that no layman may enter--but--I can settle that with the
good Fathers! Their habit sleeves are wide enough to hide me in. 'Tis they
who serve Richelieu's private chapel: and from respect to the uncle, fear the
nephew. All will deem me gone. I will come to you, masked. Give me leave to
wait till tomorrow, sweet Lady Fanciful!

ROXANE:
But, of this be rumored, your glory. . .

DE GUICHE:
Bah!

ROXANE:
But the siege--Arras. . .

DE GUICHE:
'Twill take its chance. Grant but permission.

ROXANE:
No!

DE GUICHE:
Give me leave!

ROXANE (tenderly):
It were my duty to forbid you!

DE GUICHE:
Ah!

ROXANE:
You must go!
(Aside):
Christian stays here.
(Aloud):
I would have you heroic--Antoine!

DE GUICHE:
O heavenly word! You love, then, him?. . .

ROXANE:
. . .For whom I trembled.

DE GUICHE (in an ecstasy):
Ah! I go then!
(He kisses her hand):
Are you content?

ROXANE:
Yes, my friend!

(He goes out.)

THE DUENNA (making behind his back a mocking courtesy):
Yes, my friend!

ROXANE (to the duenna):
Not a word of what I have done. Cyrano would never pardon me for stealing
his fighting from him!
(She calls toward the house):
Cousin!

Scene 3.III.

Roxane, The duenna, Cyrano.

ROXANE:
We are going to Clomire's house.
(She points to the door opposite):
Alcandre and Lysimon are to discourse!

THE DUENNA (putting her little finger in her ear):
Yes! But my little finger tells me we shall miss them.

CYRANO:
'Twere a pity to miss such apes!

(They have come to Clomire's door.)

THE DUENNA:
Oh, see! The knocker is muffled up!
(Speaking to the knocker):
So they have gagged that metal tongue of yours, little noisy one, lest it
should disturb the fine orators!

(She lifts it carefully and knocks with precaution.)

ROXANE (seeing that the door opens):
Let us enter!
(On the threshold, to Cyrano):
If Christian comes, as I feel sure he will, bid him wait for me!

CYRANO (quickly, as she is going in):
Listen!
(She turns):
What mean you to question him on, as is your wont, to-night?

ROXANE:
Oh--

CYRANO (eagerly):
Well, say.

ROXANE:
But you will be mute?

CYRANO:
Mute as a fish.

ROXANE:
I shall not question him at all, but say: Give rein to your fancy! Prepare
not your speeches,--but speak the thoughts as they come! Speak to me of love,
and speak splendidly!

CYRANO (smiling):
Very