ACT III.
SCENE I. Governor Claiborne’s mansion. Ball room just off the scene; music; guests in evening dress move about; enter Duval and legislators and politicians of Act I.; exeunt other guests.
1st POL. I have it from the Governor that an expedition has been fitted out,—has been in readiness for days to start against Lafitte and his followers.
DUV. (impatiently.) Then why doesn’t it start?
1st POL. Because there has been treachery,—because at the last moment it was discovered that the pilot was a spy.
DUV. Ah!
1st POL. It is an enforced delay. The way is dangerous.
1st LEG. (to Duval.) You forget that already one expedition against Barataria has failed and come to grief. (exeunt Duval, legislators and politicians; enter Lizbette, dressed as a serving-woman; enter Baptiste.)
BAP. Lordy, Aun’ Lizbette, yo’ hyar!