Part 24 (2/2)

MANCINI

[_Drawing himself up_]: Very, very glad. And you too, Prince, you know my queer fellow? What a nice face he has, hasn't he? [_He touches HE'S shoulder patronizingly, with the tip of his cane._]

GENTLEMAN

[_Awkwardly_]: Yes, I have the pleasure ... certainly. Good-bye, Count.

MANCINI

Good-day, Prince.

HE

[_Accompanying him_]: Look out, your Highness, for the dark pa.s.sages: the steps are so rotten. Unfortunately I cannot usher you out to the street.

GENTLEMAN

[_In a low voice_]: You will not give me your hand when we say good-bye?

We are parting for ever.

HE

Unnecessary, Prince. I shall still hope to meet you in the Kingdom of Heaven. I trust you will be there, too?

GENTLEMAN

[_With disgust_]: How you did succeed! You have so much of the clown in you!

HE

I am HE Who is Getting Slapped. Good-bye, Prince. [_They take another step._]

GENTLEMAN

[_Looking HE in the eyes; in a very low voice_]: Tell me, you are not mad?

HE

[_Just at low, his eyes wide open_]: I am afraid, I am afraid you are right, Prince. [_Still low_] a.s.s! Never in your life did you use such a precise expression. I am mad!

[_Playing the clown again, he shows him to the stair, with a big, affected gesture, a sweep of the hand and arm from his head to the floor, the fingers moving, to represent the steps._]

HE

[_Laughing_]: He is down! _Au revoir_, Prince. [_The gentleman goes out.

HE comes skipping back, and takes a pose._] Mancini! Let us dance the Tango! Mancini, I adore you!

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