Part 27 (1/2)

[_Indifferently_]: Or his leg, or his back; they all have to break something. [_Laughs._] They are breakable toys.

CONSUELO

[_Listening to the music_]: I'll be lonesome without them, Father! The Baron promised to make a ring for me to gallop over as much as I want.

He's not lying?

MANCINI

A ring? [_Laughs._] No, it's not a lie. By the way, child, when speaking of Barons, you must say, ”he does not tell the truth,” and not, ”he lies.”

CONSUELO

It's just the same. It's nice to be wealthy, Father; you can do what you want, then.

MANCINI

[_With enthusiasm_]: Everything you want. Everything, my child. Ah! Our fate is being decided to-day. Pray our clement G.o.d, Consuelo. The Baron is hanging on a thread.

CONSUELO

[_Indifferently_]: Yes?

MANCINI

[_Making the gesture with his fingers_]: On a very thin, silk thread. I am almost sure that he will make his proposal to-day. [_Laughs._] Winter roses, and the web of a spider amongst the roses, in order that my dear little fly.... He is such a spider.

CONSUELO

[_Indifferently_]: Yes, a terrible spider. Father, oughtn't I to let him kiss my hand yet?

MANCINI

By no means. You don't know yet, darling, what these men are.

CONSUELO

Alfred never kisses.

MANCINI

Alfred! Your Alfred is a cub, and he mustn't dare. But with men of that sort, you must be extremely careful, my child. To-day he would kiss your little finger, to-morrow your hand, and after to-morrow you would be on his lap.

CONSUELO

Foui! Father, what are you talking about? You should be ashamed!

MANCINI

But I know....