MAR. A woman did. She failed of her purpose then, but please God, she’ll not fail now. I am on my way to inform the Governor that Lafitte is to meet me a half hour hence at the hotel St. Philippe. He will come, because he will believe me to be repentant.
MAN. (suspiciously.) You still believe that he loves you?
MAR. Do not profane the word. I still believe that Jean Lafitte is not a man to relinquish any purpose lightly.
PED. (to 1st guard.) Order eight of your best men to watch this hotel. (exit 1st guard; to Mariana.) We will go with you my dear.
MAR. I will meet you at St. Philippe. I wish to see Mr. Darblee about my room first. (moving towards door.)
PED. (agreeably.) We can wait. Shall I conduct you to Mr. Darblee?
MAR. (baffled; speaks sweetly.) Thank you. (takes Pedro’s arm, clock strikes 4.) Oh, I haven’t time. I must go to the Governor immediately.
PED. (pleasantly.) There is no need. A sufficient force will be on hand. I have engaged to myself to capture Lafitte. We will all go to St. Philippe; all—except the eight who are to watch this hotel.
MAR. I’ll get my hat. (Pedro crosses to door; holds it open for her.) The Governor (aside) will have received my message and sent succor before they discover—(exeunt Mariana and Pedro; enter 1st guard and three others.)
MAN. (to 1st guard.) All right? (1st guard bows; enter Mariana and Pedro; Manuel advances; takes Mariana’s cloak from Pedro; folds it lovingly about Mariana.) Happy cloak, to enfold you so warmly! to feel the sweet, soft pulsing of your heart!