t-Charles) And what were you going to
do at the house of Monsieur de Frescas?

Saint-Charles
That which, at present, I am doing at yours.

The Duchess
Silence, sir.

Saint-Charles
Your grace has given me no answer; the duke has my word, and he is
very powerful.

The Duchess
And I, sir, am immensely rich; but do not expect to take advantage of
me. (She rises) I will never be the dupe of Monsieur de Montsorel, I
recognize his trickery in this secret interview, which you had asked
for. (With emphasis) Let me complete your information. Monsieur de
Frescas is not a wretch; his servants are not assassins; he belongs to
a family as rich as it is noble, and he is about to marry the
Princesse d'Arjos.

Saint-Charles
Yes, madame, a Mexican envoy has produced letters from Monsieur de
Christoval, and documents remarkably authentic. You have sent for a
secretary of the Spanish legation, who has endorsed them: seals,
stamps, authentications--ah! all are flawless.

The Duchess
Yes, sir, the documents are unassailable.

Saint-Charles
You are very much interested, madame, in their being proved forgeries,
I presume?

The Duchess (to Mademoiselle de Vaudrey)
Never has such torture as this wrung the heart of a mother!

Saint-Charles (aside)
Whose side shall I take, husband's or wife's?

The Duchess
Sir, any sum you may ask shall be yours, if you can prove to me that
Monsieur Raoul de Frescas--

Saint-Charles
Is a criminal?

The Duchess
No, but a child--

Saint-Charles
You mean your child, don't you?

The Duchess (forgetting herself)
Yes, yes! Be my deliverer, and I will be your eternal protector. (To
Mademoiselle de Vaudrey) Ah me! What have I said? (To Saint-Charles)
Where is Raoul?

Saint-Charles
He has disappeared, and this steward of his, who procured the forged
deeds in Rue Oblin, and doubtless played the part of the Mexican
envoy, is one of the most astute of criminals. (The duchess starts.)
Oh, you need not be alarmed; he is too clever to shed blood; but he is
more formidable than those who shed it recklessly; and such a man is
the guardian of Raoul.

The Duchess
My whole fortune for his life!

Saint-Charles
I am for you, madame. (Aside) I know all, and can choose which side I
like.

SCENE NINTH.
The same persons, the Duc de Montsorel and a footman.

The Duke
Ah, well you are getting your own way; there is talk of nothing else
but the fortune and coming marriage of Monsieur de Frescas; but