CARBON (who, like the others, has been buckling, dusting, brushing his hat, settling his plume, and drawing on his cuffs, advances to Roxane, and ceremoniously):
It is perchance more seemly, since things are thus, that I present to you some of these gentlemen who are about to have the honor of dying before your eyes.
(Roxane bows, and stands leaning on Christian’s arm, while Carbon introduces the cadets to her):
Baron de Peyrescous de Colignac!
THE CADET (with a low reverence):
Madame. . .
CARBON (continuing):
Baron de Casterac de Cahuzac,—Vidame de Malgouyre Estressac Lésbas d’Escarabiot, Chevalier d’Antignac-Juzet, Baron Hillot de Blagnac-Salechan de Castel Crabioules. . .
ROXANE:
But how many names have you each?
BARON HILLOT:
Scores!
CARBON (to Roxane):
Pray, open the hand that holds your kerchief.
ROXANE (opens her hand, and the handkerchief falls):
Why?
(The whole company start forward to pick it up.)
CARBON (quickly raising it):
My company had no flag. But now, by my faith, they will have the fairest in all the camp!
ROXANE (smiling):
’Tis somewhat small.