you'll get sick. And then what would become of us?
Robespierre. My poor friends, you must get used to doing without me. I shan't always be here, you know.
Madame Duplay. You aren't thinking of leaving us?
Robespierre [with sincerity and emphasis]. No, but I shall leave sooner than you expect.
Madame Duplay. Oh, no; I insist on being the first to leave, and I am in no hurry.
Robespierre [with a smile]. I should feel easier if I knew others were not so dependent on me.
Madame Duplay. Don't you care to have people like you?
Robespierre. France would be better off if every one thought less of Robespierre and more of Liberty.
Madame Duplay. But Liberty and Robespierre are one.
Robespierre. That is why I am so concerned about her. I fear for her health.
Madame Duplay [going to the window]. What noise they make in the court! I know it must tire you. I told Duplay twenty times to ask them not to begin so early and wake you up, but he said you insisted that everything go on as usual.
Robespierre. He is right. That regular activity rests me. Work is beneficial to others as well as to oneself. The noise is refreshing to me. I have breathed such vitiated air all night!
