Part 40 (2/2)

BARON

Don't, Count. Please, Consuelo, talk to whomever you please and as much as you want. Would you like a cigar, Count? Dear Briquet, please order them to prolong the intermission a little more.

BRIQUET

With pleasure, Baron. The orchestra crowd can be a little angry. [_Goes, and returns shortly._ _HE gives a gla.s.s to_ CONSUELO.]

HE

Here is your gla.s.s. To your happiness, to your freedom, Consuelo!

CONSUELO

And where is yours? We must touch our gla.s.ses.

HE

You leave half.

CONSUELO

Must I drink so much? HE, deary, I shall become drunk. I still have to ride.

HE

No, you will not be drunk. Dear little girl, did you forget that I am your magician? Be quiet and drink. I charmed the wine. My witchery is in it. Drink, G.o.ddess.

CONSUELO

[_Lingeringly_]: What kind eyes you have. But why are you so pale?

HE

Because I love you. Look at my kind eyes and drink; give yourself up to my charms, G.o.ddess! You shall fall asleep, and wake again, as before. Do you remember? And you shall see your country, your sky....

CONSUELO

[_Bringing the gla.s.s to her lips_]: I shall see all this; is that true?

HE

[_Growing paler_]: Yes! Awake, G.o.ddess, and remember the time when, covered with snow-white sea-foam, thou didst emerge from the sky blue waters. Remember heaven, and the low eastern wind, and the whisper of the foam at thy marble feet....

CONSUELO

[_Drinking_]: There! Look! Just a half! Take it. But what is the matter with you? Are you laughing or crying?

HE

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