He Who Gets Slapped Part 27

[_Indifferently_]: Or his leg, or his back; they all have to break something. [_Laughs._] They are breakable toys.

CONSUELO

[_Listening to the music_]: I'll be lonesome without them, Father! The Baron promised to make a ring for me to gallop over as much as I want.

He's not lying?

MANCINI

A ring? [_Laughs._] No, it's not a lie. By the way, child, when speaking of Barons, you must say, "he does not tell the truth," and not, "he lies."

CONSUELO

It's just the same. It's nice to be wealthy, Father; you can do what you want, then.

MANCINI

[_With enthusiasm_]: Everything you want. Everything, my child. Ah! Our fate is being decided to-day. Pray our clement G.o.d, Consuelo. The Baron is hanging on a thread.

CONSUELO

[_Indifferently_]: Yes?

MANCINI

[_Making the gesture with his fingers_]: On a very thin, silk thread. I am almost sure that he will make his proposal to-day. [_Laughs._] Winter roses, and the web of a spider amongst the roses, in order that my dear little fly.... He is such a spider.

CONSUELO

[_Indifferently_]: Yes, a terrible spider. Father, oughtn't I to let him kiss my hand yet?

MANCINI

By no means. You don't know yet, darling, what these men are.

CONSUELO

Alfred never kisses.

MANCINI

Alfred! Your Alfred is a cub, and he mustn't dare. But with men of that sort, you must be extremely careful, my child. To-day he would kiss your little finger, to-morrow your hand, and after to-morrow you would be on his lap.

CONSUELO

Foui! Father, what are you talking about? You should be ashamed!

MANCINI

But I know....

CONSUELO

Don't you dare! I don't want to hear such dirty things. I shall give the Baron such a slap! A better one than HE--let him only try.

MANCINI

[_With a deprecating gesture_]: All men are like that, child.

CONSUELO

It isn't true. Alfred is not. Ah! But where is HE? He said he'd run, and he hasn't come back.

MANCINI

The buffet here is closed, and he has to get the sandwiches somewhere else. Consuelo, as your father, I want to warn you about HE. Don't trust him. He knows something. [_Twirls his finger close to his forehead._]

His game is not fair.

CONSUELO

You say it about everybody. I know HE; he is such a nice man, and he loves me so much.

MANCINI

Believe me, there is something in it.

CONSUELO

Father, you make me sick with your advice. Ah! HE, thank you.

[_HE, breathing somewhat heavily, enters and gives her the sandwiches._]

HE

Eat, Consuelo.

CONSUELO

A hot one.... But you were running, HE? I am so grateful. [_Eats._] HE, do you love me?

HE

I do, my Queen. I am your court fool.

CONSUELO

[_Eating_]: And when I leave, will you find another queen?

HE