ROBESPIERRE. I was at the Committee.

MADAME DUPLAY. I heard you come in. It was after three. Couldn't you rest this morning?

ROBESPIERRE. You know I never sleep very much; I have trained my body to obey my head.

MADAME DUPLAY. You promised me you wouldn't sit up any more. You're wearing yourself out; you'll get sick. And then what would become of us?

ROBESPIERRE. My poor friends, you must get used to doing without me. I shan't always be here, you know.

MADAME DUPLAY. You aren't thinking of leaving us?

ROBESPIERRE [with sincerity and emphasis]. No, but I shall leave sooner than you expect.

MADAME DUPLAY. Oh, no; I insist on being the first to leave, and I am in no hurry.

ROBESPIERRE [with a smile]. I should feel easier if I knew others were not so dependent on me.

MADAME DUPLAY. Don't you care to have people like you?