Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/33

Rh Nonancourt. — I'm through. (Aside.) He's sarcastic, this mayor. (To Vezinet.) Your turn, now. (Vezinet does not move.) Bobin (Pushing him). — Your turnW Vezinet (Advances pompously, to the counter). — Sir, before taking upon myself the task of witness . . . Tardiveau. — What say? Vezinet (Going on). — I have examined into my several duties Nonancourt (Aside). — Where did my son-in-law go to? Vezinet. — It has seemed to me that a witness ought to possess three qualities. Tardiveau. — But, Sir! Vezinet. — The first — Bobin (Half opening the door at the right). — Oh, Uncle, look here! Nonancourt (Looking). — What's this? I'll be— ! My son- in-law kissing a woman ! ! ! All. — Oh!! (Murmur among the party.) Bobin. — The libertine! Helene. — Oh, it's terriblel Nonancourt. — Right on his wedding day! Vezinet (Who has heard nothing). — The second is that he be a Frenchman or at least naturalized. . . Nonancourt (To Tardiveau). — Stop! This shall go no further! I withdraw my consent, scratch it out, Sir! (Tardi veau does so.) I take back my daughter. Bobin, I give her to you. Bobin (Eagerly). — Oh, Uncle! All (Seeing Fadinard enter). — Ah, here he is! Fadinard. — What's the trouble! Why did you get out of the cabs ? Nonancourt. — Son-in-law, its all off! ! Fadinard. — Suit yourself. . . Nonancourt. — Your conduct reminds me of the orgies during the Regency. Shame upon you, Sir! All. — Shame! Shame! Fadinard. — Now, what have I done? All— Oh! Oh! Nonancourt. — You dare ask mel No! You ask me! When I have just caught you with your mistress . . . Rake!