"The drums are beating and my regiment is about to start. All think that I have already gone; but I have remained, thus disobeying you. I am here in the convent. I'll come to you forthwith, but I give you notice of my visit, through an innocent monk who knows not what message he is carrying. Your lips smiled to me just now; I must see them again. Dismiss whoever is near you, and condescend to hear the bold suitor whom you have, I trust, already forgiven, and who remains your most.... et cetera...." (_to the Monk_). Father, listen! Here is what the letter says: (_All come up and listen, as she reads aloud:_) "Mademoiselle, "You must submit to the will of the Cardinal, however hard it may appear to you. And that is why I send this message by a saintly, most intelligent and discreet capuchin. We desire you to receive his blessing....(_turning the page_) his nuptial blessing immediately. Christian must be married to you secretly. I send him to you, though I know you like him not. Be resigned, remembering that Heaven will bless your zeal. Be assured, Mademoiselle, of my respect, for I have been and shall ever be your most humble and very.... et cetera." MONK (_delighted_). Worthy gentleman! I knew he could suggest but a saintly thing! ROXANE (_aside to Christian_). Do you not think I read letters well? CHRISTIAN. It depends.... ROXANE (_aloud, in despair_). Ah!.... this is terrible! MONK (_throwing the light of the lantern upon Cyrano_). Are you the groom? CHRISTIAN. I am the one! MONK (_turning the light upon Christian and as if he was in doubt on seeing Christian's handsome looks_). But, my son.... ROXANE (_eagerly_). There is a Post Scriptum: "Donate to the convent one hundred and twenty pistoles." MONK. Worthy, worthy gentleman! (_To Roxane_) Be resigned! ROXANE (_with a martyr's look_). I am! (_While Ragueneau shows the Monk into the house, on Christian's invitation, Roxane, in low tone, says to Cyrano_). Guiche is coming. Detain him here until.... CYRANO. I understand. (_to the Monk_). To give them your blessing will take you.... how long? MONK. A quarter of an hour. CYRANO (_pushing them all into the house_). Go in, go in! Only one must remain here: I! ROXANE (_to Christian_). Come! (_They all go into the house._) CYRANO. How can I detain Guiche fifteen minutes? Oh! I have a plan! (_He climbs upon the balcony. The archlutes play a sort of dirge._) This time it must be a man, most certainly. It is!