What a time you’ve been with the drinks, Simon!

Don’t you be so impertinent! You’ll have plenty of time before dusk to get drunk in a deliberate, business-like way.

We must lose no time if we wish to get drunk on this.

Ha! Ha! That’s true!

We have tasted stronger wine than this.

Master’s a considerate man at fair time. He knows the quantity you’ll take and tries to balance it with the quantity he gives. Ah, Javotte! You here? I was sorry to keep you waiting last night, but I was stopped by a rush of business.

Don’t believe him, Javotte, don’t believe him!

I shall believe him if I like. I don’t want your advice.

Bravo, Javotte, bravo!

He’s a deceiver, Javotte. You’d better give him up.

Indeed, perhaps you’d like me to give him up to you !

That’s just it. She’s always making eyes at me.

You, you tomtit!

You dare to put a finger on him!

Hark, the mountebanks! The fair’s beginning. Come along!

Where are they going? What’s the matter? You’re a pretty waiter to allow our customers to walk away like that!

If the wine were better quality they wouldn’t walk away like that. They’d walk away like this….

What’s the matter with the wine? Are they complaining of its strength?

Oh, no, Monsieur Dufois, quite the reverse!

You idiot! That was the barrel I intended for this evening, when they wouldn’t have known any better.

Don’t scold him, Monsieur. He can’t help his natural stupidity.

I’m afraid not, Javotte. When you marry him, you’ll find him an awful fool.

Yes, I think he’ll make a good husband.

Well! You’ve a good houseful of visitors, I hear.

Yes, and besides all those who are staying at the Château we shall have a lot of extra guests to-night at Mam’selle Erminie’s fête.

This is her birthday!

Yes, and you should see the preparations for the ball.

Give the old man a chance! And how is it you’re not helping?

I’ve come to see the fair, and Mam’selle Erminie’s coming with her papa the Marquis and that distinguished aristocrat the Chevalier de Brabazon.

And Monsieur Eugène? Poor young man! He seems to fret more than ever at his reduced position.

Shall I tell you why, Monsieur? He’s in love with Mam’selle Erminie.

And what does her papa the Marquis say to it?

Oh, he doesn’t know. Eugène won’t tell him, but reproaches himself constantly for ingratitude.

Well, what is there to make a fuss about? The young gent works for what he gets. He don’t eat the bread of idleness.

No, but you would if you could - and the butter of idleness too! Get to your business!

You’re right, Javotte. How long are you going to loiter away your time here?

Ah, master, there’s something about your manner that makes one forget.

There’ll be something about my manner presently will make you remember ! Get to your business! He wants a lot of looking after, Javotte.

Yes, I shall look after him after a bit.

After a bit ? True! When you’re looking after him you’re not looking after much .

But I want just as much looking after.

Get before, then!

Ha! Here come the great folks!

Thank you, thank you, friends. Why, where is the Chevalier?

Good gracious, Papa, I hope you haven’t lost him!

That would be serious!

Yes , a real court beau. Such a curio you don’t often see.

Oh, there you are!

Excuse me, I’ve been admiring the duck-pond. What inveterate bathers those succulent bipeds are!

Oh!

Ah, there now! Isn’t he nice?

Oh, yes, Mam’selle.

Oh, do be careful , or he’ll guess you’re bantering!

Fine girls, eh, Chevalier?

Just as you say. They have a freshness of complexion that compared with that of our Court dames is novel, not to say curious!

Oh no, Chevalier, this is nature’s coloring. It is the Court dames whose complexions are fresh and curious. They are laid on daily.

Just as you say. Fresh-laid daily. How expressive, too, are their eyes.

Now, girls - I told you not to make eyes at the Chevalier. It’s too bad!

No, no! Don’t check their innocent enjoyment. They are pleased, I am uninjured. Just as you say, there is really such a delightful novelty about this rural rusticity I could positively spend several days here.

Ah, but what will become of us when you leave?

Ah, what indeed?

Yes. Poor things, it will be blessed blissfulness to think that here I am always remembered.

Oh, we shall never forget you, Chevalier. Shall we girls?

Oh, no, never!

Do you know, if I could believe it possible, I should almost believe you are quizzing me?

Quizzing? Oh no, Chevalier! Could we?

Oh, no, Mam’selle!

Just as you say. But come! I must see every feature of interest.

Have we not all interesting features?

Yes, I should see all the sights since I am amongst you.

There are no sights amongst us.

No! None!

Exactly! But the oldest inhabitants, the customary fossil. You, of course, have the customary fossil.

Oh, yes, we’ve got the fossil .

And where is he?

Oh, he’s not far away. He’s about.

Just as you say.

No, not at present.

I thought not. If you’d like to take ours home with you….

Come, friends, don’t let us keep you from your festivities, and remember you return and drink happiness to my daughter Erminie.

