He Who Gets Slapped - novelonlinefull.com
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JACKSON
Not entirely, Count.
[TILLY _and_ POLLY _imitate the_ BARON _and_ CONSUELO _without moving from their places_.]
TILLY
[_Shrieking_]: Let me go!
POLLY
No, I'll not. Dance!
[_The music stops abruptly. General, too loud laughter; the clowns bark and roar. Papa_ BRIQUET _gesticulates, in order to re-establish silence_. _The_ BARON _is apparently as indifferent as before_.]
MANCINI
Really these vagabonds are becoming too impertinent. [_Shrugging his shoulders_] It smells of the stable. You cannot help it, Auguste!
BARON
Don't be upset, Count.
HE
[_Holding his gla.s.s, approaches the_ BARON]: Baron. Will you permit me to make a toast?
BARON
Make it.
HE
To your dance! [_Slight laughter in the crowd._]
BARON
I don't dance!
HE
Then another one, Baron. Let us drink to those who know how to wait longer, until they get it.
BARON
I do not accept any toasts which I do not understand. Say it more simply.
[_Voice of a woman: "Bravo, HE!_" _Slight laughter._
MANCINI _says something hastily to_ BRIQUET; _the latter spreads his arms in gesture of helplessness_. JACKSON _takes HE by the arm_.]
JACKSON
Beat it, HE! The Baron doesn't like jokes.
HE
But I want to drink with the Baron. What can be simpler? Simpler? Baron, let us drink to the very small distance which will always remain 'twixt the cup and the lip! [_Spills his wine, and laughs._]
[_The_ BARON _turns his back on him, indifferently_. _The music plays in the ring. The bell rings._]
BRIQUET
[_Relieved_]: There! To the ring, ladies and gentlemen, to the ring, to the ring!
[_The actresses run out. The crowd becomes smaller; laughter and voices._]
MANCINI
[_Much excited, whispers to the_ BARON]: "Auguste, Auguste----"
BRIQUET
[_To_ ZINIDA]: Thank heaven they're beginning. Ah, Mother, I asked you ... but you want a scandal by all means, and you always----
ZINIDA
Let me alone, Louis.
[_HE approaches Consuelo, who is alone._]
CONSUELO
HE, deary, how are you? I thought you didn't want even to come near me.
[_In a low voice_] Did you notice Bezano?
HE
I was waiting for my turn, Queen. It was so difficult to get through the crowd to approach you.
CONSUELO
Through the crowd? [_With a sad smile_] I am quite alone. What do you want, Father?
MANCINI
Child! Auguste....
