MANCINI

[_Sitting back comfortably and playing with his cane_]: Don't forget yourself, HE. But you're hiding something, my boy. I always said you used to belong to society. It is so easy to talk to you. And who is this Prince? A genuine one?

HE

Genuine. A first-rater. Like you!

MANCINI

A sympathetic face. Although at first I thought he was an undertaker who came for an order. Ah, HE! When shall I finally depart from these dirty walls, from Papa Briquet, stupid posters, and brutal jockeys!

HE

Very soon, Mancini.

MANCINI

Yes, soon. I am simply exhausted in these surroundings, HE! I begin to feel myself a horse. You are from society, still you don't yet know what high society means. To be at last decently dressed, to attend receptions, to display the splendour of wit; from time to time to have a game of baccarat [_laughing_] without tricks or cheating----

HE

And when evening comes, go to a suburb, where you are considered an honest father, who loves his children and----

MANCINI

And get hold of something, eh? [_Laughs._] I shall wear a silk mask and two butlers shall follow me, thus protecting me from the dirty crowd.

Ah, HE! The blood of my ancestors boils in me. Look at this stiletto.

What do you think? Do you think that it was ever stained with blood?

HE

You frighten me, Count!

MANCINI

[_Laughing, and putting the stiletto back into its sheath_]: Fool!

HE

And what about the girl?

MANCINI

Tss! I give those bourgeois absolute satisfaction, and they glorify my name. [_Laughs._] The splendour of my name is beginning to shine with a force unknown. By the way, do you know what automobile firms are the best? Money is no object. [_Laughs._] Ah! Papa Briquet!

[_Enter Briquet in his overcoat and silk hat. They shake hands._]

BRIQUET

So, Mancini, you have obtained a benefit performance for your daughter, Consuelo! I only want to tell you, that if it were not for Zinida....

MANCINI

Listen, Briquet. Decidedly you are a donkey. What are you complaining of? The Baron has bought all the parquet seats for Consuelo's benefit performance. Isn't that enough for you, you miser?

BRIQUET

I love your daughter, Mancini, and I am sorry to let her go. What more does she need here? She has an honest job, wonderful comrades, and the atmosphere--?

MANCINI

Not _she_, but _I_ need something. You understand? [_Laughs._] I asked you to increase her salary, Harpagon! and now, Mr. Manager, wouldn't you like to change me a thousand franc note?

BRIQUET

[_With a sigh_]: Give it to me.

MANCINI

[_Nonchalantly_]: To-morrow. I left it at home. [_All three laugh._]

Laugh, laugh! To-day we are going with the Baron to his villa in the country; people say a very nice villa.

HE

What for?

MANCINI

You know, HE, the crazes of these billionaires. He wants to show Consuelo some winter roses, and me his wine cellars. He will come for us here. What is the matter, my little Consuelo?

[_Enter_ CONSUELO, _almost crying_.]

CONSUELO

I can't father! Tell him! What right has he to yell at me? He almost hit me with his whip!

MANCINI

[_Straightening up_]: Briquet! I beg of you, as the Manager, what is this--a stable? To hit my daughter with a whip! I'll show this cub ... a mere jockey.... No, the devil knows what it is, devil knows, I swear....

CONSUELO

Father....

BRIQUET

I will tell him.