The same, with ROXANE, CHRISTIAN, the FRIAR, RAGUENEAU, the LACKEYS, the DUENNA.

[There is the sound of drums beating a march in the distance.]

Curtain.

DE GUICHE:

[to ROXANE] You? [recognizing CHRISTIAN, in amazement] And he? [bowing, with admiration, to ROXANE] How clever and cunning your little trick! [to CYRANO] My compliments to you as well, master inventor! Your story would stop even the angels on their way into heaven! Be sure to write all the details down. It certainly would make a great book!

CYRANO:

[bowing] I will take your advice.

FRIAR:

[showing with satisfaction the two lovers to DE GUICHE] A handsome couple, brought together by you, Sir!

DE GUICHE:

[with an icy look] Yes. [to ROXANE] Say goodbye to your husband, Madame.

ROXANE:

Why?

DE GUICHE:

[to CHRISTIAN] The regiment is departing. Join it!

ROXANE:

The regiment is going off to battle?

DE GUICHE:

Without doubt.

ROXANE:

But the cadets aren't going, are they?

DE GUICHE:

Oh, yes, they're going! [drawing out the paper he had put in his pocket] Here's the order. [to CHRISTIAN] Baron, take it and deliver it at once!

ROXANE:

[throwing herself into CHRISTIAN'S arms] Christian!

DE GUICHE:

[sneeringly to CYRANO] The wedding night is a long way off, I think!

CYRANO:

[aside] He thinks that bothers me!

CHRISTIAN:

[to ROXANE] Oh, let me kiss you once more!

CYRANO:

Come, come, that's enough!

CHRISTIAN:

[still kissing ROXANE] You don't know how hard it is to leave her!

CYRANO:

[trying to draw him away] I do know.

DE GUICHE:

The regiment starts!

ROXANE:

[to CYRANO, holding back CHRISTIAN, whom CYRANO is drawing away] I trust you to protect him! Promise me that nothing shall put his life in danger!

CYRANO:

I will do my best, but— I cannot promise anything.

ROXANE:

But swear to me that you'll make sure he is careful!

CYRANO:

Again, I'll do my best, but—

ROXANE:

Promise me he won't suffer from the cold during the siege!

CYRANO:

I'll do everything I can—

ROXANE:

Promise me that he'll be faithful!

CYRANO:

I'm sure he will be, but—

ROXANE:

Promise to make him write to me often!

CYRANO:

[pausing] That is something I can promise!