MARION. (_on the balcony, terrified_).

Just Heaven! They are six "gainst two!

VOICE IN THE STREET.

This man--he is the devil!

[_The clashing of swords subsides little by little, then entirely ceases. The sounds of footsteps become indistinct. Didier reappears scaling the balcony._

DIDIER (_outside of the balcony and turned toward the street_).

You are safe; Now go your way!

SAVERNY (_from outside_).

Not "til I"ve grasped your hand-- Not "til I"ve thanked you, if you please!

DIDIER.

Pa.s.s on!

I will consider myself thanked.

SAVERNY.

Not so!

I mean to thank you. [_Scaling balcony._

DIDIER.

Can"t you speak from there And say "I thank you" without coming up?

SCENE III

Marion, Didier, Saverny

SAVERNY (_jumping into the room, sword in hand_).

Upon my soul! "Tis a strange chivalry To save my life and push me from the door!

The door--that is to say, the window! No, They shall not say one of my family Was bravely rescued by a n.o.bleman And did not in return say "Marquis--" Pray, What is your name?

DIDIER.

Didier.

SAVERNY.

Didier--of what?

DIDIER.

Didier, of nothing! People kill you, and I help you--that is all! Now go!

SAVERNY.

Indeed!

That"s your way, is it? Why not have let Those traitors kill me? "Twould have pleased me more.

For without you I"d be a dead man now.

Six thieves against me! Dead! Of course! What else?

Six daggers against one thin sword--

[_Perceiving Marion, who has been trying to avoid him._

Oh, ho!

You"re not alone! At last I understand!

I"m robbing you of pleasure. Pardon me!

[_Aside._] I"d like to see the lady!

[_Approaches Marion, who is trembling: he recognizes her._

It is you!

[_Indicating Didier._ Then he"s the one!

MARION (_low_).

Hush! You will ruin all!

SAVERNY (_bowing_).

Madame!

MARION (_low_).

I love for the first time!

DIDIER (_aside_).

"Sdeath!

That man is looking at her with bold eyes.

[_He overturns the lamp with a blow._

SAVERNY.

You put the lamp out, sir?

DIDIER.