He Who Gets Slapped Part 24

GENTLEMAN

[_Getting up_]: Thank you. I am going.

HE

Never, never, never! Yes, run along. And don't come back. There you were still bearable and useful for something, but here you are superfluous.

GENTLEMAN

But if something should happen to you ... you are a healthy man, but in this environment, these people ... how will I know? They don't know your name here?

HE

My name here is unknown, but _you will know_. Anything else?

GENTLEMAN

I can be at peace? On your word of honour? Of course I mean, comparatively, at peace?

HE

Yes, you may be comparatively at peace. Never! [_They walk to the door, the gentleman stops._]

GENTLEMAN

May I come to the circus? You will allow me?

HE

Certainly. You are the audience! [_Laughs._] But I shan't give you my card for a pa.s.s. But why do you want to come? Or do you like the circus so much, and since when?

GENTLEMAN

I want to look at you some more, and to understand, perhaps. Such a transformation! Knowing you as I do, I cannot admit that you are here without any _idea_. But what idea? [_Looks short-sightedly at HE. HE grimaces and thumbs his nose._]

GENTLEMAN

What is that?

HE

_My idea!_ Good-bye, Prince! My regards to your respected wife, your Highness' wonderful son! [_Enter_ MANCINI.]

MANCINI

You positively live in the circus, HE. Whenever I come, you are here.

You are a fanatic in your work, sir.

HE

[_Introducing_]: Prince Poniatovsky, Count Mancini.

MANCINI

[_Drawing himself up_]: Very, very glad. And you too, Prince, you know my queer fellow? What a nice face he has, hasn't he? [_He touches HE'S shoulder patronizingly, with the tip of his cane._]

GENTLEMAN

[_Awkwardly_]: Yes, I have the pleasure ... certainly. Good-bye, Count.

MANCINI

Good-day, Prince.

HE

[_Accompanying him_]: Look out, your Highness, for the dark pa.s.sages: the steps are so rotten. Unfortunately I cannot usher you out to the street.

GENTLEMAN

[_In a low voice_]: You will not give me your hand when we say good-bye?

We are parting for ever.

HE

Unnecessary, Prince. I shall still hope to meet you in the Kingdom of Heaven. I trust you will be there, too?

GENTLEMAN

[_With disgust_]: How you did succeed! You have so much of the clown in you!

HE

I am HE Who is Getting Slapped. Good-bye, Prince. [_They take another step._]

GENTLEMAN

[_Looking HE in the eyes; in a very low voice_]: Tell me, you are not mad?

HE

[_Just at low, his eyes wide open_]: I am afraid, I am afraid you are right, Prince. [_Still low_] a.s.s! Never in your life did you use such a precise expression. I am mad!

[_Playing the clown again, he shows him to the stair, with a big, affected gesture, a sweep of the hand and arm from his head to the floor, the fingers moving, to represent the steps._]

HE

[_Laughing_]: He is down! _Au revoir_, Prince. [_The gentleman goes out.

HE comes skipping back, and takes a pose._] Mancini! Let us dance the Tango! Mancini, I adore you!