He Who Gets Slapped - LightNovelsOnl.com
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CONSUELO
Please don't. Alfred didn't hit me. It's a silly thing, what I told you.
What an idea! He is so sorry himself....
BRIQUET
I shall tell him anyhow that----
CONSUELO
Don't you dare. You mustn't tell him anything. He didn't do a thing.
MANCINI
[_Still excited_]: He must beg her pardon, the brat.
CONSUELO
He's already asked me to forgive him. How silly you all are! I simply cannot work to-day and I got nervous. What nonsense! The silly boy asked me to forgive him, but I didn't want to. HE, dear, good morning! I didn't notice you. How becoming your tie is! Where are you going, Briquet? To Alfred?
BRIQUET
No, I am going home, dear child. Zinida asked me to give you her love.
She will not be here to-day, either. [_He goes out._]
CONSUELO
Zinida is so nice, so good. Father, why is it that everybody seems so nice to me? Probably because I am going away soon. HE, did you hear the march that Tilly and Polly will play? [_Laughs._] Such a cheerful one.
HE
Yes. I heard it. Your benefit performance will be remarkable.
CONSUELO
I think so, too. Father I am hungry. Have them bring me a sandwich.
HE
I'll run for it, my Queen.
CONSUELO
Please do, HE. [_Loudly_] But not cheese. I don't like it.
[MANCINI _and_ CONSUELO _are alone_. MANCINI, _lying back comfortably in an armchair, scrutinizes his daughter with a searching eye_.]
MANCINI
I find something particular in you to-day, my child. I don't know whether it is something better or worse. You cried?
CONSUELO
Yes, a little. Oh, I am so hungry.
MANCINI
But you had your breakfast?
CONSUELO
No, I didn't. That's why I am so hungry. You again forgot to leave me some money this morning, and without money....
MANCINI
Oh, the devil ... what a memory I have. [_Laughs._] But we shall have a very nice meal to-day. Don't eat very many sandwiches.... Yes, positively I like you. You must cry more often, my child; it washes off your superfluous simplicity. You become more of a woman.
CONSUELO
Am I so simple, Father?
MANCINI
Very.... Too much. I like it in others, but not in you. Besides, the Baron....
CONSUELO
Nonsense. I am not simple. But you know, Bezano scolded me so much, that even you would have cried. The devil knows....
MANCINI
Tsss.... Never say "the devil knows." It isn't decent.
CONSUELO
I say it only when I am with you.
MANCINI
You must not say it when you are with me, either. I know it without you.
[_Laughs._]
CONSUELO
Ha! Listen, Father! It's a new number of Alfred's. He makes such a jump!
Jim says he's bound to break his neck. Poor fish....
MANCINI
