Part 4 (1/2)

BEN. (resuming, to MARCEL) To you I come, as the quarter now is ended; You have promised,

MAR. To keep it I intended. (Shows BENOIT the money on the table.)

RUD. (aside to MARCEL) Art mad?

SCH. (aside to MARCEL) What do you--

MAR. (to BENOIT, without noticing the two) Hast seen it? Then give your care a respite, And join our friendly circle.

Tell me how many years Boast you of, my dear sir?

BEN. My years! Spare me, I pray.

RUD. Our own age, less or more?

BEN. (protesting) Much more, very much more.

(While they make BENOIT talk, they fill up his gla.s.s immediately it is empty.)

COL. He says 'tis less or more.

MAR. (mischievously, in a low voice) T'other evening at Mabille I caught him in a pa.s.sage of love.

BEN. (uneasily) Me!

MAR. At Mabille. T'other evening I caught you. Deny?

BEN. By chance 'twas.

MAR. (in a flattering tone) She was lovely!

BEN. (half drunk, suddenly) Ah! very.

SCH. Old rascal!

RUD. Old rascal!

COL. Vile seducer!

SCH. Old rascal!

MAR. He's an oak tree. He's a cannon.

RUD. He has good taste, then?

BEN. (laughing) Ha, ha!

MAR. Her hair was curly auburn.

COL. Old knave!

MAR. With ardent speed leaped he joyous to her embraces.