How thickly fall the leaves!.... (_She removes some dead leaves from her work._) Moreover, what could prevent his coming? A SISTER (_from the porch_). Monsieur de Bergerac. _SCENE V._ ROXANE, CYRANO, _and, one moment_, SISTER MARTHA. ROXANE (_without turning around_). Why did I worry so? (_She works.--Enter Cyrano, very pale, with his hat well over his eyes. Exit sister who announced him. He descends the steps slowly, with a visible effort to remain erect, leaning heavily on his stick._) For the first time in fourteen years, you are late! CYRANO (_who has gained his chair and seated himself, speaks in a cheerful tone, in contrast with his looks_). Yes, and, in truth, I boil with rage. I was delayed.... ROXANE. By what, by whom? CYRANO. By an intruder. ROXANE (_distraught_). Some bore? But you got rid of him, or her. CYRANO. Yes. "Excuse me," said I, "but this is Saturday, and I have a weekly engagement that nothing can prevent me from keeping. Return an hour hence!" ROXANE (_lightly_). The person shall wait. I'll keep you here until evening. CYRANO. I may be compelled to leave you sooner. (_He closes his eyes and remains silent a moment. Sister Martha appears in the rear going to the Chapel. Roxane sees her, and nods._) ROXANE (_to Cyrano_). How is it you do not tease Sister Martha to-day? CYRANO (_rapidly, opening his eyes_). Tease? Of course! (_with affected severity_). Sister Martha! Come here. (_Sister Martha goes up to him._) Ha! ha! Your eyes are too fine to remain thus forever down! SISTER MARTHA (_smiling_). But.... (_She notices his pale looks._) Oh! CYRANO (_aside, pointing to Roxane_) Hush! It's nothing. (_aloud, in boastful tone_). I ate meat yesterday! Friday! SISTER MARTHA. Yes, I know. (_aside_). That is the reason he looks so pale! (_to Cyrano rapidly and in a low tone_). Come to the refectory by and by. I want to make you taste some broth..... Will you come? CYRANO. Yes, yes, yes. SISTER MARTHA. Oh! you are very reasonable to-day. ROXANE (_who notices their whispering_). Is she trying to convert you? SISTER MARTHA. Oh! nothing of the kind! CYRANO. It is a fact! You always have an abundance of saintly sermons, and to-day, Sister, you are not preaching to me. (_with affected fury_).