Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/74

 their support so as not to fall into the Emperor's bad graces, trente et quarante fails to prove more propitious

. Good! Keep me advised of further progress. I shall introduce myself to the Princess to apologize for my secretary.

. Thanks.

. Wilf's music will furnish an excuse for a concert at my villa, to which I may invite Her Highness.

. But suppose Diana becomes suspicious?

. Diana has a talent for becoming suspicious. However, I have promised to marry her, whatever happens. High society will be a good thing for us both, and high is high.

. Yes, and it will be high. By the way, how much do you intend to subscribe to the Wilf and Wulf Concerts Company for their new theatre? I am unable to rest; the mere mention of money makes those people nervous.

. Five thousand francs more than the largest subscriber.

. There are subscriptions for fabulous sums.

. The fifty thousand francs, which I have promised already.

. Ah! You have a letter… La Zaragoza, the Spanish dancer, writes me—that is, she writes you—carnival is approaching and she is anxious to make a hit in the Battle of Flowers. She wishes to appear well at the Casino dances.

. Ten thousand francs.

. L'Écho de la Côte d'AzureAzur [sic] publishes an article by its most distinguished contributor, devoted wholly to you. He says

. Three thousand francs.

. Le Moniteur du Grand Monde publishes your portrait—with mine.