DUKE.

[_Entering_.]

Diane!--What is it?

DIANE.

[_Turning in amazement and joy_.]

What!--You are there?

GOUROC.

Yes, saved by me.

DIANE.

And he--? Who was he they dragged away?

GOUROC.

A man condemned to die--whom I disguised--to take your father's place.

DIANE.

[_Falling on her knees_.]

O God! Spare this man all pain in death--and give him life eternal!

CURTAIN.

ACT III.

SCENE. _Headquarters of Royalists in Vendee. Interior of hall in old
chateau. Fireplace; large doorways with staircase leading to terrace,
overlooking Granville; Faubourg de Calvaire in middle ground. Doors
from hall. Bay window with large table covered with papers, maps, etc.
Charts near table and fireplace_.

DISCOVERED: SENTINEL _on terrace_; LA HOGUE _seated at the table busy
with papers_.

_At rise of curtain--drums and fifes heard in distance_.

DENISE _enters, goes to terrace, gazes anxiously, then turns and
crosses quickly to_ LA HOGUE.

DENISE.

[_Shouting loudly_.]

Monsieur La Hogue!

LA HOGUE.

[_Gruffly_.]

Well?

DENISE.

Do you hear?

LA HOGUE.

[_Impatiently_.]

Hear what?

DENISE.

The drums and piccolos yonder.

LA HOGUE.

[_Listening_.]

I can hear nothing.

[_Drums, etc., sound more loud_.

DENISE.

But listen now, it grows louder--up from Ville d'Avranches.

LA HOGUE.

[_Starting up_.]

D'Avranches?--Ha! Re-inforcements for the Kings' army! None too soon!

[_Drums, etc., cease_.]

[_Enter an_ ORDERLY, _who presents papers_. LA HOGUE _takes papers,
reads, and exclaims_.] The Count de Parame with recruits!

[_To the_ ORDERLY.]

Tell your Colonel to report here instantly! General de la
Rochejacquelein [_Enter_ LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.] is indignant at his
delay, and--

LA ROCHEJACQUELEIN.

[_To_ LA HOGUE.]

Gently, old friend! La Rochejacquelein will speak for himself.

[_To_ ORDERLY.]

Ask the Count to honour me with his presence here as speedily as
possible.

[_Exit_ ORDERLY.]

Now these re-inforcements have arrived, we'll give these rebels
battle.

LA HOGUE.

At last, thank God! And we're ready for the fight.

[_Pointing_.]

In the Faubourg de Calvaire there's hardly a house but harbours a
detachment of our men.

LA ROCHE.

With that village in our hands we'll bring Granville town to terms.
To-night we will assault the place at every point.

LA HOGUE.

[_Reverently_.]

And God