Part 24 (1/2)

GENTLEMAN

[_Getting up_]: Thank you. I am going.

HE

Never, never, never! Yes, run along. And don't come back. There you were still bearable and useful for something, but here you are superfluous.

GENTLEMAN

But if something should happen to you ... you are a healthy man, but in this environment, these people ... how will I know? They don't know your name here?

HE

My name here is unknown, but _you will know_. Anything else?

GENTLEMAN

I can be at peace? On your word of honour? Of course I mean, comparatively, at peace?

HE

Yes, you may be comparatively at peace. Never! [_They walk to the door, the gentleman stops._]

GENTLEMAN

May I come to the circus? You will allow me?

HE

Certainly. You are the audience! [_Laughs._] But I shan't give you my card for a pa.s.s. But why do you want to come? Or do you like the circus so much, and since when?

GENTLEMAN

I want to look at you some more, and to understand, perhaps. Such a transformation! Knowing you as I do, I cannot admit that you are here without any _idea_. But what idea? [_Looks short-sightedly at HE. HE grimaces and thumbs his nose._]

GENTLEMAN

What is that?

HE

_My idea!_ Good-bye, Prince! My regards to your respected wife, your Highness' wonderful son! [_Enter_ MANCINI.]

MANCINI

You positively live in the circus, HE. Whenever I come, you are here.

You are a fanatic in your work, sir.

HE

[_Introducing_]: Prince Poniatovsky, Count Mancini.