MARION. (_on the balcony, terrified_).
Just Heaven! They are six "gainst two!
VOICE IN THE STREET.
This man--he is the devil!
[_The clashing of swords subsides little by little, then entirely ceases. The sounds of footsteps become indistinct. Didier reappears scaling the balcony._
DIDIER (_outside of the balcony and turned toward the street_).
You are safe; Now go your way!
SAVERNY (_from outside_).
Not "til I"ve grasped your hand-- Not "til I"ve thanked you, if you please!
DIDIER.
Pa.s.s on!
I will consider myself thanked.
SAVERNY.
Not so!
I mean to thank you. [_Scaling balcony._
DIDIER.
Can"t you speak from there And say "I thank you" without coming up?
SCENE III
Marion, Didier, Saverny
SAVERNY (_jumping into the room, sword in hand_).
Upon my soul! "Tis a strange chivalry To save my life and push me from the door!
The door--that is to say, the window! No, They shall not say one of my family Was bravely rescued by a n.o.bleman And did not in return say "Marquis--" Pray, What is your name?
DIDIER.
Didier.
SAVERNY.
Didier--of what?
DIDIER.
Didier, of nothing! People kill you, and I help you--that is all! Now go!
SAVERNY.
Indeed!
That"s your way, is it? Why not have let Those traitors kill me? "Twould have pleased me more.
For without you I"d be a dead man now.
Six thieves against me! Dead! Of course! What else?
Six daggers against one thin sword--
[_Perceiving Marion, who has been trying to avoid him._
Oh, ho!
You"re not alone! At last I understand!
I"m robbing you of pleasure. Pardon me!
[_Aside._] I"d like to see the lady!
[_Approaches Marion, who is trembling: he recognizes her._
It is you!
[_Indicating Didier._ Then he"s the one!
MARION (_low_).
Hush! You will ruin all!
SAVERNY (_bowing_).
Madame!
MARION (_low_).
I love for the first time!
DIDIER (_aside_).
"Sdeath!
That man is looking at her with bold eyes.
[_He overturns the lamp with a blow._
SAVERNY.
You put the lamp out, sir?
DIDIER.