[Bezano appears, confused.]
Consuelo
Alfred! You came for me?
Bezano
Yes. Will you work some more, Consuelo?
Consuelo
Certainly. As much as you want. But I thought, Alfred, you were mad at me? I shan't dawdle any more.
Bezano
No. You didn't dawdle. Don't be offended, because I yelled so much. You know when one has to teach, and——
Consuelo
My goodness, do you think I don't understand? You are too nice, unbearably nice, to like teaching such a fool as me. Do you think I don't understand? Come on!
Bezano
Come on! Hello, He! I haven't seen you yet to-day. How are you?
He
How are you, Bezano? Wait, wait a minute—stay here a minute, both of you—that way. Yes!
[Consuelo and Bezano stand side by side, the jockey scowling, Consuelo laughing and flushing.]
Consuelo
Like Adam and Eve? How foolish you are! Terribly. [She runs away.] I shall only change my slippers, Alfred.
He
Consuelo! And how about Father and the Baron? They will come soon, to take you with them.
Consuelo
Let them come. They can wait. Not very important people. [Runs away. Bezano hesitatingly follows her.]
He
Stay here for a while, Bezano. Sit down.
Bezano
What more do you want? I have no time for your nonsense.
He
You can remain standing if you want. Bezano—you love her? [Silence.]
Bezano
I shall allow nobody to interfere with my affairs. You allow yourself too many liberties, He. I don't know you. You came from the street, and why should I trust you?
He
But you know the Baron? Listen. It is painful for me to pronounce these words: she loves you. Save her from the spider! Or are you blind, and don't see the web, which is woven in every dark corner. Get out of the vicious circle in which you are turning around, like a blind man. Take her away, steal her, do what you want ... kill her even, and take her to the heavens or to the devil! But don't give her to this man! He is a defiler of love. And if you are timid, if you are afraid to lift your hand against her—kill the Baron! Kill!
Bezano
[With a smile]: And who will kill the others, to come?
He
She loves you.
Bezano
Did she tell you that herself?
He
What a petty, what a stupid, what a human pride! But you are a little god! A god, youth! Why don't you want to believe me? Or does the street, from which I have come, bother you? But look, look yourself. Look in my eyes, do such eyes lie? Yes, my face is ugly, I make faces and grimaces, I am surrounded by laughter, but don't you see the god behind all this, a god, like you? Look, look at me! [Bezano bursts out laughing.] What are you laughing at, youth?
Bezano
You look now as you did that evening in the ring. You remember? When you were a great man, and they sent for you from the Academy, and suddenly—Hup! He Who Gets Slapped!
He
[Laughing the same way]: Yes, yes, you are right, Bezano. There is a resemblance. [With a strained expression, taking a pose] "It seems to me they sent for me from the Academy!"
Bezano
[Displeased]: But I don't like this play. You can present your face for slaps if you want to, but don't dare to expose mine. [Turns to go.]
He
Bezano
[Turning round]: And never let me hear any more about Consuelo, and don't dare to tell me again that I am a god! It is disgusting.
[Bezano goes out angrily, striking his boot with his whip. HE is alone. Wrathfully, with a tortured expression, he makes a step towards the jockey, then stops, with soundless laughter, his head thrown backwards. The Baron and Mancini find him in this position, when they enter.]
Mancini
[Laughing]: What a cheerful chap you are, He! You laugh when you are alone. [HE laughs aloud.] Stop it fool! How can you stand it?
He
[Bowing low, with a large gesture]: How do you do, Baron? My humblest respects to you, Count. I beg your pardon, Count, but you found the clown at work. These are, so to speak, Baron, his every-day pleasures.
Mancini
[Lifting his eyebrows]: Tsss. But you are a clever man, He. I shall ask Papa Briquet to give you a benefit performance. Shall I, He?
He
Please do me the favour, Count.
Mancini
Don't overdo. Be more simple, He. [Laughs.] But how many slaps will you get at your benefit performance, when even on weekdays they ring you like a gong! A funny profession, isn't it, Baron?
Baron
Very strange. But where is the Countess?
Mancini
Yes, yes. I shall go for her at once. Dear child, she is so absorbed in her benefit performance and her work. They call this jumping work, Baron.
Baron
I can wait a little. [Sits down, with his silk hat on his head.]
