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      No, this time it’s a gentleman. And he has a tremendously more distinguished air—he says that Madame wrote to him.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      I wrote to everybody. But show him in quickly, Dame Clothilde.

      (as the old woman goes to the door, aside) Come, Providence—yet another 100 crowns.

      (a gesture of attention and uncertainty by the Countess on the quality of the visitor)

      ROHAN

      (entering) Madame Countess—I am Cardinal de Rohan.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      Monsignor.

      (she curtsies to him and designates an armchair)

      ROHAN

      My friend, the Count De Cagliostro told me of your misfortune and it is he who convinced me to pay you a visit.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      (aside, meaningfully) Ah!

      (aloud) It’s a kindness for which I will be eternally grateful to him, Monsignor.

      ROHAN

      You are living alone?

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      Absolutely alone, Monsignor.

      ROHAN

      That’s nice on the part of a young and pretty woman.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      It’s simple, Monsignor, on the part of a woman who would be displaced in all of the society except that into which her poverty carries her.

      ROHAN

      Madame, I hope that you are not at the end of your resources. You have property somewhere—which must be mortgaged. Family jewels.

      (noticing the box on which the Countess is drumming her fingers) This one, for example—an original box—on my word—will you allow me, Madame?

      (surprised) A portrait.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      You seem to know the original of this painting, Monsignor?

      ROHAN

      No question! It’s that of Marie-Therese.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      (excited)

      Maria-Therese, Empress of Austria. You think so, Monsignor.

      ROHAN

      I am certain of it. But where did you get this candy box, Madame?

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      From a Lady of Charity who came here just now with one of her friends, and who willingly promised me her protection, leaving a 100 crowns on my table.

      ROHAN

      Pardon, Countess, but could you give me a portrait of this generous donator?

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      My God, Monsignor, that would be difficult for me because this lady had her face hidden under an ample scarf.

      ROHAN

      But didn’t she name her companion?

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      Indeed—once, by her baptismal name.

      ROHAN

      Which is?

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      Andrea—

      ROHAN

      (aside) Andrea de Taverney—the Queen! The Queen here! Indeed, these mysterious ramblings in Paris are indeed in her habits.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      What’s wrong with you, Monsignor, you seem very upset?

      ROHAN

      Say that I am happy, Countess, happy at the luck which is befalling you—because with the protectress you have conquered today, it is impossible that within a short time the whole world won’t take an interest in you.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      But this protectress?

      ROHAN

      Is called Marie-Antoinette, Archduchess of Austria, Queen of France.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      The Queen—

      ROHAN

      (boldly) Yes, Countess, the Queen, who you certainly seduced and conquered as—

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      As—?

      ROHAN

      As you must seduce and conquer all those who have the privilege of approaching you—

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      (bitterly) Ah! Monsignor, ask valets who have escorted me out, chambermaids who kicked me out the door, Swiss who’ve given me my walking papers!

      ROHAN

      The nightmare is over, since the Queen is extending her tutelary hand to you—and, meanwhile, if you wish to do me a favor, you will not speak of accepting my protection—As God is not pleased that I utter this word which humiliates me more than you—but to consider me as a friend—devoted and sincere—I would regard myself as your obligee.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      The offer is too delicately put to be rejected.

      ROHAN

      (kissing her hand) Then we are friends, it is signed—

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      It is sworn.

      ROHAN

      In that case, Countess, make me a promise?

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      What?

      ROHAN

      Friends pay each other visits, right? Promise me to return the one I have made you today?

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      Oh! Monsignor, you can’t be thinking of it, for me to go to your hotel!

      ROHAN

      Soon you will be going to a minister’s.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      A minister is not a man, Monsignor Rohan—

      ROHAN

      You are adorable. Well, it’s not a question of my hotel. I know a house—

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      (ironic) A small house—

      ROHAN

      No, Madame—a house—yours.

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      (coquettishly) Mine—and where’s that? I don’t know this house—

      ROHAN

      Would you allow me to show it to you this evening? And once you have seen it, would you do me the favor of inviting me to supper there?

      COUNTESS de la MOTTE

      (aside) Cagliostro—were you then speaking the truth?

      (aloud) Ah! Monsignor, I was hoping that Your Eminence would deign to remember that if God has made me poor, he at least left me the pride of my rank.

      ROHAN

      See here, Countess, I will make you angry telling you that you are lodged in a manner little agreeable to a woman of your name. On the other hand, as a friend, you are granting me, I think the favor of seeing you sometimes. In a furnished hotel, my visits loan themselves

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