Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/42

28 :Fadinard.—I? (Aside.) Her talk is rather incoherent. (Aloud.) I will remind Madame that I had the honor of writing her a note...


 * Baroness.—An exquisite note, which I shall always cherish. Depend upon it, always!


 * Fadinard.—What, is that all?


 * Baroness.—What do you think of Alboni?


 * Fadinard.—Nothing at all; but I will call Madame's attention to the fact that, in my note, I asked...


 * Baroness.— How stupid of me! (Looking at her bouquet.) You insist upon it, then?


 * Fadinard (Rising with emphasis).— I insist! I stick to it—like an Arab to his courser!


 * Baroness (Rising).—Oh, oh, such southern temperament! (She goes to the piano and takes a flower from the bouquet.) It would be cruel to keep you waiting longer...


 * Fadinard (Downstage; aside).—At last! I'm going to get it—that accursed hat! I can go home. (Drawing out his purse.) Only a question, now, of— Ought I to beat her down— No! she's a baroness; I won't be sordid!


 * Baroness (Graciously presenting him with a flower). — There, Sir; I pay cash!


 * Fadinard (In amazement, taking the flower).— What's this? A violet? Oh, so she didn't get my letter? I'll complain of the postman!


 * (Enter, guests of both sexes. Fadinard is introduced as Signor Nisnardi.)


 * Fadinard.—I won't deny it, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Nisnardi, the great Nisnardi. (Aside.) If I didn't they'd kick me out-of-doors!


 * All (Bowing).—Signor!!!


 * Baroness.— While we are waiting until we shall all be gathered together to applaud the nightingale of Bologna, if the ladies would care to promenade in the garden.


 * Fadinard (Aside). —Indeed; perhaps it is a means— (To the Baroness, who is going to withdraw with the rest, to the left.) Pardon me, Madame, I've a slight request to make of you... but I don't dare...


 * Baroness.— Speak it! You know that I can refuse nothing to Signor Nisnardi!


 * Fadinard.—It is—my request is going to seem very whimsical, very idiotic...