The Duchess
I promise to keep secret both your name and your visit.
Inez General, if the matter concerns my father, you will allow me to remain here?
Vautrin
You are nobles, and Spaniards, and I rely upon your word.
The Duchess
I shall instruct my servants to keep silence on the subject.
Vautrin Don't say a word to them; to demand silence is often to provoke indiscreet talk. I can answer for my own people. I pledged myself to bring you news of Monsieur de Christoval, as soon as I reached Paris, and this is my first visit.
The Duchess
Tell us at once about my husband, general; where is he now?
Vautrin
Mexico has become what was sooner or later inevitable, a state
independent of Spain. At the moment I speak there are no more
Spaniards, only Mexicans, in Mexico.
The Duchess
At this moment?
Vautrin Everything seems to happen in a moment where the causes are not discerned. How could it be otherwise? Mexico felt the need of her independence, she has chosen an emperor! Although nothing could be more natural, it may still surprise us: while principles can wait to be recognized men are always in a hurry.
The Duchess
What has happened to Monsieur de Christoval?