Vautrin Do not be alarmed, madame; he is not emperor. His grace the duke has been unsuccessful, in spite of a desperate struggle, in keeping the kingdom loyal to Ferdinand VII.
The Duchess
But, sir, my husband is not a soldier.
Vautrin Of course he is not; but he is a clever loyalist, and he acquitted himself well. If he does eventually succeed, he will be received back again into royal favor. Ferdinand cannot help appointing him viceroy.
The Duchess
In what a strange century do we live!
Vautrin Revolutions succeed without resembling each other. France sets the example to the world. But let me beg of you not to talk politics; it is dangerous ground.
Inez
Has my father received our letters, general?
Vautrin In the confusion of such a conflict letters may go astray, when even crowns are lost.
The Duchess
And what has become of Monsieur de Christoval?
Vautrin The aged Amoagos, who exercises enormous influence in those regions, saved your husband's life at the moment I was going to have him shot—
The Duchess and Inez
Ah!