Joseph Well, the latest thing is the duel of the marquis; he fights to-morrow with Monsieur de Frescas.
Saint-Charles
What next?
Joseph
I see her grace the duchess has just returned.
SCENE SEVENTH.
Saint-Charles (alone) What a timid beast he is! This duel is a capital excuse for speaking with the duchess. The duke did not understand me, he saw in me nothing but a tool, to be taken up and dropped at pleasure. Did he not, by imposing silence upon me towards his wife, betray his suspicion that I was dangerous to him? The patrimony of the strong is the faculty of utilizing the faults of a neighbor. I have already devoured several patrimonies, and my appetite is still good.
SCENE EIGHTH. Saint-Charles, the Duchesse de Montsorel and Mademoiselle de Vaudrey.
(Saint-Charles disappears till the two ladies have passed, and remains at the back, while they come to the front of the stage.)
Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
You are quite worn out.
The Duchesse de Montsorel (sinking into an armchair)
Yes; I am dead! In despair—
Saint-Charles (coming forward)
Madame the duchess.