Raoul (kissing his hand to Inez)
This is perhaps good-bye forever!
(Exit Inez.)
SCENE ELEVENTH. The Duchesse de Christoval, the Duchesse de Montsorel, Raoul and Vautrin.
Vautrin (to the Duchesse de Christoval)
Do you suspect the motive that brings madame here?
The Duchesse de Christoval
After what happened yesterday I prefer not to say.
Vautrin
I guessed her love for him immediately.
Raoul (to Vautrin)
This atmosphere of falsehood stifles me.
Vautrin (to Raoul)
One word more, and the affair will be ended.
The Duchesse de Montsorel Madame, I know well how strange my present conduct must appear to you, and I won't attempt to justify it. There are solemn duties before which the conventions and even the laws of society must give way. What is the character and what the powers of this man?
The Duchesse de Christoval (to whom Vautrin makes a signal)
I am forbidden to answer this question.