Part 17 (1/2)

[_Timidly_]: Wouldn't you like some moosic?

MANCINI

[_Giving her some cognac_]: Drink, d.u.c.h.ess, drink! Drink it all--that's it. [ZINIDA _drinks it like water, evidently not noticing the taste. She s.h.i.+vers. The clowns disappear one by one._ CONSUELO, _with a sudden flexible movement, falls on her knees before_ ZINIDA _and kisses her hands, warming them between her own_.]

CONSUELO

Dear, dear, you are cold! Poor little hands, dear good one, beloved one----

ZINIDA

[_Pushes her away, gently_]: Ho--home. It will soon be over. It's nothing ... I am ver--very ... home.... You stay here, Briquet--you must. I'm all right.

CONSUELO

You are cold? Here is my shawl.

ZINIDA

No--let me.... [CONSUELO _gets up, and moves aside._]

BRIQUET

And it's all because of your books, Zinida--your mythology. Now tell me, why do you want those beasts to love you? Beasts! Do you understand, HE?

You too, you're from that world. She'll listen more to you. Explain it to her. Whom can those beasts love? Those hairy monsters, with diabolic eyes?

HE

[_Genially_]: I believe--only their equals. You are right, Papa Briquet--there must be the same race.

BRIQUET

Of course, and this is all nonsense--literature. Explain it to her, HE.

HE

[_Takes on a meditative air_]: Yes, you are right, Briquet.

BRIQUET

You see, dear, silly woman--everybody agrees....

MANCINI

Oh! Briquet, you make me sick; you are an absolute despot, an Asiatic.

ZINIDA

[_With the shadow of a smile, gives her hand to be kissed_]: Calm yourself, Louis. It is over--I am going home. [_She stands up, shaking, still chilled._]

BRIQUET