] Ah, here is my mail! [She takes the letter, opens it and
reads.] "Sylvette, heart of marble, this is the last letter you
will find in this tree. Why have you not answered me?" Ah, what
style! "The love that gnaws at my vitals!" Monsieur Percinet has
gone forth into the great world, and he is right. I shall do as
he has done. How can I possibly stay here and die of ennui? Now
let him come, I am ready to fly with him! I almost love him already!
STRAFOREL. [Rising from his work, and in a voice of thunder]
Here am I!
SYLVETTE. [Screaming] Help! Percinet! Man, not another step!
STRAFOREL. [Gallantly] Why this hostile attitude? I am the man
whose letter you love, I am he whose words have had the honor of
pleasing you, and upon whose love you just called. Come, fly with
me!
SYLVETTE. [Not knowing what to do] Man!
STRAFOREL. You think I am a mason? Charming! Know, then, that
I am the Marquis D'Astafiorquercita. My heart is languishing for
you, I seek to color my drab existence with a few pigments from
your own. I must travel--but with you. That is why I have
penetrated into your garden, disguised as a mason! [He throws off
his workman's clothes and hat, and appears in a dazzling costume.
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