....Your revenge as regards Cyrano no doubt consists in holding him under fire, which he relishes. So I hardly see great vengeance for you in that. I can tell you, though, what would wound him to the quick!.... GUICHE. And that is?.... ROXANE. To have his regiment and his dear cadets remain, so long as there is war, right here, in Paris, inactive! The only way to punish him is to deprive him of danger. GUICHE. Woman! Woman! No one but a woman would think of such a scheme! (_getting closer to Roxane_). You have then some regard for me? (_She smiles._) The fact that you take sides with me, Roxane, is, in my eyes, a proof of love. ROXANE. It is one. GUICHE (_showing several sealed papers_). I have the orders here for every company, and they shall be sent immediately, except.... (_he takes one out of the batch_) this one! It is for the cadets, and (_puts it into a pocket_) I hold it back! Ha! ha! Cyrano....so eager for the fray! And so you play with people as with mice, Roxane? ROXANE. Sometimes! GUICHE (_quite close to her_). You enthrall me! Roxane, listen. To-night--yes, I know, I must depart. But leave you when I feel that you are moved!....I cannot. Hear me! Close by here is the convent of the Capuchin fathers. Laymen cannot enter it; but, as the fathers serve my uncle Richelieu, they have some regard for his nephew, and they will give me a place of concealment. Officially, I shall have left for the front, but I shall return to you under the cover of a mask. Allow me to delay my departure a few hours, dear waywardness! ROXANE. But if you are discovered! Your reputation.... GUICHE. I'll risk it. ROXANE. But the siege.... Arras.... GUICHE. I care not. Grant me your permission! ROXANE. No! GUICHE. Do! ROXANE (_affectionately_). My duty says that I must forbid! I beseech you, go! (_aside_). Christian remains here! (_aloud_). I would have you be a hero--Antoine! GUICHE. Celestial word!--And so you love the one.... ROXANE. For whom I tremble? Yes! GUICHE (_enraptured_). 'Tis well, I leave! (_Kisses her hand._) Are you satisfied? ROXANE. Yes, dearest friend! (_Exit Guiche._) THE DUENNA (_curtseying mockingly behind Guiche_). Yes, dearest friend. ROXANE (_to Duenna_).