He Who Gets Slapped - LightNovelsOnl.com
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BRIQUET
[_Pleased_]: Now that's very nice of you. Zinida, the man really doesn't know anything.
ZINIDA
Well, do as he suggests. Now we must write it down. Where's the book?
BRIQUET
Here. [_To HE_.] I don't like to write [_gives book to_ ZINIDA], but we have to put down the names of the actors, you know--it's police regulations. Then if anyone kills himself, or----
[_Again comes the sound of the Tango, and calls from the ring._]
ZINIDA
What is your name?
HE
[_Smiling_]: HE. I chose it, you know. Or don't you like it?
BRIQUET
We like it all right--but we have to have your real name. Have you a pa.s.sport?
HE
[_Confused_]: A pa.s.sport? No, I have none. Or, rather, yes. I have something of the kind, but I had no idea the rules were strictly enforced here. What do you need papers for?
[ZINIDA _and_ BRIQUET _look at each other_. ZINIDA _pushes the book aside_.]
ZINIDA
Then we can't take you. We cannot quarrel with the police, just on your account.
BRIQUET
She is my wife. I hadn't told you. She's right. You might get hurt by a horse, or hurt yourself--or do something. We don't know you, you see. I personally don't care, but out there, it's different, you see. For me a corpse is just a corpse--and I don't ask anything about him. It's up to G.o.d or the Devil. But they--they're too curious. Well, I suppose it's necessary for order. I don't know---- Got a card?
HE
[_Rubs his head, thinking_]: What shall I do? I have my card, but [_smiles_] you understand that I don't want my name to be known.
BRIQUET
Some story, hey?
HE
Yes, something like that. Why can't you imagine that I have no name?
Can't I lose it as I might lose my hat? Or let someone else take it by mistake? When a stray dog comes to you, you don't ask his name--you simply give him another. Let me be that dog. [_Laughing_] HE--the Dog!
ZINIDA
Why don't you tell us your name, just the two of us. n.o.body else need know it. Unless you should break your neck----
HE
[_Hesitates_]: Honestly? [ZINIDA _shrugs her shoulders_.]
BRIQUET
Where people are honest, their word is good. One sees you come from _out there_.
HE
All right. But please, don't be surprised. [_Gives_ ZINIDA _his card.
She looks at it, then hands it to_ BRIQUET, _then both look at HE_.]
BRIQUET
If it is true, sir, that you are really what is written here----
HE
For heaven's sake--for heaven's sake--this does not exist, but was lost long ago; it is just a check for an old hat. I pray you to forget it, as I have. I am HE Who Gets Slapped--nothing else. [_Silence._]
BRIQUET
I beg your pardon, sir, but I must ask you again, I must humbly ask you--are you not drunk, sir? There is something in your eye--something----
HE
No, no. I am He, Who Gets Slapped. Since when do you speak to me like this, Papa Briquet? You offend me.
ZINIDA
After all, it's his business, Briquet. [_She hides the card._] Truly you are a strange man. [_Smiles._] And you have already noticed that Bezano is in love with the horse-girl? And that I love my Briquet, did you notice that, too?
HE
[_Also smiling_]: Oh, yes. You adore him.
ZINIDA
I adore him. Now go with him, Briquet, show him the ring and the stables--I have something to write.
HE
