with the Baroness. The third attempt you made here, two days ago. And it was because these last overtures were as unsuccessful as the former two that you began to adore Mdlle. Gilberte.

VAL. (Sits L.) You must be gifted with second sight. BARON. You did well to abandon the quest, my dear fellow! I don't believe we shall ever succeed with my wife-not any of us. I have made up my mind to that long ago. Her disposition has its good sides. It grieves me as regards myself, but it reassures me as regards others.

VAL. (Rises.) I perfectly understand that.

Enter FOOTMAN, L. 3 E., with three post letters on salver.

FOOTMAN. The post, sir!

BARON. (Surprised.) For me? (Takes them.) (Exit Footman L. 3 E.) The Baroness-the Baroness-the Baroness! (Laughing.) Poor devils! I will take them to her, but I know it will be useless.

[Exit Baron, R. I E.

Enter BRIGARD, L. 3 E.

BRIG. (R. C.) Ah! You are still there. I am glad of it. I must have an explanation with you.

VAL. (L. C.) Well, I was just thinking that I wanted one with you.

BRIG. What have you been saying to Gilberte?
VAL. Nothing that a young girl might not hear.
BRIG. You think so, do you?

VAL. Certainly! And if what I said to her was a little warm, what does it matter, since I mean to make reparation.

BRIG. In what way may I ask?

VAL. I mean, since I intend to marry her!
BRIG. Marry her! You!

VAL. Me! Why not?

BRIG.

Upon my word you understand a joke. VAL. I assure you I was never more in earnest in my life.

BRIG. In earnest, are you? Well so am I, then. (Sitting R. C.) Now, did you seriously suppose that I

should be likely to give Gilberte to you? Come reflect— arn't you my friend?

VAL. (Sits L. C.) (Sadly.) I am!

BRIG. Havn't we been about town together for a whole year?

VAL.

We have.

BRIG. Didn't our acquaintance begin at the opera and ripen into friendship at a supper party? Though to be sure I did cut you out famously that night we supped at the Café Riche! She never spoke to you again after I had come in.

VAL. Cut me out! I like that.

BRIG. Do you mean to say I did not?

VAL. (Rise.) Certainly not. (Pulling himself up.) (Aside.) I suppose I must humor the old sinner. (Aloud.) Have it as you will. Of course I'm not going to be such a fool as to contradict you just when I want something of you.

BRIG. Well, I cut you out then, and I am downright fond of you! Really, awfully fond of you, Paul; but as to giving you my daughter, I wouldn't do it for worlds.

VAL. You are wrong. I am not a very steady fellow, but I should make her happy, I know. And she would be a countess.

BRIG. Oh, as to that, of course you know I could have a duke for her if I liked?

VAL. That is vulgar of you. A man should not be proud of his riches.

BRIG. Oh! why not? You aristocrats are proud of your old families. Her fortune apart, Gilberte is pretty enough for anything.

VAL. Well, you are right there. She is devlish pretty, and with a certain something—

BRIG. I know what you mean; it is in the family. She could have whom she liked, but I don't care to look higher than a count.

VAL. Take me, then-do! I declare you don't act as if you were so very fond of me.

BRIG. But I tell you it is just because I am so fond of you-or, rather, because of the reasons which make me so fond of you that I will not have you as a son-in

law. And I wonder you dare talk of marriage when you know-and you know that I know-with whom you are going to sup to-night.

VAL.

What do you mean?

BRIG. Do not try to deceive me.

VAL. What do you know, then?

BRIG. Of course I know! Somebody has been to supper at your place every night for the last four days. VAL. Well, I've been here for two days; surely that is a proof that I mean to break with my old life.

BRIG. Forty-eight hours remain unaccounted for. VAL. That is true. (After a pause.) Your objection is reasonable; when you speak sensibly, I am quite ready to listen.

BRIG. I am glad to hear it.

