Signed by the Committee of the Hôtel de Ville. Countersigned by the Captain of the Bourgeois Militia, Gonchon.
The Man. Good joke! Anybody can buy those. [He grumblingly allows Vintimille to pass.]
Vintimille. Of course! Everything can be bought. [As he turns to go, he throws a coin at The Man.]
The Man [on the alert]. What! What's that?
Vintimille [without turning]. You see. Take it and keep your mouth shut.
The Man [running to Vintimille and blocking his way]. So you're an aristocrat? You're trying to bribe me?
Hulin [interposing]. Don't, comrade, don't. I know him very well. [He goes to Vintimille.]
Vintimille [casually]. Why, it's—
Hulin. Hulin.
Vintimille. Of course. [A moment's silence. They look at each other.]
Hulin [to The Man]. Let him pass.
The Man [furiously—shouting]. He wanted to bribe me—he wanted to buy my conscience!
Vintimille. Your conscience? What should I do with it? The idea! I pay for favors done me. Quick! Take it
The Man. I'm not doing favors! I'm doing my duty.
Vintimille. Then it's to pay you for doing your duty. What do I care?
The Man. You don't pay people for doing their duty. I am free!
