS.

Mine, last night!

MARION (_with hands over her eyes_).

My G.o.d! No hope!

LAFFEMAS.

Hope is a flash of lightning which deceives.

The clemency of kings is a frail thing; It comes with lagging steps and goes with wings.

MARION.

The King was moved with pity for their fate!

LAFFEMAS.

What can the King against the Cardinal?

MARION.

Oh, Didier, our last hope"s extinguished now!

LAFFEMAS (_low_).

Not--not the last!

MARION.

Just Heaven!

LAFFEMAS (_drawing near to her_).

There is here A man whom one short word from you could make Happier than any king, and mightier too!

MARION.

Away!

LAFFEMAS.

Is that your answer?

MARION (_haughtily_).

I beg you!

LAFFEMAS.

How fleeting are the whims of the fair s.e.x!

You were not always, madame, so severe!

Now that "tis question of your lover"s life--

MARION (_without looking at him, turning to the small door, her hands clasped_).

If it would save your life, I could not go Back to that infamy. My soul"s grown pure At touch of you, my Didier; sin is shamed.

Your love gives back my lost virginity.

LAFFEMAS.

Well, love him!

MARION.

Ah, he pushes me from crime To vice! Oh, monster, go! Let me keep pure!

LAFFEMAS.

There is but one thing left for me to do!

MARION.

What is it?

LAFFEMAS.

I can show you--let you see.

It is to-night.

MARION (_trembling all over_).

Oh, heaven! this night!

LAFFEMAS.