VAL. And as a further proof of my virtuous intentions, I am going to make a confession to you. I have a supper party at home to-night, but I don't want to go; I don't want ever to see any of that lot again. But how to excuse myself;-there's the difficulty. Now, if only some kind and experienced friend

BRIG. A friend?

VAL.

Yes, a friend who understood such matters and knew the right kind of thing to say

[They look at each other and then break into laughter.

BRIG. Well, if you insist.

VAL.

Would you really go?

BRIG. To please you.

VAL. That is capital.

BRIG.

But for the sake of peace, don't speak of it to

the little brunette.

VAL. (With mock dignity.) Understand, sir, that from henceforth I have no such acquaintances!

BRIG.

VAL.

To be sure; I forgot.
When will you go?

BRIG. At once.

[Goes up.

VAL. That's right. And when you come back I

Enter LOUISE, C.

BRIG. (Cross, c.) But here comes Louise in the nick of time. You had better tell her of your admirable project.

LOU. (R.) What project?

BRIG. Come; speak up!

VAL. It's all very well for you to try and frighten me. BRIG. Ah, all tremble in her presence.

the only wise one in the house.

Lou. Well, what is it?

Louise is

VAL. Nothing, except that I have been asking your father's consent to propose to Mdlle. Gilberte.

Lou. (Trying not to laugh.) You?

VAL.

Yes, I. What do you think?

Lou. I think that you were late for dinner yesterday, and the day before, and that if you don't take care you will be late again to-day.

BRIG. There-you see?

VAL. Of course, everybody is against me.

Lou. Go and dress! go and dress!

[Crosses to L. [Crosses R.

BRIG. (To Valreas.) Am I still to execute your com

mission?

VAL. (Haughtily.) Certainly, sir.

[Exit Brigard, L. 3 E.

LOU. (R.) Are you not gone yet?

VAL. I shall not go till you have told me every one of your reasons for objecting to a match between your sister and myself.

Lou. If I am to do that, we must make up our minds to wait dinner for you.

Enter FOOTMAN, C.

FOOTMAN. M. de Sartorys.

Enter M. DE Sartorys, c.

LOU. (R.) Have you seen papa?

[Exit, c.

SAR. (C.) Yes, I met him in the garden. How are you, Paul?

VAL. (L.) Quite well, thanks, though indeed my dear fellow you have no idea how I am treated in this house; and

Lou. You will not be ready!

VAL. I am going, Mademoiselle, I am going.

[Exit L. 3 E. Lou. (Sitting, R.) How late you are to-day! SAR. Perhaps because I left home earlier than usual. Lou. You speak in riddles.

SAR. I will explain. I rode off at full gallop, so eager was I to reach this house; but when I came in sight of the gates, I turned my horse's head and walked him up and down for nearly an hour. Three times I rode up to the entrance, and every time my heart failed me. But at last I took a desperate resolve, and putting spurs to my horse, took the place by assault; and here I am a little late it is true-but still arrived at last.

Lou. What reason can you have had for so much hesitation.

SAR. I found I had left something at home-
What was that?

Lou.

SAR.

My courage. For months I have been wanting to tell you what I have decided to say to-day, but now that the time has come, I am like a child.

Lou. If what you have to say is so serious-
SAR.

Serious!

[Bringing chair down on her left. Lou. Perhaps you had better wait.

SAR. No, no! I must know my fate at once; and if I am bold to speak at last, it is because I have in mind how good you have always been to me.

Lou. Good! Oh, don't speak of that. But indeed I had rather you waited. If you are fearful, what shall I be?

SAR. No, I must speak. Your father has given his consent; or rather he has told me that I must first speak to you.

Lou. I understand.

SAR. I am sure you must have guessed my secretI am in love!

SAR. Madly-desperately-with your sister Gilberte!
Lou. With Gilberte!

SAR. Had you not noticed it?
Lou. No, I had not noticed it.

[Rises and crosses L.; sits.