Part 38 (1/2)

BEZANO

When you are on horseback; but here--I congratulate you, Countess. [_He pa.s.ses, only slightly touching_ CONSUELO'S _gla.s.s_. CONSUELO _still holds it_. MANCINI _looks at the_ BARON _with a smile_. _The latter is motionless._]

BRIQUET

Nonsense, Bezano. You are making Consuelo unhappy. She is a good comrade.

CONSUELO

No, it's all right.

ANGELICA

You'll dance the Tango with her to-night, so how is she a countess?

TILLY

May I clink gla.s.ses with you, Consuelo? You know Polly has died of grief already, and I am going to die. I have such a weak stomach.

[_Laughter_; BARON _shows slight displeasure_. _General motion._]

MANCINI

Enough, enough! The intermission is over.

CONSUELO

Already? It's so nice here.

BRIQUET

I shall prolong it. They can wait. Tell them, Thomas.

MANCINI

Auguste, the musicians of the orchestra, too, ask permission to congratulate you and Consuelo. Do you ...?

BARON

Certainly, certainly.

[_Enter crowd of musicians. The conductor, an old Italian, lifts his gla.s.s solemnly and without looking at the_ BARON.]

THE CONDUCTOR

Consuelo! They call you Countess here, but for me you were and are _Consuelo_.

CONSUELO

Certainly!