Mancini
But why? I shall hurry her up. I shall be back at once. And you, He, be a nice host, and entertain our dear guest. You will not be bored in his company, Baron.
[He goes out. HE strides about the stage, smiling and glancing from time to time at the Baron. The latter sits with his legs spread apart and his chin on the top of his cane. The silk hat remains on his head. He is silent.]
He
In what way would you like me to entertain you, Baron?
Baron
In no way! I don't like clowns.
He
Nor I Barons.
[Silence. HE puts on his derby hat, takes a chair with a large gesture, and puts it down heavily, in front of the Baron. HE sits astride it, imitating the pose of the Baron, and looks him in the eyes. Silence.]
He
Can you be silent very long?
Baron
He
[Taps on the floor with his foot]: And can you wait very long?
Baron
Very long.
He
Until you get it?
Baron
Until I get it. And you?
He
I too.
[Both look at each other, silently, their heads close together. From the ring one hears the strains of the Tango.]
ACT IV
Music in the ring. More disorder in the room than usual. All kinds of actors' costumes hanging on pegs and lying in the corners. On the table a bouquet of fiery-red roses, put there by some careless hand. At the entrance, near the arch, three bareback riders are smoking and chattering; they are all minor actors. All part their hair the same way; two wear small moustaches; the third one is clean-shaven with a face like a bull-dog.
The Clean-shaven One
Go on, Henry! Ten thousand francs! It's too much even for the Baron.
The Second
How much are roses now?
The Shaven
I don't know. In winter they are certainly more expensive, but still Henry talks nonsense. Ten thousand!
The Second
The Baron has his own hothouse. They don't cost him anything.
Henry
[Throwing away hit cigar, which has burned the tips of his fingers]: No, Grab, you're silly. There's a whole car-load full! One can smell the roses a mile away. They're to cover the entire arena.
The Shaven
Only the ring.
Henry
It's all the same. In order to cover the ring, you must have thousands and thousands of roses. You'll see what it looks like, when they've covered everything like a carpet. He ordered them to make it like a carpet! Do you see, Grab?
The Second
What a Baron's craze! Isn't it time yet?
Henry
No, we have time enough. I rather like it: a fiery-red tango on a fiery-red cover of winter roses!
The Shaven
Consuelo will be galloping on roses. And Bezano?
The Second
And Bezano on thorns. [Smiles.]
The Shaven
That youngster has no self-respect. I'd have refused.
Henry
But it is his job. He's got to do it. [Laughs.] Talk to him about self-respect. He's as angry and proud as a little Satan.
The Second
No, you may say what you like, it's an excellent benefit performance. It's a joy to look at the crowd. They're so excited.
Henry
Tss! [All throw away their cigars and cigarettes, like school boys who are caught, and make way for Zinida, who enters with He.]
Zinida
What are you doing here, gentlemen? Your place is at the entrance.
Henry
[With a respectful smile]: We are here just for a minute, Madame Zinida. We are going. What a successful evening! And what a glory for Papa Briquet!
Zinida
Yes. Go, and please don't leave your places. [They go. Zinida pulls a drawer out of the desk, and puts in some papers. She is in her lion tamer's costume.] He, what were you doing near my lions? You frightened me.
He
Why, Duchess, I merely wanted to hear what the beasts were saying about the benefit performance. They are pacing in their cages, and growling.
Zinida
The music makes them nervous. Sit down, He. An excellent evening, and I am so glad that Consuelo is leaving us. Have you heard about the Baron's roses.
He
Everybody is talking about them. The Hymeneal roses!
Zinida
Here are some, too. [Pushes away the bouquet.] You find them everywhere. Yes, I am glad. She is superfluous here, and disturbs our work. It is a misfortune for a cast to have in it such a beautiful and such an ... accessible girl.
He
But it is an honest marriage, Duchess, is it not?
Zinida
I don't care what it is.
He
Spiders, too need an improvement in their breed! Can't you imagine, Zinida, what charming little spiders this couple will create! They will have the face of their mother, Consuelo, and the stomach of their father, the Baron, and thus could be an ornament for any circus-ring.
Zinida
You are malicious to-day, He. You are morose.
He
I laugh.
Zinida
You do, but without joy. Why are you without make-up?
He
I am in the third act. I have time. And how does Bezano feel about this evening. Is he glad?
