The Mason [in a menacing tone]. We'll go, but you understand?
Gonchon [with aplomb]. I said no one would touch it. No back-talk, now! [The workers disperse. Desmoullns lags behind.] Didn't you hear, you?
Desmoulins. Don't you allow any privileges to your friends, Gonchon?
Gonchon. Oh, it's you, you damned spouter! Arrest that fellow!
Robespierre [entering]. Sacrilege! Who dares lift a hand against the founder of Liberty?
Desmoulins. Ah, Robespierre! Thanks.
Gonchon [releasing Desmoulins—aside]. A Deputy! The devil! [Aloud.] Very well. You see, it is my duty to keep order, and I will keep it in spite of everything.
Robespierre. Come with me, Camille. Our friends are meeting in this house tonight. [He points to the house down-stage, left.]
Desmoulins [aside]. I can see Lucile's window from here! [They go to the house, at the door of which, in an obscure entrance, a man is on guard. He is in his shirt sleeves, has bare legs, and carries a musket.]
The Man. Who are you?
Robespierre. Robespierre.
The Man. I don't know you.
Robespierre. Deputy from Arras.
The Man. Show your card.
Desmoulins. Desmoulins.
