Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/47

Rh :A lady's maid (Enters). — Sir, here is the hat.


 * Fadinard (Rising). — The hat! The hat! (Takes it; kisses the maid.) Here, take this — and my purse!


 * The maid (Aside). — What is the matter with him?


 * Fadinard (Opening the bundle). — At last, I have it! (Draws out a black hat.) A black hat... trimmed with crepe de chine... (Tramples it under foot. Re-calling the maid who is going out.) Come here, wench! The other one! Answer me!!!


 * The maid (Frightened). — Don't hurt me, Sir!


 * Fadinard (Fiercely). — The leghorn hat! Where is it? I want it!


 * The Maid. — Madame gave it to her goddaughter, Madame de Beauperthuis...!


 * Fadinard. — Thunder and lightning! All to do over again! Where does she live?


 * The Maid. — Number twelve, rue de Menars....


 * Fadinard. — Very well; get out! You annoy me. (The Maid picks up the hat and escapes.) The best thing I can do now, is to sneak out... The party and my father-in-law will be squaring themselves with the Baroness. (He goes to go out, toward the right.)


 * Bobin (Sticking his head through the door of the dining room). — Cousin! Cousin!


 * Fadinard. — Eh?


 * Bobin. — Aren't they going to dance?


 * Fadinard. — Yes. I'm going after violinists... ( disappears.) And now for twelve, rue de Menars...! (Goes out, quickly.)


 * (The enters, with, and the guests.)


 * Baroness (To the guests). — Please take your place! The concert is about to begin. (All seat themselves. To .) Where is Mr. Nisnardi?


 * Nonancourt. — I don't know. (Shouting.) Mr. Nisnardi!


 * All. — Here he is!


 * Achille (Leading .) — What, Sir, you were leaving us?


 * Nonancourt (Aside).! He, Nisnardi!


 * Fadinard (To ). — I wasn't going away; I assure you, I wasn't!


 * All. — Hear! Hear! (Loud applause.)


 * Fadinard (Bowing to right and left). — Ladies and Gentlemen, (Aside), nabbed on the very steps of my cab!