Return to Sala. I am saved. Thank G.o.d!

MARIA LOUISA.

Farewell!

THE DUKE.

O hands, cold hands within the tomb, Sad hands because the Imperial ring slipped from you, Hands that have held her brow who years ago Shed bitter tears that I was not her son, Hands laid in blessing on my orphaned soul, Weeping I kiss you, hands of Josephine!

MARIA LOUISA.

The Creole! Do you think at Malmaison--?

THE DUKE.

Silence! If it be true, all the more reason!

All the more reason why I should be faithful!

[MARIA LOUISA _and_ BOMBELLES _go out_.]

[_Enter_ METTERNICH _and_ SEDLINZKY.]

METTERNICH.

[_To_ SEDLINZKY.]

Yes, yes; I humbled that rebellious child!

[_He sees the_ DUKE.]

You here? And in this uniform? What means?

THE DUKE.

Were we not asked to come here in--disguise?

SEDLINZKY.

The pride your Excellency broke last night Even in its fragments keeps its insolence.

[_To the_ DUKE.]

What are you dreaming of, far from the ball, My little Colonel?

THE DUKE.

Of my Little Corporal!

METTERNICH.

[_On the point of breaking out._]

Oh, I--

[_Mastering himself._]

But I must go to my despatches.

'Tis all to do again!

[_He and_ SEDLINZKY _go out._]

[_Enter_ f.a.n.n.y ELSSLER.]

f.a.n.n.y.

Prince!

THE DUKE.

No! that woman!

I will not--!

f.a.n.n.y.

[_Unmasking._]

Fly?

THE DUKE.

[_Recognising her._]

f.a.n.n.y!

f.a.n.n.y.

The plot!

THE DUKE.

What's that?

f.a.n.n.y.

I'm in it. Let me tell you--

THE DUKE.

Ah!