There 's that lazy man of mine , singing , while I work . Dodolphe !— Dodolphe Potin ! I want you ! Hurry up !— Do you hear ? Fool ! Justice is blind , not deaf . Bah ! Take that rubbish to the cellar . Aye — and the fire that warms a man 's home may burn his house down !— Mark you that , Citizen . I mean , Citizen Potin , that in days of revolution , husbands are easily suppressed . Bah ! Better death , than a life of terror like that in France to-day . Never !— while I have a truth to tell . Aye , for in these noble days of liberty we are only free to lie . What now ? The dumb girl of the guillotine ! Except to stand by the scaffold , and count the heads that fall from the guillotine . Aye , even those who think themselves too great to believe in God , have faith in the fatal power of this pale child . My God ! look there ! Aye !— Go .— Hurry Mademoiselle here , before she has a chance to heed this messenger of misery . Goddess of Reason !— A fine deity for days as mad as these :Ah , Citizen Kauvar !— Patriot !— Revolutionist !— Bold son of Liberty , as you are !— You 'd love this age of terror less if it brought death to Mademoiselle Diane .— Yes , I 've watched ye , sturdy citizen , and in spite of your stern devotion to the Republic , I suspect you carry another idol in your heart . Ah ! Here she comes — Diane Leblanc ,— a ray of sunlight in this prison men call Paris . What — flowers ? No . He went away an hour ago . Not yet ! He 's been away all night . Yes , what happens every day . Innocence is slaughtered ! Has doubtless fought all night to stop the useless flow of noble blood . Ah ! He was one of the fiercest champions of Freedom when the people first arose ; but now I think he 'd give his life to still the tempest he did so much to rouse . One look — one smile of yours will banish every thought of sorrow from his tired brain . What 's that ? All right , Citizen . Do n't fear ! I 'll stand good guard . Take care !— A committee from the Section is on its way upstairs . No , not strange ! Treachery is at every door . They are coming . Quick !— To your work !Come in ! He 's not at home . Oh , the impudence of these men ! How my nails ache to get at their ugly faces !How often have I told you that this apartment is not a public office ? Bah ! Religion is abolished , and angels are suppressed ! I wish friends were too ! What know you of a woman 's tongue ? Come , Citizen , there 's no use waiting . President Kauvar do n't do business at home ; you 've no rights here . Well , then , dare my dusting . Aye — tools so sharp they often cut the fools that use them . Mark that . I 'll keep out all I can . What 's the matter ? Ha ! It 's you , is it ? Where 's the Duke ? And I believe ‘ twas you betrayed him ! Well said ! Short and sharp , like the truth .Bravo !— But one moment ! Do you know who did betray him ?You do know ! I can see by the wag of your head you know , and I mean to make you tell me !— But I can n't stop now ; I 'm here to see Mam'selle Diane ; where is she ? I 'll be back soon , and then I 'll give you a piece of my mind . Woe to you when next we meet ! Hold , Citizen Potin ! Dodolphe — you 're up to mischief ! Speak out — what 's up ? Do n't lamb me , sir ! What 's this mean ? Porpoise ! Culottes ! Ye gods , what 's this ? By heaven ! A woman 's hose ! What does this mean ? You — a soldier ? Embrace ye ? Let Victory try it if she dare ! We shall meet again , my dear . What word can an honest woman speak that you would care to hear ? Listen ! Go to them — they 'll give you justice , aye , and glory , for you betrayed the innocent — to glut their appetite for blood . Is it a lie that you signed the warrant for the Duke 's arrest ? I know your hand too well to be deceived . I 've seen the warrant ; it bears your name , and written by yourself . I wish I could believe you . No ; in looks you 're lucky ! Why ask that ? Your wife ? In these days the fairest faces mask the foulest souls ! Looks and words prove nothing ! Evidence alone will clear you of this crime . Then get it quickly before it is too late . There !— Praying for the father she believes you betrayed . Then love is lunacy ! She will not come . You shall see .JEAN LITAIS enters , watching PAUL intently . Here , child , be seated , and taste comfort once again . Now try to smile a bit . Monsieur , your daughter desires a word with you — alone . I am Citizeness Nanette Potin . What are you going to do ? Help ! Dodolphe ! Yes , while he himself was all the time a Marquis in disguise .