Zinida
I didn't talk to Bezano. You know what I think, my friend? You, too, are superfluous here. [Silence.]
He
How do you want me to take that, Zinida?
Zinida
Just as I said. In fact, Consuelo sold herself for nothing. What is the Baron worth, with his poor millions? People say that you are clever, too clever perhaps; tell me then, for how much could one buy me?
He
[Looking as if he were pricing her]: Only for a crown.
Zinida
A baron's crown?
He
No, a royal one.
Zinida
You are far from being stupid. And you guessed that Consuelo is not Mancini's daughter?
He
[Startled]: What! And she knows it?
Zinida
Hardly. Why should she know it? Yes, she is a girl from Corsica whose parents are unknown. He preferred to use her for business rather than.... But according to the law, she is his daughter, Countess Veronica Mancini.
He
It is nice, to have everything done according to law, isn't it, Zinida? But it is curious there is more blue blood in her than in this Mancini. One would say that it was she who found him on the street, and made him a count and her father. Count Mancini! [Laughs.]
Zinida
Yes, you are gloomy, He. I changed my mind, you'd better stay.
He
Will I not be superfluous?
Zinida
When she is gone, you will not. Oh! You don't know yet, how nice it is to be with us. What a rest for the body and mind. I understand you. I am clever, too. Like you, I brought with me from out there my inclination for chains, and for a long time I chained myself to whatever I could, in order to feel firm.
He
Bezano?
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 ass, 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 assumed, that since we are tête-á-tête....
Mancini
But tell me, what kind of tête-á-tête 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——
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 glasses—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 hell!
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 title, castles of exalted noblemen, 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 nobleman 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 glasses. 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
No! The devil take him! And why couldn't you help me, Mother? You left me alone to talk to him. High Society! High pleasures! Swindler! [He and Zinida laugh. The waiters smile.]
Briquet
[To the waiters]: What are you laughing about? You can go. We will help ourselves. Whiskey and soda, Jean! [In a low and angry voice] Champagne! [Enter Jackson, in his clown's costume.]
Jackson
A whiskey and soda for me, too! At least I hear some laughter here. Those idiots have simply forgotten how to laugh. My sun was rising and setting and crawling all over the ring—— and not a smile! Look at my bottom, shines like a mirror! [Turns around quickly.] Beg your pardon, Zinida. And you don't look badly to-night, He. Look out for your cheeks. I hate beauties.
Briquet
A benefit performance crowd!
Jackson
[Looking in a hand mirror, correcting his make-up]: In the orchestra there are some Barons and Egyptian mummies. I got a belly-ache from fright. I am an honest clown. I can't stand it when they look at me as if I had stolen a handkerchief. He, please give them a good many slaps to-night.
He
Be quiet, Jim. I shall avenge you. [He goes out.]
Zinida
Jackson
[Grumbling]: Bezano! A crazy success. But he is crazy, he will break his neck to-morrow. Why does he run such a risk? Or perhaps he has wings, like a god? Devil take it. It's disgusting to look at him. It's not work any more.
Briquet
You are right, Jim! It is not work any more. To your health, old comrade, Jackson.
Jackson
To yours, Louis.
Briquet
It is not work any more, since these Barons came here! Do you hear? They are laughing. But I am indignant, I am indignant, Jim! What do they want here, these Barons? Let them steal hens in other hen roosts, and leave us in peace. Ah! Had I been Secretary of the Interior, I should have made an iron fence between us and those people.
Jackson
I am very sorry myself for our dear little Consuelo. I don't know why, but it seems to me that we all look to-day more like swindlers than honest artists. Don't you think so, Zinida?
Zinida
Everybody does what he wants. It's Consuelo's business and her father's.
Briquet
No, Mother, that's not true! Not everybody does what he wants, but it turns out this way ... devil knows why.
[Enter Angelica and Thomas, an athlete.]
Angelica
Is this where we're going to have champagne?
Briquet
And you're glad already?
Thomas
There it is! Oh, oh, what a lot!
Angelica
The Count told me to come here. I met him.
Briquet
[Angrily]: All right, if he said so, but there is no reason to enjoy it. Look out, Angelica, you will have a bad end. I see you through and through. How does she work, Thomas?
Thomas
Very well.
Angelica
[In a low voice]: How angry Papa Briquet is to-night.
