He Who Gets Slapped - BestLightNovel.com
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You're plotting something artful. I know you very little, but I guess you're an awful scoundrel.
MANCINI
[_Laughs_]: Such an insult from such beautiful lips.
[_Enter an "artist," apparently an athlete._]
ATHLETE
Papa Briquet, there's a gentleman from beyond the grave asking for you.
ACTRESS
A ghost?
ATHLETE
No. He seems alive. Did you ever see a drunken ghost?
BRIQUET
If he's drunk, tell him I'm out, Thomas. Does he want to see me or the Count?
ATHLETE
No, you. Maybe he's not drunk, but just a ghost.
MANCINI
[_Draws himself together, puffs up_]: A society man?
ATHLETE
Yes. I'll tell him to come in.
[_One hears the whip cracking in the ring. The Tango sounds very low and distant--then comes nearer--louder. Silence._]
BRIQUET
[_Touching_ ZINIDA'S _arm_]: Tired?
ZINIDA
[_Drawing back a little_]: No.
POLLY
Your red lion is nervous to-day, Zinida!
ZINIDA
You shouldn't tease him.
POLLY
I played a melody from Traviata for him. And he sang with me. Wouldn't that be a good trick to stage, Papa Briquet?
[THOMAS _brings in the gentleman, points out the manager, and goes heavily away. The gentleman is not young, and he is ugly, but his rather strange face is bold and lively. He wears an expensive overcoat, with a fur collar, and holds his hat and gloves in his hand._]
GENTLEMAN
[_Bowing and smiling_]: Have I the pleasure of addressing the manager?
BRIQUET
Yes. Won't you sit down, please? Tilly, bring a chair.
GENTLEMAN
Oh! Don't trouble. [_Looks around._] These are your artists? Very glad----
MANCINI
[_Straightening and bowing slightly_]: Count Mancini.
GENTLEMAN
[_Surprised_]: Count?
BRIQUET
[_Indignantly_]: Yes, Count. And whom have I the honour of----
GENTLEMAN
I don't quite know myself--yet. As a rule you choose your own names, don't you? I have not chosen yet. Later you might advise me about it. I have an idea already, but I am afraid it sounds too much like literature--you know.
BRIQUET
Literature?
GENTLEMAN
Yes! Too sophisticated. [_They all look surprised._] I presume these two gentlemen are clowns? I am so glad. May I shake hands with them?
[_Stands up and shakes hands with clowns, who make silly faces._]
BRIQUET
