36
A LEGHORN HAT
that (Sound of a bell, ringing noisily). There! At last. Here she is! Come! (Bell rings more noisily.) My feet are in water... Turn the latch... Come in, my dear...!
- Fadinard (Enters, bewildered and breathless). — Mr. Beauperthius, if you please?...
- Beauperthuis. — A stranger! Who is this man? I do not...
- Fadinard. — It's you! (To himself.) I'm knocked out! We got thrown of the Baroness. I didn't care so very much; but old Nonancourt was furious. He's going to put an article into the "Debats" about the "Suckling Calf!" A strange aberration... (Puffing.) Ouf!
- Beauperthuis. — Get out!
- Fadinard (Sitting down). — Thank you, Sir! You live high — your stairs are steep. (Seats himself beside Beauperthius.)
- Beauperthuis (Tucking the napkin more closely about his legs). — Sir, it is not proper to intrude in this manner; I repeat, it is not —
- Fadinard (Lifting the napkin a little). — Oh, taking a foot bath? Don't discommode yourself. I've only a few words to say to you. (Takes up the kettle.)
- Beauperthuis. — I do not receive... I'm not in a position to listen to you... I've a headache...
- Fadinard (Pouring hot water into the foot bath). — Heat up your bath!
- Beauperthuis. — Ouch! (Snatching the kettle, and setting it upon the floor). — Will you stop that? What do you want? Who are you?
- Fadinard. — Leonidas Fadinard, age, twenty-five years; a pensioner; married this day; my eight cabs are waiting at your door...
- Beauperthuis. — How does that affect me, Sir? I don't know you...
- Fadinard. — Nor I, you... and I don't wish to, either... I wish to talk with your wife...
- Beauperthuis. — My wife? You know her?
- Fadinard. — Certainly not; but I know positively that she has something that I must have... I must — and will have! (Rises.)
- Beauperthuis. — Eh? He's a second story man! (Fadinard sits down, and pours in some hot water.) Ouch! Again, Sir, be gone!
