Part 37 (1/2)

POLLY

Let me be the Baron. Take my arm. Look out, a.s.s, you stepped on my beloved family tree!

ANGELICA

It'll soon be finished. Consuelo is galloping now. It is her waltz. What a success she is having!

[_All listen to the waltz._ TILLY _and_ POLLY _are singing it softly._]

ANGELICA

She is so beautiful! Are those her flowers?

[_They listen. Suddenly, a crash as if a broken wall were tumbling down: applause, shouting, screaming; much motion on the stage. The actors are pouring champagne. New ones come in, talking and laughing. When they notice the director and the champagne, they become quiet and modest._]

VOICES

They're coming! What a success! I should say, since all the orchestra seats.... And what will it be when they see the Tango? Don't be envious, Alphonse.

BRIQUET

Silence! Not so much noise, please! Zinida, look here, don't be so quiet! High society!

[_Enter_ CONSUELO, _on the arm of the_ BARON _who is stiff and erect.

She is happy._ MANCINI, _serious and happy. Behind them, riders, actors, actresses. The_ BARON _has in his b.u.t.ton-hole a fiery-red rose. All applaud and cry: ”Bravo, bravo!”_]

CONSUELO

Friends ... my dears ... Father, I can't ... [_Throws herself into_ MANCINI'S _arms, and hides her face on his shoulders._ MANCINI _looks with a smile over her head at the_ BARON. BARON _smiles slightly, but remains earnest and motionless. A new burst of applause._]

BRIQUET

Enough, children! Enough!

MANCINI

Calm yourself, calm yourself, my child. How they all love you! [_Taking a step forward_] Ladies and gentlemen, Baron Regnard did me the honour yesterday, to ask for the hand of my daughter, the Countess Veronica, whom you knew under the name of Consuelo. Please take your gla.s.ses.

CONSUELO

No, I am still Consuelo, to-night, and I shall always be Consuelo!

Zinida, dear! [_Falls on the neck of_ ZINIDA. _Fresh applause._]

BRIQUET

Stop it! Silence! Take your gla.s.ses. What are you standing here for? If you came, then take the gla.s.ses.

TILLY

[_Trembling_]: They are frightened. You take yours first, Papa, and we will follow.