Part 12 (1/2)

BARON

I have had a hundred women, beauties, but I didn't see them. You are the first and I don't see any one else. Who strikes man with love, G.o.d or the Devil? The Devil struck me. Let me kiss your hand.

CONSUELO

No. [_She thinks a while and sighs._]

BARON

Do you think sometimes? What are you thinking about now Consuelo?

CONSUELO

[_With another sigh_]: I don't know why, I just felt sorry for Bezano.

[_Sighs again._] He is so nice to me when he teaches me ... and he has such a tiny little room.

BARON

[_Indignant_]: You were there?

CONSUELO

No. He told me about it. [_Smiling_] Do you hear the noise in there?

That's HE getting slapped. Poor thing ... although I know it doesn't hurt, it's only make-believe. The intermission is coming soon.

[_The_ BARON _throws away his cigar, takes two quick steps forward, and falls on his knees before the girl_.]

BARON

Consuelo----

CONSUELO

Please, don't. Get up. Please leave my hand alone.

BARON

Consuelo!

CONSUELO

[_Disgusted_]: Get up please, it's disgusting--you're so fat.

[_The_ BARON _gets up. Voices are heard near the door and in the ring. It is the intermission. The clowns come first, talking cheerfully and excitedly. He leads them, in his clown's dress, with painted eyebrows and white nose; the others are applauding him. Voices of the actors calling: ”Bravo! HE.” Then come the actors and actresses, riding-masters, and the rest, all in costume.

ZINIDA is not among them. PAPA BRIQUET comes a little later._]

POLLY

A hundred slaps! Bravo, HE!