(The footman brings the duchess a card, wrapped up and sealed.)
The Duchess (to Inez)
General Crustamente, the secret envoy of his Majesty Don Augustine I,
Emperor of Mexico. What can he have to say to me?
Inez
Of Mexico! He doubtless brings news of my father!
The Duchess (to the footman)
Let him come in.
(Vautrin enters dressed like a Mexican general, his height increased four inches. His hat has white plumes; his coat blue, with the rich lace of a Mexican general officer; his trousers white, his scarf crimson, his hair long and frizzed like that of Murat; he wears a long sabre, and his complexion is copper-hued. He stutters like the Spaniards of Mexico, and his accent resembles Provencal, plus the guttural intonation of the Moors.)
Vautrin Is it indeed her grace, the Duchesse de Christoval that I have the honor to address?
The Duchess
Yes, sir.
Vautrin
And mademoiselle?
The Duchess
My daughter, sir.
Vautrin Mademoiselle is then the Senorita Inez, in her own right Princesse d'Arjos. When I see you, I understand perfectly Monsieur de Christoval's idolatry of his daughter. But, ladies, before anything further, let me impose upon you the utmost secrecy. My mission is already a difficult one, but, if it is suspected that there is any communication between you and me, we should all be seriously compromised.