Part 33 (1/2)

Why, d.u.c.h.ess, I merely wanted to hear what the beasts were saying about the benefit performance. They are pacing in their cages, and growling.

ZINIDA

The music makes them nervous. Sit down, HE. An excellent evening, and I am so glad that Consuelo is leaving us. Have you heard about the Baron's roses.

HE

Everybody is talking about them. The Hymeneal roses!

ZINIDA

Here are some, too. [_Pushes away the bouquet._] You find them everywhere. Yes, I am glad. She is superfluous here, and disturbs our work. It is a misfortune for a cast to have in it such a beautiful and such an ... accessible girl.

HE

But it is an honest marriage, d.u.c.h.ess, is it not?

ZINIDA

I don't care what it is.

HE

Spiders, too need an improvement in their breed! Can't you imagine, Zinida, what charming little spiders this couple will create! They will have the face of their mother, Consuelo, and the stomach of their father, the Baron, and thus could be an ornament for any circus-ring.

ZINIDA

You are malicious to-day, HE. You are morose.

HE

I laugh.

ZINIDA

You do, but without joy. Why are you without make-up?

HE

I am in the third act. I have time. And how does Bezano feel about this evening. Is he glad?

ZINIDA

I didn't talk to Bezano. You know what I think, my friend? You, too, are superfluous here. [_Silence._]

HE

How do you want me to take that, Zinida?

ZINIDA