Raoul
Would that my mother were alive!
Vautrin Pardon me, madame, but I am here to satisfy your curiosity, if you wish to learn the secret history which it is not necessary you should seek from this gentleman. (To Raoul) Not a word!
The Duchesse de Montsorel It is he! And this man is making him the tool in some sinister undertaking. (She approaches the marquis) My son—
The Marquis You have put them out, mother, and I share your impression of this man (he indicated Vautrin); but only a woman has the right to express her thoughts in a way to expose this frightful imposture.
The Duchesse de Montsorel
Frightful indeed! But pray leave us.
The Marquis Ladies, in spite of my ill-fortune, do not blame me if I still have hopes. (To Vautrin) Often between the cup and the lip there is—
Vautrin
Death!
(Exit the Marquis, after exchanging bows with Raoul.)
The Duchesse de Montsorel (to the Duchesse de Christoval) My dear duchess, I implore you to excuse Inez. We cannot make our explanations before her.
The Duchesse de Christoval (to her daughter, making signs to her to
leave the room)
I will rejoin you in a moment.