THE DUENNA:
Oh, see! The knocker is muffled up!
(Speaking to the knocker):
So they have gagged that metal tongue of yours, little noisy one, lest it
should disturb the fine orators!
(She lifts it carefully and knocks with precaution.)
ROXANE (seeing that the door opens):
Let us enter!
(On the threshold, to Cyrano):
If Christian comes, as I feel sure he will, bid him wait for me!
CYRANO (quickly, as she is going in):
Listen!
(She turns):
What mean you to question him on, as is your wont, to-night?
ROXANE:
Oh—
CYRANO (eagerly):
Well, say.
ROXANE:
But you will be mute?
CYRANO:
Mute as a fish.
ROXANE:
I shall not question him at all, but say: Give rein to your fancy! Prepare
not your speeches,—but speak the thoughts as they come! Speak to me of love,
and speak splendidly!
CYRANO (smiling):
Very good!