Part 7 (1/2)

HE

[_Enthusiastically_]: I shall think!

MANCINI

It is time for me to go. Consuelo, my child, you must get dressed. [_To HE._] We are lunching with Baron Regnard, a friend of mine, a banker.

CONSUELO

But I don't want to go, Daddy. Alfred says I must rehea.r.s.e to-day.

MANCINI

[_Horrified, holding up his hands_]: Child, think of me, and what a situation you put me in! I promised the Baron, the Baron expects us.

Why, it is impossible! Oh, I am in a cold sweat.

CONSUELO

Alfred says----

BEZANO

[_Drily_]: She has to work. Are you rested? Then come on.

MANCINI

But--the devil take me if I know what to make of it. Hey, Bezano, bareback rider! Are you crazy? I gave you permission for Art's sake, to exercise my daughter's talent--and you----

CONSUELO

Go along, Papa, and don't be so silly. We've got to work, haven't we?

Have lunch along with your Baron. And Daddy, you forgot to take a clean handkerchief again, and I washed two for you yesterday. Where did you put them?

MANCINI

[_Ashamed, blus.h.i.+ng_]: Why, my linen is washed by the laundress, and you, Consuelo, are still playing with toys. It is stupid! You're a chatter-box. You don't think. These gentlemen might imagine Heaven knows what. How stupid. I'm off.

CONSUELO

Do you want me to write him a little note?

MANCINI

[_Angrily_]: A little note? Your little notes would make a horse laugh!

Good-bye.

[_He goes out toying angrily with his cane. The clowns follow him respectfully, playing a funeral march. HE and_ JACKSON _laugh. The actors disappear one by one._]

CONSUELO