In two hours! In two hours! How many years have we been building it!
GENERAL
The engineers were crying when they said it, Monsieur.
LAGARD
The engineers were crying? But how could they help crying? Think of it, Grelieu!
Suddenly he bursts into sobs, and slowly takes a handkerchief from his pocket.
COUNT CLAIRMONT
We are awaiting your answer impatiently, Grelieu. You are charged with a grave responsibility to your fatherland—to lift your hand against your own fatherland.
EMIL GRELIEU Have we no other defence?
Silence. All stand in poses of painful anxiety. Lagard dries his eyes and slowly answers with a sigh.