ANOTHER MARQUIS (putting his head through the opening in the curtain):
A chair!

(A chair is passed from hand to hand, over the heads of the spectators. The
marquis takes it and disappears, after blowing some kisses to the boxes.)

A SPECTATOR:
Silence!

(Three knocks are heard on the stage. The curtain opens in the centre
Tableau. The marquises in insolent attitudes seated on each side of the
stage. The scene represents a pastoral landscape. Four little lusters light
the stage; the violins play softly.)

LE BRET (in a low voice to Ragueneau):
Montfleury comes on the scene?

RAGUENEAU (also in a low voice):
Ay, 'tis he who begins.

LE BRET:
Cyrano is not here.

RAGUENEAU:
I have lost my wager.

LE BRET:
'Tis all the better!