By heaven! A woman's hose!

[Shaking hose in his face.]

What does this mean?

POTIN.

Nothing, precious love! This is my uniform;—I have recruited for
Vendée.

NANETTE.

You—a soldier?

POTIN.

[Posing.]

Yes: The safety of France demands it. I go to preserve the Republic! France beckons—while Victory extends her arms, panting to embrace my noble form!