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2
A LEGHORN HAT
- Virginie (To Félix, who is trying to kiss her). — No! Let me alone, Félix. I've no time to fool!
- Félix. —Just one kiss!
- Virginie. —No, I won't!
- Félix. —But I'm from your town! I'm from Rambouillet!
- Virginie. —What of it? As if it were necessary to kiss every body from there...!
- Félix. —There are only four thousand people...!
- Virginie. —That's not the question; Mr. Fadinard, your employer, is getting married today—you asked me in to see the presents. Now, let's see them!
- Félix. —Oh, no hurry! He went out last evening to see about signing some papers with his father-in-law... He won't be back until eleven o'clock, with his bridal party; and then he's going to the Registry.
- Virginie. —Is the bride pretty?
- Félix. — Ugh! I think she's awkward; but she comes of a good family ... You know, she's the daughter of a nursery-man from Charentonneau-way—old man Nonancourt.
- Virginie. — Oh, Félix! if you hear anybody wants a lady's maid, put in a good word for me...
- Félix.— You wish to leave your place... Mr. Beauperthuis?
- Virginie. — Don't speak of him! He's a prune... of the first water... a grouche, a sulker, a sneak, a jealous
booby, and his wife! Oh, his wife!—but, then, dear me, I don't like to run people down...!
- Félix. — Oh, no!
- Virginie.—She's a mincing prude, a strait-laced ninny — not a whit better than anybody else.
- Félix.—Do tell!
- Virginie.—The second he's gone out; bing! She's gone, too! And where does she go? She never tells me, never!
- Félix.—Oh, you can't stay in that house!
- Virginie (Looking down).—Besides, I'd like to work with somebody from Rambouillet...
- Félix. (Kissing her).—In Seine and Oise!
- (Enter Vézinet at the back; he is carrying a hat box.)
- Vézinet.—Don't trouble yourselves! It's only I, Uncle Vézinet ... Has the party come?
- Félix (Familiarly).—Not yet, Bald Pate.
- Virginie (Whispers).—What are you doing?