Plays: the Father; Countess Julie; the Outlaw; the Stronger - LightNovelsOnl.com
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JULIE. Does it embarra.s.s you to change your coat in my presence? Go to your room then--or else stay and I'll turn my back.
JEAN. With your permission, Miss Julie.
[Exit Jean R. One sees his arm as he changes coat.]
JULIE [To Kristin]. Is Jean your sweetheart, that he is so devoted?
KRISTIN. Sweetheart? Yes, may it please you. Sweetheart--that's what they call it.
JULIE. Call it?
KRISTIN. Oh Miss Julie has herself had a sweetheart and--
JULIE. Yes, we were engaged--
KRISTIN. But it came to nothing.
[Enter Jean in black frock coat.]
JULIE. Tres gentil, Monsieur Jean, tres gentil.
JEAN. Vous voulez plaisanter, Mademoiselle.
JULIE. Et vous voulez parler francais? Where did you learn that?
JEAN. In Switzerland where I was butler in the largest hotel at Lucerne.
JULIE. Why, you look like a gentleman in your frock coat. Charmant!
[Seats herself by table.]
JEAN. You flatter me!
JULIE. Flatter! [Picking him up on the word.]
JEAN. My natural modesty forbids me to believe that you could mean these pleasant things that you say to a--such as I am--and therefore I allowed myself to fancy that you overrate or, as it is called, flatter.
JULIE. Where did you learn to use words like that? Have you frequented the theatres much?
JEAN. I have frequented many places, I have!
JULIE. But you were born here in this neighborhood?
JEAN. My father was a deputy under the public prosecutor, and I saw Miss Julie as a child--although she didn't see me!
JULIE. No, really?
JEAN. Yes, I remember one time in particular. But I mustn't talk about that.
JULIE. Oh yes, do, when was it?
JEAN. No really--not now, another time perhaps.
JULIE. "Another time" is a good for nothing. Is it so dreadful then?
JEAN. Not dreadful--but it goes against the grain. [Turns and points to Kristin, who has fallen asleep in a chair near stove]. Look at her.
JULIE. She'll make a charming wife! Does she snore too?
JEAN. No, but she talks in her sleep.
JULIE [Cynically]. How do you know that she talks in her sleep?
JEAN [Boldly]. I have heard her.[Pause and they look at each other.]
JULIE. Why don't you sit down?
JEAN. I can't allow myself to do so in your presence.
JULIE. But if I command you?
JEAN. Then I obey.
JULIE. Sit down then. But wait--can't you get me something to drink first?
JEAN. I don't know what there is in the icebox. Nothing but beer, probably.
JULIE. Is beer nothing? My taste is so simple that I prefer it to wine.
[Jean takes out beer and serves it on plate.]
JEAN. Allow me.
JULIE. Won't you drink too?
JEAN. I am no friend to beer--but if Miss Julie commands.
JULIE [Gaily]. Commands! I should think as a polite cavalier you might join your lady.
JEAN. Looking at it in that way you are quite right. [Opens another bottle of beer and fills gla.s.s.]
JULIE. Give me a toast!
[Jean hesitates.]
JULIE [Mockingly]. Old as he is, I believe the man is bashful!
JEAN [On his knee with mock gallantry, raises gla.s.s]. A health to my lady of the house!
JULIE. Bravo! Now you must kiss my slipper. Then the thing is perfect.
