Valsin [with a violent effort, conquering his hilarity]. There! I am saved. Let us be solemn, my child; it is better for my malady. You are still so young that one can instruct you that individuals are rarely grateful; "the People," never. What you call "the People" means folk who are not always sure of their next meal; therefore their great political and patriotic question is the cost of food. Their heroes are the champions who are going to make it cheaper; and when these champions fail them or cease to be useful to them, then they either forget these poor champions—or eat them. Let us hear what your Eloise d'Anville has done to earn the reward of being forgotten instead of eaten.
Eloise [her lips quivering]. She surrendered her property voluntarily. She gave up all she owned to the Nation.
Valsin [genially]. And immediately went to live with her relatives in great luxury.
Eloise [choking]. The Republic will protect her. She gave her whole estate—
Valsin. And the order for its confiscation was already written when she did it.
Eloise [passionately]. Ah—liar!
Valsin [smiling]. I have seen the order. [She leans against the wall, breathing heavily. He goes on, smoothly.] Yes, this martyr "gave" us her property; but one hears that she went to the opera just the same and wore more jewels than ever, and lived richly upon the Laseynes and Valny-Cheraults, until they were confiscated. Why, all the world knows about this woman; and let me tell you, to your credit, my governess, I think you have a charitable heart: you are the only person I ever heard speak kindly of her.
Eloise [setting her teeth]. Venom!
Valsin [observing her slyly]. It is with difficulty I am restraining my curiosity to see her—also to hear her!—when she learns of her proscription by a grateful Republic.
Eloise [with shrill mockery]. Proscribed? Eloise d'Anville proscribed? Your inventions should be more plausible, Goodman Spy! I knew you were lying—