Henri. Prosper, which of us is mad, you or I! (He stands there and tries to read in Prosper's eyes.)
Rollin. It is wonderful; we all know that he is acting, and yet if the Duc de Cadignan were to enter now, it would be like a ghost appearing.
[Noise outside—growing stronger and stronger. People come in; shrieks are heard. Right at their head Grasset. Others, among them Lebrêt, force their way over the steps. Cries of "Liberty! Liberty!" are heard.]
Grasset. Here we are, my boys—in here!
Albin. What is that? Is that part of the performance?
François. No.
Marquis. What means it?
Séverine. What people are those?
Grasset. In here! I tell you, my friend Prosper has still got a barrel of wine left, and we have earned it. (Noise from the streets.) Friend! Brother! We have them!—we have them!
Shouts (from outside). Liberty! Liberty!