VALSIN [_bending over with sudden menace, his voice loud and harsh_]. Widow Balsage, if you intend no journey, why have you this forged permission to embark on the Jeune Pierrette? Widow Balsage, who is the Citizen Balsage?
VALSIN [_straightening up_]. Your first truth. [_Resuming his gaiety._] Of course he is not in that room yonder with your niece.
ANNE [_brokenly_]. No, no, no; he is not! He is not here.
VALSIN [_commiseratingly_]. Poor woman! You have not even the pleasure to perceive how droll you are.
ANNE. I perceive that I am a fool! [_She dashes the tears from her eyes and springs to her feet._] I also perceive that you have denounced us before the authorities here--
VALSIN. Pardon. In Boulogne it happens that _I_ am the authority. I introduce myself for the third time: Valsin, Commissioner of the National Committee of Public Safety. Tallien was sent to Bordeaux; Collot to Lyons; I to Boulogne. Citizeness, were all of the august names on your permit genuine, you could no more leave this port without my counter-signature than you could take wing and fly over the Channel!
ANNE [_with a shrill laugh of triumph_]. You have overreached yourself! You're an ordinary spy: you followed us from Paris--
VALSIN [_gaily_]. Oh, I intended you to notice that!
ANNE [_unheeding_]. You have claimed to be Commissioner of the highest power in France. We can prove that you are a common spy. You may go to the guillotine for that. Take care, Citizen! So! You have denounced us; we denounce you. I'll have you arrested by your own soldiers. I'll call them--[_She makes a feint of running to the window. He watches her coolly, in silence; and she halts, chagrined._]
VALSIN [_pleasantly_]. I was sure you would not force me to be premature. Remark it, Citizeness Laseyne: I am enjoying all this. I have waited a long time for it.
ANNE [_becoming hysterical_]. I am the Widow Balsage, I tell you! You do not know us--you followed us from Paris. [_Half sobbing._] You're a spy--a hanger-on of the police. We will prove--
VALSIN [_stepping to the dismantled doorway_]. I left my assistant within hearing--a species of animal of mine. I may claim that he belongs to me. A worthy patriot, but skillful, who has had the honor of a slight acquaintance with you, I believe. [_Calling._] Dossonville! [_DOSSONVILLE, a large man, flabby of flesh, loose-mouthed, grizzled, carelessly dressed, makes his appearance in the doorway. He has a harsh and reckless eye; and, obviously a flamboyant bully by temperament, his abject, doggish deference to VALSIN is instantly impressive, more than confirming the latter's remark that DOSSONVILLE "belongs" to him. DOSSONVILLE, apparently, is a chattel indeed, body and soul. At sight of him MADAME DE LASEYNE catches at the desk for support and stands speechless._]