He Who Gets Slapped - LightNovelsOnl.com
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BRIQUET
Don't, Mother, don't.
ZINIDA
Count, you drew in advance, I have it written down, eighty francs and twenty centimes. Will you pay this money, too?
MANCINI
Certainly, certainly. You will get three thousand and one hundred.
[_Laughing_] Twenty centimes! I never thought I could be so accurate.
[_Seriously_] Yes, my friends. My daughter Consuelo--the Countess--and the Baron, expressed their desire to bid farewell to the whole cast.
HE
The Baron, too?
MANCINI
Yes, Auguste, too. They want to do it during the intermission.
Therefore, I ask you to gather here ... the more decent ones ... but please don't make it too crowded! HE, will you, sir, be kind enough to run into the buffet and tell them to bring right away a basket of champagne, bottles and gla.s.ses--you understand?
HE
Yes, Count.
MANCINI
Wait a minute, what's the hurry--what is this, a new costume? You are all burning like the devils in h.e.l.l!
HE
You do me too much honour, Count, I am not a devil. I am merely a poor sinner who the devils are frying a little. [_He goes out, bowing like a clown._]
MANCINI
A gifted chap, but too cunning.
BRIQUET
It's the Tango colour, in honour of your daughter, Count. He needs it for a new stunt, which he doesn't want to tell in advance. Don't you want to sit down, Count?
MANCINI
Auguste is waiting for me, but ... it's all right. [_Takes a seat._]
Nevertheless I am sorry to leave you, my friend. High society, certainly, prerogatives of the t.i.tle, castles of exalted n.o.blemen, but where could I find such freedom, and ... such simplicity.... And besides, these announcements, these burning posters, which take your breath in the morning, they had something which summoned, which encouraged.... _There_, my friends, I shall become old.
BRIQUET
But pleasures of a higher kind, Count. Why are you silent, Zinida?
ZINIDA
I'm listening.
MANCINI
By the way, my dear, how do you like my suit? You have wonderful taste.
[_Spreads out his lace tie and lace cuffs._]
ZINIDA
I like it. You look like a n.o.bleman of the courts of long ago.
MANCINI
Yes? But don't you think it is too conspicuous? Who wears lace and satin now? This dirty democracy will soon make us dress ourselves in sack cloth. [_With a sigh_] Auguste told me that this jabot was out of place.
ZINIDA
The Baron is too severe.
MANCINI
Yes, but it seems to me he is right. I am a little infected with your fancy. [HE _returns. Two waiters follow him, carrying a basket of champagne and gla.s.ses. They prepare everything on the table._]
MANCINI
Ah! _merci_, HE. But, please, none of this bourgeoise exploding of corks; be slower and more modest. Send the bill to Baron Regnard. Then, we will be here, Briquet. I must go.
ZINIDA
[_Looks at her watch_]: Yes, the act is going to end soon.
MANCINI
Heavens! [_Disappears in a hurry._]
BRIQUET
The devil take him!
ZINIDA
[_Pointing to the waiter_]: Not so loud, Louis!
BRIQUET
