He Who Gets Slapped Part 21

Are you here with my wife? Is she, too, in the circus?

GENTLEMAN

[_Quickly_]: Oh, no! I am alone. She stayed there!

HE

You've left her already?

GENTLEMAN

[_Humbly_]: No--we have--a son. After your sudden and mysterious disappearance--when you left that strange and insulting letter----

HE

[_Laughs_]: Insulting? You are still able to feel insults? What are you doing here? Were you looking for me, or is it an accident?

GENTLEMAN

I have been looking for you, for half a year--through many countries.

And suddenly, to-day--by accident, indeed--I had no acquaintances here, and I went to the circus. We must talk things over ... HE, I implore you. [_Silence._]

HE

Here is a shadow I cannot lose! To talk things over! Do you really think we still have something to talk over? All right. Leave your address with the porter, and I will let you know when you can see me. Now get out.

[_Proudly._] I am busy.

[_The gentleman bows and leaves. HE does not return his bow, but stands with outstretched hand, in the pose of a great man, who shows a boring visitor the door._]

CURTAIN

ACT III

_The same room. Morning, before the rehearsal. HE is striding thoughtfully up and down the room. He wears a broad, parti-coloured coat, and a prismatic tie. His derby is on the back of his head, and his face is clean-shaven like that of an actor. His eyebrows are drawn, lips pressed together energetically, his whole appearance severe and sombre.

After the entrance of the gentleman he changes. His face becomes clown-like, mobile--a living mask._

_The gentleman comes in. He is dressed in black, and has an extremely well-bred appearance. His thin face is yellowish, like an invalid's.

When he is upset, his colourless, dull eyes often twitch. HE does not notice him._

GENTLEMAN

Good morning, sir.

HE

[_Turning around and looking at him absent-mindedly_]: Ah! It's you.

GENTLEMAN

I am not late? You look as if you did not expect me. I hope I am not disturbing you? You fixed this time yourself however, and I took the liberty----

HE

No manners, please. What do you want? Tell me quickly, I have no time.

GENTLEMAN

[_Looking around with distaste_]: I expected you would invite me to some other place ... to your home.

HE

I have no other home. This is my home.

GENTLEMAN

But people may disturb us here.

HE

So much the worse for you. Talk faster! [_Silence._]

GENTLEMAN

Will you allow me to sit down?

HE

Sit down. Look out! That chair is broken.

[_The gentleman, afraid, pushes away the chair and looks helplessly around. Everything here seems to him dangerous and strange. He chooses an apparently solid little gilded divan, and sits down; puts his silk hat aside, slowly takes off his gloves, which stick to his fingers. HE observes him indifferently._]

GENTLEMAN

In this suit, and with this face, you make a still stranger impression.

Yesterday it seemed to me that it was all a dream; to-day ... _you_ ...

HE

You have forgotten my name again? My name is HE.

GENTLEMAN

You are determined to continue talking to me like this?