Vintimille. Do you realize what you have done? Do you know what a traitor is?
Hoche. Yes, Monseigneur. He who takes up arms against his people.
Vintimille [turns his back with a shrug]. Fool!
Hoche. I beg your pardon, I did not intend to insult you. On the contrary, I come as a friend. I was told I would be shot. Possibly I shall, but really I should be surprised. I have come to try to help you to arrange matters. But if I am shot, well, you know the proverb: "A fine death compensates for a whole life."
De Launey. What is your message?
Hoche [presenting a letter]. From the Permanent Committee of the Hôtel de Ville. [De Launey takes the letter, stands to one side, with two officers, reading it. The Pensioners hold Julie on their knees.]
Béquart. Why did you take it into your head to come, little one? Do you know some one here?
Julie. I know a great many.
Béquart. Where?
Julie. In the prison.
Béquart. You have nice acquaintances! Who? Relatives?
Julie. No.
Béquart. What are their names?
Julie. I don't know.
Béquart. You don't know? What do they look like?
Julie. I couldn't say.
Béquart. Are you making fun of us?
