EUGENE LABICHE AND MARC MICHEL
3
- Félix. — He's as deaf as a post, watch me! (To Vezinet.) You're going to the wedding, young man? You're going to dance a hornpipe? What a pity! (Offering him a chair.) Go to bed!
- Vézinet. — Thanks, Friend, thanks; first I thought they were to gather at the Registry; but I found out it was here; so I came.
- Félix. — Ah, yes, Mr. Palisse died; died of an epidemic...
- Vézinet. — No; not afoot; I came in a cab! (Handing the hat box to Virginie). Here, take this into the bridal chamber. It's my wedding present. Take care, it's fragile!
- Virginie. — Now, we'll have a look at the presents! (Bowing to Vézinet) Au revoir, Deafie! (She enters at the left, second door, with the box.)
- Vézinet. — She's all right, that girl... Well, it's fun to meet a pretty minx...
- Félix (Offering a chair). — The idea! and at your age! Enough of that, Rascal, enough of that!
- Vézinet. — Thanks (Aside). He's the right sort, this fellow!
- (Enter Fadinard, from the rear, talking to the wings.)
- Fadinard. — Dismiss the cab! (Faces scene.) Well, here is a scrape!... Cost me twenty francs... well, I don't care... Félix!
- Félix. — Yes, Sir!
- Fadinard. — Imagine —
- Félix. — You're alone — and the party?
- Fadinard. — It's on the way from Charentonneau in eight cabs... I came on ahead to see that nothing was wrong in my little nest. Have the upholsterers gone? Did the presents arrive?
- Félix (Pointing to the room, second at the left). — Yes, Sir, they are all in there...
- Fadinard. — All right! Imagine that I left Charentonneau, at eight, this morning...
- Vézinet (To himself). — My nephew is behind time.
- Fadinard (Catching sight of Vézinet, to Félix). — Get out! I've somebody better to talk to! (Félix withdraws up stage; Fadinard begins again). — Imagine, that —
- Vézinet. — Nephew, let me congratulate you... (Tries to kiss him.)
- Fadinard. — Eh? What's this? Oh, yes! (Kissing aside.) They do a deal of kissing in my wife's family...! (Aloud, in declamatory tone.) I left Charentonneau at eight, this morning...
