D’Eglantiers. We, Captain d’Eglantiers and Lieutenant Taelinck,—to all who are about to read these presents—salutation!
Maria (writing). To all who are able to read these presents....
D’Eglantiers. About to read, I said! Fellow-citizens! we are bringing you la liberté. We have risked our life-blood to procure it for you: we also hope that you will show yourselves reconnaissants.... Hey! now what do you say to such a sentence as that? That’s what I call eloquence!
Maria. Undoubtedly! That is very neatly said, Captain.
D’Eglantiers. I see you’re a girl of taste and intelligence. Go on—and that you are to give us ... give us ... everything that is necessary. Well, that’s short and to the point, isn’t it?
Maria. A very fine style, and any one can understand what is meant at the very first reading.
D’Eglantiers (gratified). Can’t they just?
Maria. Now you’re going to sign both papers, aren’t you, Captain?
D’Eglantiers. Yes; I’ll put a little cross to them—that’s my mark. Lieutenant Taelinck, are you going to sign them too?
Taelinck (half asleep). Yes, yes. [They sign.]