[Enter He, Tilly, Polly, and other actors, all in their costumes.]
Tilly
Do you really want champagne?
Polly
I don't want it at all. Do you, Tilly?
Tilly
And I don't want it. He, did you see how the Count walks? [Walks, imitating Mancini. Laughter.]
Polly
Let me be the Baron. Take my arm. Look out, ass, you stepped on my beloved family tree!
Angelica
It'll soon be finished. Consuelo is galloping now. It is her waltz. What a success she is having!
[All listen to the waltz. Tilly and Polly are singing it softly.]
Angelica
She is so beautiful! Are those her flowers?
[They listen. Suddenly, a crash as if a broken wall were tumbling down: applause, shouting, screaming; much motion on the stage. The actors are pouring champagne. New ones come in, talking and laughing. When they notice the director and the champagne, they become quiet and modest.]
Voices
They're coming! What a success! I should say, since all the orchestra seats.... And what will it be when they see the Tango? Don't be envious, Alphonse.
Briquet
Silence! Not so much noise, please! Zinida, look here, don't be so quiet! High society!
[Enter Consuelo, on the arm of the Baron who is stiff and erect. She is happy. Mancini, serious and happy. Behind them, riders, actors, actresses. The Baron has in his button-hole a fiery-red rose. All applaud and cry: "Bravo, bravo!"]
Consuelo
Friends ... my dears ... Father, I can't ... [Throws herself into Mancini's arms, and hides her face on his shoulders. Mancini looks with a smile over her head at the Baron. Baron smiles slightly, but remains earnest and motionless. A new burst of applause.]
Briquet
Enough, children! Enough!
Mancini
Calm yourself, calm yourself, my child. How they all love you! [Taking a step forward] Ladies and gentlemen, Baron Regnard did me the honour yesterday, to ask for the hand of my daughter, the Countess Veronica, whom you knew under the name of Consuelo. Please take your glasses.
Consuelo
No, I am still Consuelo, to-night, and I shall always be Consuelo! Zinida, dear! [Falls on the neck of Zinida. Fresh applause.]
Briquet
Stop it! Silence! Take your glasses. What are you standing here for? If you came, then take the glasses.
Tilly
[Trembling]: They are frightened. You take yours first, Papa, and we will follow.
[They take the glasses. Consuelo is near the Baron, holding the sleeve of his dress coat with her left hand. In her right hand, she has a glass of champagne, which spills over.]
Baron
You are spilling your wine, Consuelo.
Consuelo
Ah! It is nothing! I am frightened, too. Are you, Father?
Mancini
Silly child. [An awkward silence.]
Briquet
[With a step forward]: Countess! As the director of the circus, who was happy enough ... to witness ... many times ... your successes....
Consuelo
I do not like this, Papa Briquet! I am Consuelo. What do you want to do with me? I shall cry. I don't want this "Countess." Give me a kiss, Briquet!
Briquet
Ah, Consuelo! Books have killed you.
[Kisses her with tears. Laughter, applause. The clowns cluck like hens, bark, and express their emotions in many other ways. The motley crowd of clowns, which is ready for the pantomime, becomes more and more lively. The Baron is motionless, there is a wide space around him; the people touch glasses with him in a hurry, and go off to one side. With Consuelo they clink willingly and cheerfully. She kisses the women.]
Jackson
Silence! Consuelo, from to-day on, I extinguish my sun. Let the dark night come after you leave us. You were a nice comrade and worker, we all loved you and will love the traces of your little feet on the sand. Nothing remains to us!
Consuelo
You are so good, so good, Jim. So good that there is no one better. And your sun is better than all the other suns. I laughed so much at it. Alfred, dear, why don't you come? I was looking for you.
Bezano
My congratulations, Countess.
Consuelo
Alfred, I am Consuelo!
Bezano
When you are on horseback; but here—I congratulate you, Countess. [He passes, only slightly touching Consuelo's glass. Consuelo still holds it. Mancini looks at the Baron with a smile. The latter is motionless.]
Briquet
Nonsense, Bezano. You are making Consuelo unhappy. She is a good comrade.
Consuelo
No, it's all right.
Angelica
You'll dance the Tango with her to-night, so how is she a countess?
Tilly
May I clink glasses with you, Consuelo? You know Polly has died of grief already, and I am going to die. I have such a weak stomach.