EUGENE LABICHE AND MARC MICHEL
33
- A lady's maid (Enters). — Sir, here is the hat.
- Fadinard (Rising). — The hat! The hat! (Takes it; kisses the maid.) Here, take this — and my purse!
- The maid (Aside). — What is the matter with him?
- Fadinard (Opening the bundle). — At last, I have it! (Draws out a black hat.) A black hat... trimmed with crepe de chine... (Tramples it under foot. Re-calling the maid who is going out.) Come here, wench! The other one! Answer me!!!
- The maid (Frightened). — Don't hurt me, Sir!
- Fadinard (Fiercely). — The leghorn hat! Where is it? I want it!
- The Maid. — Madame gave it to her goddaughter, Madame de Beauperthuis...!
- Fadinard. — Thunder and lightning! All to do over again! Where does she live?
- The Maid. — Number twelve, rue de Menars....
- Fadinard. — Very well; get out! You annoy me. (The Maid picks up the hat and escapes.) The best thing I can do now, is to sneak out... The party and my father-in-law will be squaring themselves with the Baroness. (He goes to go out, toward the right.)
- Bobin (Sticking his head through the door of the dining room). — Cousin! Cousin!
- Fadinard. — Eh?
- Bobin. — Aren't they going to dance?
- Fadinard. — Yes. I'm going after violinists... (Bobin disappears.) And now for twelve, rue de Menars...! (Goes out, quickly.)
- (The Baroness enters, with Nonancourt, and the guests.)
- Baroness (To the guests). — Please take your place! The concert is about to begin. (All seat themselves. To Nonancourt.) Where is Mr. Nisnardi?
- Nonancourt. — I don't know. (Shouting.) Mr. Nisnardi!
- All. — Here he is!
- Achille (Leading Fadinard.) — What, Sir, you were leaving us?
- Nonancourt (Aside).! He, Nisnardi!
- Fadinard (To Achille). — I wasn't going away; I assure you, I wasn't!
- All. — Hear! Hear! (Loud applause.)
- Fadinard (Bowing to right and left). — Ladies and Gentlemen, (Aside), nabbed on the very steps of my cab!
