DE LAUNEY. Well, let us see: it costs nothing.
VINTIMILLE. Ridiculous. If we allowed them to discuss matters we might seem to be accepting them as equals.
DE LAUNEY. What shameless aberration led you to accept this mission?
HOCHE. The idea of serving both my friends and you.
VINTIMILLE. Do you realize what you have done? Do you know what a traitor is?
HOCHE. Yes, Monseigneur. He who takes up arms against his people.
VINTIMILLE [turns his back with a shrug]. Fool!
HOCHE. I beg your pardon, I did not intend to insult you. On the contrary, I come as a friend. I was told I would be shot. Possibly I shall, but really I should be surprised. I have come to try to help you to arrange matters. But if I am shot, well, you know the proverbs "A fine death compensates for a whole life."
DE LAUNEY. What is your message?
HOCHE [presenting a letter]. From the Permanent Committee of the Hôtel de Ville. [DE LAUNEY takes the letter, stands to one side, with two officers, reading it. The Pensioners hold JULIE on their knees.]