The Duchess
And is it not much more honorable to violate such an oath, than to
remain faithful to all others?

The Duke
We are henceforth both of us released from our engagements.

The Duchess
Have you, up to the present day, respected yours?

The Duke
I have, madame.

The Duchess
Listen to him, aunt, and bear witness to this declaration.

Mademoiselle de Vaudrey
But has it never occurred to you, my dear sir, that Louise is
innocent?

The Duke
Of course you think so, Mademoiselle de Vaudrey. And what would not I
give to share your opinion! The duchess has had twenty years in which
to prove to me her innocence.

The Duchess
For twenty years you have wrung my heart without pity and without
intermission.

The Duke