The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 50

BRICHANTEAU.

You'd recognize him if You met him?

SAVERNY.

No; I didn't see his face.

BRICHANTEAU.

What is his name?

SAVERNY.

Didier.

ROCHEBARON.

That's no man's name!

That is a bourgeois name.

SAVERNY.

It doesn't matter.

Didier is this man's name. There are great men Who have been conquerors and bear grand names, But they've no greater hearts than this man had.

I had six robbers! He had Marion!

He left her, and saved me. My debt's immense!

This debt I mean to pay. I tell you all: I'll pay it with the last drop of my blood!

VILLAC.

Since when do you pay debts?

SAVERNY (_proudly_).

I've always paid Those debts which can be paid with blood.

Blood is the only change I carry, sir!

[_It is quite dark; the windows in the city are lighted one by one; a lamplighter enters and lights a street-lamp above the edict and goes out. The little door through which Marion and Didier disappeared is re-opened. Didier comes forth dreamily, walking slowly, his arms folded._

SCENE III

_The same._ Didier

DIDIER (_coming slowly from the back; no one sees or hears him_).

Marquis de Saverny! I would like much To see that fool who looked at her so hard.

I have him on my mind.

BOUCHAVANNES (_to Saverny, who is talking with Brichanteau_).

Saverny!

DIDIER (_aside_).

Ah, That is my man!

[_He advances slowly, his eyes fixed on the n.o.blemen, and sits down at a table placed under the street-lamp, which lights up the edict.

L'Angely, motionless and silent, is a few steps distant._

BOUCHAVANNES (_to Saverny, who turns around_).

You know about the edict?

SAVERNY.

Which one?

BOUCHAVANNES.

Commanding us to give up duels.

SAVERNY.

It is most wise.

BRICHANTEAU.

Hanging's the penalty.

SAVERNY.

You must be jesting. Commoners are hanged, Not n.o.bles.

BRICHANTEAU (_showing the placard_).

Read it for yourself. It's there, Upon the wall.

SAVERNY (_perceiving Didier_).

That sallow face can read For me.

[_To Didier, elevating his voice._ Ho! man there with the cloak! My friend!

Good fellow!

[_To Brichanteau._] Brichanteau, he must be deaf.

DIDIER (_slowly lifting his head, without taking his eyes from him_).

You spoke to me?