He Who Gets Slapped Part 35

BRIQUET

Don't, Mother, don't.

ZINIDA

Count, you drew in advance, I have it written down, eighty francs and twenty centimes. Will you pay this money, too?

MANCINI

Certainly, certainly. You will get three thousand and one hundred.

[_Laughing_] Twenty centimes! I never thought I could be so accurate.

[_Seriously_] Yes, my friends. My daughter Consuelo--the Countess--and the Baron, expressed their desire to bid farewell to the whole cast.

HE

The Baron, too?

MANCINI

Yes, Auguste, too. They want to do it during the intermission.

Therefore, I ask you to gather here ... the more decent ones ... but please don't make it too crowded! HE, will you, sir, be kind enough to run into the buffet and tell them to bring right away a basket of champagne, bottles and gla.s.ses--you understand?

HE

Yes, Count.

MANCINI

Wait a minute, what's the hurry--what is this, a new costume? You are all burning like the devils in h.e.l.l!

HE

You do me too much honour, Count, I am not a devil. I am merely a poor sinner who the devils are frying a little. [_He goes out, bowing like a clown._]

MANCINI

A gifted chap, but too cunning.

BRIQUET

It's the Tango colour, in honour of your daughter, Count. He needs it for a new stunt, which he doesn't want to tell in advance. Don't you want to sit down, Count?

MANCINI

Auguste is waiting for me, but ... it's all right. [_Takes a seat._]

Nevertheless I am sorry to leave you, my friend. High society, certainly, prerogatives of the t.i.tle, castles of exalted n.o.blemen, but where could I find such freedom, and ... such simplicity.... And besides, these announcements, these burning posters, which take your breath in the morning, they had something which summoned, which encouraged.... _There_, my friends, I shall become old.

BRIQUET

But pleasures of a higher kind, Count. Why are you silent, Zinida?

ZINIDA

I'm listening.

MANCINI

By the way, my dear, how do you like my suit? You have wonderful taste.

[_Spreads out his lace tie and lace cuffs._]

ZINIDA

I like it. You look like a n.o.bleman of the courts of long ago.

MANCINI

Yes? But don't you think it is too conspicuous? Who wears lace and satin now? This dirty democracy will soon make us dress ourselves in sack cloth. [_With a sigh_] Auguste told me that this jabot was out of place.

ZINIDA

The Baron is too severe.

MANCINI

Yes, but it seems to me he is right. I am a little infected with your fancy. [HE _returns. Two waiters follow him, carrying a basket of champagne and gla.s.ses. They prepare everything on the table._]

MANCINI

Ah! _merci_, HE. But, please, none of this bourgeoise exploding of corks; be slower and more modest. Send the bill to Baron Regnard. Then, we will be here, Briquet. I must go.

ZINIDA

[_Looks at her watch_]: Yes, the act is going to end soon.

MANCINI

Heavens! [_Disappears in a hurry._]

BRIQUET

The devil take him!

ZINIDA

[_Pointing to the waiter_]: Not so loud, Louis!

BRIQUET