Part 25 (2/2)

So, Mancini, you have obtained a benefit performance for your daughter, Consuelo! I only want to tell you, that if it were not for Zinida....

MANCINI

Listen, Briquet. Decidedly you are a donkey. What are you complaining of? The Baron has bought all the parquet seats for Consuelo's benefit performance. Isn't that enough for you, you miser?

BRIQUET

I love your daughter, Mancini, and I am sorry to let her go. What more does she need here? She has an honest job, wonderful comrades, and the atmosphere--?

MANCINI

Not _she_, but _I_ need something. You understand? [_Laughs._] I asked you to increase her salary, Harpagon! and now, Mr. Manager, wouldn't you like to change me a thousand franc note?

BRIQUET

[_With a sigh_]: Give it to me.

MANCINI

[_Nonchalantly_]: To-morrow. I left it at home. [_All three laugh._]

Laugh, laugh! To-day we are going with the Baron to his villa in the country; people say a very nice villa.

HE

What for?

MANCINI

You know, HE, the crazes of these billionaires. He wants to show Consuelo some winter roses, and me his wine cellars. He will come for us here. What is the matter, my little Consuelo?

[_Enter_ CONSUELO, _almost crying_.]

CONSUELO

I can't father! Tell him! What right has he to yell at me? He almost hit me with his whip!

MANCINI

[_Straightening up_]: Briquet! I beg of you, as the Manager, what is this--a stable? To hit my daughter with a whip! I'll show this cub ... a mere jockey.... No, the devil knows what it is, devil knows, I swear....

CONSUELO

Father....

BRIQUET

I will tell him.

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