He Who Gets Slapped Part 34

ZINIDA

Bezano and others; there were many, there will be many more. My red lion, with whom I am desperately in love, is still more terrible than Bezano. But it is all nonsense; old habits, which we are sorry to let go, like old servants who steal things. Leave Consuelo alone. She has her own way.

HE

Automobiles and diamonds?

ZINIDA

When did you see a beauty clad in simple cotton? If this one does not buy her, another will. They buy off everything that is beautiful. Yes, I know. For the first ten years she will be a sad beauty, who will attract the eyes of the poor man on the side-walk: afterward she will begin to paint a little around her eyes and smile, and then will take----

HE

Her _chauffeur_ or butler as a lover? You're not guessing badly, Zinida!

ZINIDA

Am I not right? I don't want to intrude on your confidence, but to-day I am sorry for you, HE. What can you do against Fate? Don't be offended, my friend, by the words of a woman. I like you; you are not beautiful, nor young, nor rich, and your place is----

HE

On the side-walk, from which one looks at the beauties. [_Laughs._] And if I don't want to?

ZINIDA

What does it matter, your "want" or "don't want"? I am sorry for you, my poor friend, but if you are a strong man, and I think you are, then there is only one way for you. To forget.

HE

You think that that's being strong? And you are saying this, you, Queen Zinida, who want to awaken the feeling of love, even in the heart of a lion? For one second of an illusory possession, you are ready to pay with your life, and still you advise me to forget! Give me your strong hand, my beautiful lady; see how much strength there is in this pressure, and don't pity me.

[_Enter_ BRIQUET _and_ MANCINI. _The latter it reserved, and self-consciously imposing. He has a new suit, but the same cane, and the same noiseless smile of a satyr._]

ZINIDA

[_Whispering_]: Will you stay?

HE

Yes. I shan't go away.

MANCINI

How are you, my dear? But you are dazzling, my dear! I swear you are marvellous! Your lion would be an a.s.s, if he did not kiss your hand, as I do.... [_Kisses her hand._]

ZINIDA

May I congratulate you, Count?

MANCINI

Yes, merci. [_To_ HE]: How are you, my dear?

HE

Good evening, Count!

BRIQUET

Zinida, the Count wants to pay immediately for the breach of contract with Consuelo ... the Countess's contract. Don't you remember, Mother, how much it is?

ZINIDA

I'll look it up, Papa.

MANCINI

Yes, please. Consuelo will not return here any more. We leave to-morrow.

[ZINIDA _and_ BRIQUET _search among the papers_. HE _takes_ MANCINI _roughly by the elbow, and draws him aside._]

HE

[_In a low voice_]: How are your girls, Mancini?

MANCINI

What girls? What is this, stupidity or blackmail? Look out, sir, be careful, the policeman is not far.

HE

You are much too severe, Mancini. I a.s.sumed, that since we are _tete-a-tete_....

MANCINI

But tell me, what kind of _tete-a-tete_ is possible, between a clown and me? [_Laughs._] You are stupid, HE. You should say what you want, and not ask questions!

BRIQUET

Three thousand francs, Count.

MANCINI

Is that all? For Consuelo? All right. I'll tell the Baron.

ZINIDA

You took----