Part 6 (1/2)

[_Nods approval_]: That's not bad. Look here, think a bit--find something. Everyone here thinks for himself.

[_Silence. The gentleman stands with a finger on his forehead, thinking._]

GENTLEMAN

Find something--find something ... Eureka!

POLLY

That means _found_. Come!

GENTLEMAN

Eureka---- I shall be among you, he who gets slapped. [_General laughter. Even_ BRIQUET _smiles_.]

GENTLEMAN

[Looks at them smiling]: You see I made even you laugh--is that easy?

[_All grow serious. Polly sighs._]

TILLY

No, it's not easy. Did you laugh, Polly?

POLLY

Sure, a lot. Did you?

TILLY

I did. [_Imitating an instrument, he plays with his lips a melody at once sad and gay._]

JACKSON

”He Who Gets Slapped,” that's not bad.

GENTLEMAN

It's not, is it? I rather like it myself. It suits my talent. And comrades, I have even found a name--you'll call me ”HE.” Is that all right?

JACKSON

[_Thinking_]: ”HE”--Not bad.

CONSUELO

[_In a singing, melodic voice_]: ”HE” is so funny--”HE”--like a dog.

Daddy, are there such dogs?