Page:Rolland - Two Plays of the French Revolution.djvu/44

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38
THE FOURTEENTH OF JULY

Julie. I know—I've been told. I often think about them, at night.

Marat [smoothing her hair]. But you must sleep at night.

Julie [after a few moments' pause, takes Marat's hand, and says with passion]. We will free them, won't we?

Marat. But how?

Julie. Go there all together.

The Crowd [laughing]. Ha! It's so easy! [The Little Girl raises her eyes, and sees the circle of curious onlookers staring at her. She is frightened and hides her head in her arm, which rests on Hulin's table.]

La Contat. Isn't she dear!

Marat [looking at her]. Holy virtue of childhood, pure spark of goodness, what a comfort you are! How dark would the world be without children's eyes! [He goes gravely toward the child, takes her hand, which hangs limp, and kisses her.]

A Woman of the People [arriving on the scene]. Julie! Are you here! What are you doing with all these people?

Desmoulins. She was addressing the crowd. [Laughter.]

The Mother. And she so frightened! What's got into her? [She goes to Julie, but the moment she touches her, the little one runs away without a word, in childish rage.]

The Crowd [laughing and applauding]. Run away, little one! [Loud laughter is heard at the other