Dame Rose, what time is it? DAME ROSE (_outside_). Almost midnight! MARION (_aside_). Midnight! SAVERNY. That is a most ingenious way Of saying, "Time to go." MARION. I live retired, Receiving no one, and unknown to all. Besides, 'tis dangerous to be out late: The street is lonely, full of robbers. SAVERNY. Well, They can rob me. MARION. And oftentimes they kill! SAVERNY. Good! they can kill me. MARION. But-- SAVERNY. You are divine! But I'll not stir one foot before I know Who this gay shepherd is, who's routed us! MARION. There's no one! SAVERNY. I will be discreet. We courtiers, Whom people think so mad, so curious And spiteful, are maligned. We gossip, but We never talk! You're silent? [_Sits down._] Then I'll stay! MARION. What does it matter? Well, it's true! I love! I'm waiting for him! SAVERNY. That's the way to talk! That's right! Where is it you expect him? MARION. Here! SAVERNY. When? MARION. Now! [_She goes to the balcony and listens._ Hark! that is he perhaps. [_Coming back._] 'Tis not. Now are you satisfied? SAVERNY. Not quite! MARION. Please go! SAVERNY. I want to know his name, this proud gallant, For whose reception I am thus dismissed. MARION. Didier is all the name I know for him. Marie is all the name he knows for me. SAVERNY (_laughing_). Is't true? MARION. Yes, true! SAVERNY. This is a pastoral, And no mistake. 'Tis Racan, pure! To enter, I have no doubt he scales the wall. MARION. Perhaps. Please go! [_Aside._] He wearies me to death! SAVERNY (_becoming serious_). Of course He's noble. MARION. I don't know. SAVERNY. What? [_To Marion, who is gently pushing him toward the door._ I am going! [_Coming back._ Just one word more! I had forgotten. Look! [_He draws a book out of his pocket and gives it to Marion._ An author who is not a fool, did this. It's making a great stir. MARION (_reading the title_). "Love's Garland"--ah! "To Marion de Lorme." SAVERNY. They talk of nothing But this in Paris. That book and "The Cid" Are the successful efforts of the day. MARION (_taking the book_). It's very civil of you; now, good-night! SAVERNY. What is the use of fame? Alack-a-day! To come to Blois and love a rustic! Bah! MARION (_calling to Dame Rose_). Take care of the Marquis, and show him out! SAVERNY (_saluting her_). Ah, Marion, you've degenerated! [_He goes out._ SCENE II _Marion, afterward Didier_