CONSUELO

Please don't. Alfred didn't hit me. It's a silly thing, what I told you.

What an idea! He is so sorry himself....

BRIQUET

I shall tell him anyhow that----

CONSUELO

Don't you dare. You mustn't tell him anything. He didn't do a thing.

MANCINI

[_Still excited_]: He must beg her pardon, the brat.

CONSUELO

He's already asked me to forgive him. How silly you all are! I simply cannot work to-day and I got nervous. What nonsense! The silly boy asked me to forgive him, but I didn't want to. HE, dear, good morning! I didn't notice you. How becoming your tie is! Where are you going, Briquet? To Alfred?

BRIQUET

No, I am going home, dear child. Zinida asked me to give you her love.

She will not be here to-day, either. [_He goes out._]

CONSUELO

Zinida is so nice, so good. Father, why is it that everybody seems so nice to me? Probably because I am going away soon. HE, did you hear the march that Tilly and Polly will play? [_Laughs._] Such a cheerful one.

HE

Yes. I heard it. Your benefit performance will be remarkable.

CONSUELO

I think so, too. Father I am hungry. Have them bring me a sandwich.

HE

I'll run for it, my Queen.

CONSUELO

Please do, HE. [_Loudly_] But not cheese. I don't like it.

[MANCINI _and_ CONSUELO _are alone_. MANCINI, _lying back comfortably in an armchair, scrutinizes his daughter with a searching eye_.]

MANCINI

I find something particular in you to-day, my child. I don't know whether it is something better or worse. You cried?

CONSUELO

Yes, a little. Oh, I am so hungry.

MANCINI

But you had your breakfast?

CONSUELO

No, I didn't. That's why I am so hungry. You again forgot to leave me some money this morning, and without money....

MANCINI

Oh, the devil ... what a memory I have. [_Laughs._] But we shall have a very nice meal to-day. Don't eat very many sandwiches.... Yes, positively I like you. You must cry more often, my child; it washes off your superfluous simplicity. You become more of a woman.

CONSUELO

Am I so simple, Father?

MANCINI

Very.... Too much. I like it in others, but not in you. Besides, the Baron....

CONSUELO

Nonsense. I am not simple. But you know, Bezano scolded me so much, that even you would have cried. The devil knows....

MANCINI

Tsss.... Never say "the devil knows." It isn't decent.

CONSUELO

I say it only when I am with you.

MANCINI

You must not say it when you are with me, either. I know it without you.

[_Laughs._]

CONSUELO

Ha! Listen, Father! It's a new number of Alfred's. He makes such a jump!

Jim says he's bound to break his neck. Poor fish....

MANCINI