Part 11 (1/2)

ACT II

_The same room, during the evening performance. Occasional music, laughter, shrieks, and applause are audible. Through the small windows, back centre, the light is s.h.i.+ning._

_Consuelo and Baron Regnard occupy the stage; Consuelo wears her stage costume; she sits with her feet on the sofa, a small shawl covering her shoulders. Before her stands the Baron, a tall stout man in evening dress, a rose in his b.u.t.ton-hole; grasping the ground with feet well apart, he gazes at her with convex spider-like eyes._

BARON

Is it true that your father, the Count, has introduced you to a certain Marquis Justi, a very rich man?

CONSUELO

[_Surprised_]: No, he is only joking. I have often heard him speak of a Marquis Justi but I have never seen him----

BARON

And do you know that your father is just a charlatan?

CONSUELO

Oh! Don't say that--Father is such a dear.

BARON

Did you like the jewels?

CONSUELO

Yes, very much. I was very sorry when Father told me I must return them.

He said it would not be nice for me to keep them. I even cried a little about it.

BARON

Your father is only a beggar and a charlatan.

CONSUELO

Oh, no, don't scold him--he loves you so much.

BARON

Let me kiss your hand----

CONSUELO

Oh, no, it isn't proper! One may kiss the hand only when one says how do you do or good-bye. But in the meantime you can't.

BARON