Oh! it can but be a saintly thing! A worthy gentleman....
ROXANE (to Christian).
Evidently Guiche!
CHRISTIAN.
He would dare?....
ROXANE.
Oh! he cannot long annoy me! I love you, and....
(She opens the letter, and, by the aid of Ragueneau's lantern, she reads to herself, in a low voice:)
"Mademoiselle,
"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...."