That may not prove an easy task! Granville is overrun with rebels, who are urged to most atrocious crimes by Carrac.
Yes--Thomas Carrac--a brutal monster, reeking with loyal blood; a loathsome anarchist, who glories in the vilest deeds.
Ravishing without remorse the daughters of our race.
If we could capture wretches such as he, it might end our civil war.
Yes. Reptiles are worse to overcome than lions. They bite unseen, and escape by crawling. This Carrac is brave in words, but too craven to face fighting in the field. Our soldiers rarely reach these civil sinners.
Let us forget them here. For now we will task your hospitality for a time.
I swear I have not felt the poverty that war entails till now. My old chateau has been dismantled--this hall alone is habitable. I feel ashamed to offer you such shabby quarters.
Nay, cousin, a bed of stones with friends is better than a bed of down with those we do not love.
[_Entering, speaks to_ LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.]
A couch and fire are ready in the room that was your mother's.
Where doubtless you'll be glad to take some rest.
[DIANE _courtesies and goes out with_ NANETTE.]
Gentlemen, I pray you, make yourselves at home; important business claims my time.--I'll rejoin you within an hour.
We're here to help, not mar the cause; command us in all ways.
Presently!--Till then the poor old house is yours.
At last, praise God! We're out of reach of traitors!
Not yet!--The rebel hosts have gathered here at Granville in great force. They may rout the royal army, and capture all of us.
No, not all, for I shall die first, fighting in the ranks.
Must take the chances of a soldier's child.
You forget her peril from this scoundrel, Carrac.--Why not put her safely out of the reach of such a brute?
There are vessels here by which we can escape to England.
I fly no further. I owe the King and country service here.
Then let Diane go with me to friends in London. When I've found for her safe asylum, I'll return to do my duty at your side.
The daughter of a peer of France could hardly go so far without protection worthy of her rank.
That she can secure as a Marquise, and my wife.
[_The_ DUKE _turns quickly in surprise_.]
I know, dear Duke, that you are richer, nobler than myself, but then the love I bear your daughter, together with the dangers that surround her life and honour here--