The Duchess And I, sir, am immensely rich; but do not expect to take advantage of me. (She rises) I will never be the dupe of Monsieur de Montsorel, I recognize his trickery in this secret interview, which you had asked for. (With emphasis) Let me complete your information. Monsieur de Frescas is not a wretch; his servants are not assassins; he belongs to a family as rich as it is noble, and he is about to marry the Princesse d'Arjos.
Saint-Charles Yes, madame, a Mexican envoy has produced letters from Monsieur de Christoval, and documents remarkably authentic. You have sent for a secretary of the Spanish legation, who has endorsed them: seals, stamps, authentications—ah! all are flawless.
The Duchess
Yes, sir, the documents are unassailable.
Saint-Charles
You are very much interested, madame, in their being proved forgeries,
I presume?
The Duchess (to Mademoiselle de Vaudrey)
Never has such torture as this wrung the heart of a mother!
Saint-Charles (aside)
Whose side shall I take, husband's or wife's?
The Duchess
Sir, any sum you may ask shall be yours, if you can prove to me that
Monsieur Raoul de Frescas—
Saint-Charles
Is a criminal?
The Duchess
No, but a child—
Saint-Charles
You mean your child, don't you?