Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/16

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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?