"What!" cried Gaston, astonished, "you are then—"
"The Abbe Dubois, at your service," said the false La Jonquiere, bowing.
"Oh! monseigneur, listen only to your own heart—I implore."
"Monseigneur, sign nothing," said Dubois.
"Sign! monseigneur, sign!" repeated Gaston, "you promised they should live; and I know your promise is sacred."
"Dubois, I shall sign," said the duke.
"Has your highness decided?"
"I have given my word."
"Very well; as you please."
"At once, monseigneur, at once; I know not why, but I am alarmed in spite of myself; monseigneur, their pardon, I implore you."