L'Aiglon Part 38

Nothing.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Yes, but I know, your bosom-friend Prokesch, The confidant of hopes they think too vast, They've sent him far away.

THE DUKE.

But in exchange They give me Marshal Marmont as a friend.

 

Despised in France, he crawls to Austria To gather praise for treason to my Father.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Hus.h.!.+

THE DUKE.

And a man like that is here to set The son against the Father!--Oh!--

[_Reading._]

_Volubilis._

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Franz, when you promise do you keep your word?

THE DUKE.

You've been so good to me, I could not break it.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Besides, you liked my birthday present, Franz.

THE DUKE.

Ah, yes! These relics from the archducal trophy!

[_He takes the things he mentions, which are on a console between the doors on the right._]

A tinder box--a busby of the Guard-- An ancient musket--No! it isn't loaded!

And above all--

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Oh, hus.h.!.+

THE DUKE.

That other thing-- I've hidden it.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Where, you bandit?

THE DUKE.

In my den.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Well, promise then--your grandfather--you know His kindness--

THE DUKE.

[_Picking up a paper which has fallen from the herbarium._]

What is this? A sheet of paper?

[_He reads._]

"And if the students still persist in shouting.

Let them be crimped and sent on active service--".

[_To the_ ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.]

You said--his kindness--

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Yes; the Emperor loves you.

His goodness--

THE DUKE.

[_Picking up another paper fallen from the herbarium._]

Here's another.

[_He reads._]

"As the mob Resist you, cut them down."

[_To the_ ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.]

His goodness--

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.