SYLVETTE. [Gasping] Never to return!
STRAFOREL. You shall live by the side of your adored one, by the side of him who loved you before he set eyes on you. [As he is about to leave, she falls onto the bench, and he says aside] It's now time for you, Percinet! [He goes out.]
SYLVETTE. [Opening her eyes after a moment] Monsieur le marquis— No, not across the saddle, please. I couldn't do that! Please, please let me stay home. I am a little boarding-school miss! Why—he's gone! Marquis! Heavens, what an awful dream! [Another pause, then she rises.] Romance? Was it not romance that you craved not so long ago? It has come, and are you afraid? Love, stars, a cottage. Yes, I did want it—but only a little—like seasoning in a stew! This is too much—I couldn't stand it. [The sun is setting. SYLVETTE takes up her scarf, which she had left on the bench, and puts it over her head.] Who knows whether—?
[PERCINET appears. He is in rags, and his arm is in a sling. He looks ill, and can scarcely walk.]
PERCINET. [Not seeing SYLVETTE] I have had nothing to eat since yesterday—I can hardly walk. I'm not proud now! I want no more adventures. [He sits down on the wall. His hat falls from his eyes, and reveals his identity. SYLVETTE sees him.]
SYLVETTE. You?! [He rises, and stands looking at her.] What has happened to you? Can it be—?
PERCINET. [Piteously] It can!
SYLVETTE. [Wringing her hands] Heavens!
PERCINET. I resemble somewhat the prodigal son, do I not? [He totters.]
SYLVETTE. You can't stand up!