Vautrin Rich, under a new name? Child, can you not realize that in this world there are pitiless necessities? Yes, I could acquire a fortune, but who will give me the opportunity? (To the duke) The king could at your grace's intercession grant me a pardon, but who then would take my hand in his?
Raoul
I would!
Vautrin Ah! It was this I waited for before taking leave. You now have a mother. Farewell!
SCENE SEVENTEENTH. The same persons, a police officer, guards and servants.
(The window casements are flung open; and an officer enters; at the back of the stage are gendarmes.)
The officer (to the duke) In the name of the king, of the law, I arrest Jacques Collin, convicted of having broken—
(All persons present fling themselves between the armed force and
Jacques, in order to give him opportunity for escaping.)
The Duke
Gentlemen, I take upon myself—
Vautrin In your grace's house the justice of the king must have free course. The matter lies between these gentlemen and me. (To the officer) I will follow you. (To the duchess) It was Joseph who brought the police; he is one of us; discharge him.
Raoul
Are we separated forever?