ACTE IV

ARGUMENT

Roger calls upon liis M-ife, who, after astounding him witli tlie news that their marriage lias been cancelled by tlie Pope at lier solicitation, adds tliat slie will never forget the hoiiour slie had of bearing, for toc short a tiine, liis name. Louise interrupts tlie interview by aiinouncing a visit from the Duke d'Harcourt. Roger congratulâtes himself on the cancelment of liis marriage, wliich he aunouuces to Dubouloy, and they both take it for grauted that their two cases beiug identical, the marriage of the latter must also hâve been cancelled by the Pope ; but Louise soon undeceives Dubouloy, and on hearing that she is still his wife he withdraws to receive from St. Hérem the comforting assurance that it is with Charlotte alone that the King has fallen in love. Roger seeks a second interview "with Charlotte, but only succeeds in seeing Louise, who talces upon herself the whole blâme of having prepared the double marriage at the Bastille, lier jîlan having remained totally unknown to Charlotte. She enliglitens Roger upon the whole conduct of Charlotte, who lias obtained for him the pardon of Louis XIV. and the restitution of his fortune. He is then anxious to save the lionour of Charlotte, who was expectiug a visit from the King, but who ■ ai^pears on hearing the animated discussion of which she is the object between Louise and St. Hérem ; lie déclares to her that were he reduced to kill her to prevent it, she shall never become the King's favourite. Charlotte is delighted at this proof of the love of Roger, who has not ceased to be dear to lier, and in her interview with the King, in reply to his déclaration of love, she reveals to him that she is St. Hérem's wife, and that she is sure of being still loved by her husband. She lias not had time to inform the King of the cancelment of lier marriage, wlien Roger threatens to force himself into her présence before the King ; she refuses to see him, obtains from the King an order for St, Hérem to leave