WESTERMANN. God in heaven! [He looks threateningly at ROBESPIERRE, quivering from head to foot. He turns to go, then swings round.] On your guard, Sylla! My head sits more solidly on my shoulders than Custine's. There are still men who do not fear tyranny. I am going to find Danton. [He knocks against the wall before he finds the door, and then rushes out. ELÉONORE enters from the door leading to the Duplays' apartments.]
ELÉONORE. He's gone at last. Oh, Maximilien, I was so worried while he was here!
ROBESPIERRE [affectionately]. My dear Eléonore. Were you listening?
ELÉONORE. That man's voice frightened me. I couldn't help coming. I was in there, in Mamma's bath-room.
ROBESPIERRE. What could you have done if he had attempted violence?
ELÉONORE [embarrassed]. I—I don't know.
ROBESPIERRE [taking her hand from behind her back ]. What is this?
ELÉONORE [blushing]. A pistol that Philippe left on the table last night when he came home.
ROBESPIERRE [taking the pistol, and holding her hand in his]. No, no, these hands must not be soiled with such murderous instruments! They must not shed blood, even to save my life. I want there to remain at least two innocent hands in all the world, to purify the world and Robespierre's heart—when the work is at last done.
ELÉONORE. But why expose yourself to such danger? You provoked that man, and they say he is cruel.