Hurrah!

Oh, no, I profess my wild oats are for the most part sown. I am less susceptible than I was. As age advances, our eyes are closed to….

Quite wrong , Chevalier. You eyes are opened.

Exactly! You see too much. Blind happiness is given only to love that is young and impulsive.

Welcome, most noble Marquis. This is an honor, a red letter day - worthy of a bottle of the choice old scarlet seal.

Very good, Dufois. So be it! So be it! Well, Eugène, what news?

There is no sign of the chaise returning. The diligence must be late.

Certainly, my lord. I have some capons now roasting on the spit.

If he does not come within the hour, I’ll trouble you for something toothsome!

Couldn’t I induce you, my lord, to take this opportunity to sign the renewal of my lease?

Be it so, Dufois. Lead the way, and we’ll crack a bottle of your old scarlet seal in honor of my friend.

No, no, not at all!

The Vicomte de Brissac!

Yes, just as you say, who is…, what is… de Brissac, the Vicomte? That is, is he a person of importance?

Oh, the highest, Chevalier. His father is my oldest friend and comrade. We fought our first campaign sharing the same tent together. The Vicomte comes here as the affianced husband of my daughter, Erminie

What??!!

My future husband, Papa? Good gracious, you never even hinted at such an event!

Eh? No, I intended it as a pleasant surprise for you. You see I am always thinking of your happiness, you baggage.

Oh, Eugène, see what you’ve done, or rather see what you haven’t done. Why couldn’t you have spoken to Papa before I was consigned to somebody else?

You had the presumption to tell me that you loved me, and I could have found it out for myself.

Don’t reproach him for his boldness, Erminie

The prize seemed too great, the happiness too much for me.

Oh well, if you think I’m too much for you.

Oh, Erminie, do be serious!

What is the good of it? I’m sure Eugène’s serious enough for both of us. Look at him!

The Marquis is asking for Monsieur Eugène.

Erminie, is there no hope?

Of course there is, stupid! Don’t take that despairing face to Papa or he’ll certainly suspect something.

Stay here, Eugène. Compose yourself. I’ll see what the Marquis wants.

Erminie, give him some word of consolation.

Where am I to look for consolation?

Eugène, why are you so downhearted?

Erminie, do I not love you?

And is that so unpleasant a feeling?

It is when I reflect you can never be mine.

Then don’t, or, if you must, hope for the best and reflect a little sunshine.

It seems my lot to live only upon a sad remembrance of the past. Oh, could I but animate my heart with half your faith in the brightness of a brighter future!

You are wanted, Eugène, to witness the Marquis’s signature.

Ah, why did I not trust in his generous nature? It is useless to tell him now.

Quite useless.

Fool, fool that I was.

Cerise, I wish your brother wouldn’t call himself names. It isn’t complimentary to my taste in loving him.

Not in words. But I knew and placed faith in Ernest.

I’m glad it wasn’t in jest .

Ernest de Brissac, a younger brother of this very Vicomte. That was his name.

Oh, then you are acquainted with my future tyrant.

No, we knew but one of the family. But not a word of this to Eugène. He wishes to avoid all intercourse with the friends of our prosperity.

Oh, that dreadful pride! And your sunshine lover fled before the storm-cloud trouble.

No, he was called home suddenly before our misfortunes came.

And he never sought you out?

How could he with the distress that quickly followed? We left the district. You see, Erminie, we each have our secret sorrows.

Of course, everybody has, and I continue to take comfort in the belief that my neighbor’s trouble is double my own.

If you don’t mind, a few minutes will complete our business.

There’s Papa.

Away with the skeleton, and close the cupboard doors.

Mam’selle, you are to take his Excellency the Chevalier through the fair. Your father, the Marquis, will follow

It’s a great responsibility, Chevalier.

But, if you feel equal to the gabble of the rabble,….

Ah, then you wouldn’t remember it.

Just as you say. My only recollection is that there was a great deal of noise, of which I was rather afraid.

Couldn’t you get them to muffle the drums, Mam’selle?

Oh, yes, and beat the gongs piano!

This way, Chevalier.

Well, there won’t be too much of the living skeleton.

But there may be of the fat woman.

Yes, if it were moderately so, but the fat is generally overdone - dreadfully.

Don’t despond, Mam’selle.

No, Javotte, I’ll find forgetfulness in dissipation, seek oblivion with the bearded lady, gain stoicism from the talking fish and philosophy from the learned pig.

There never was such a lady for spirits. They may talk of her papa’s bravery, but I’d like to see the forlorn hope she wouldn’t leave or the fellow who wouldn’t follow her.

Alone, Javotte?

Nearly, Monsieur.

Only my own thoughts to dispute with.

Ah, not always the most agreeable companions!

No, but they’re constant. That’s one recommendation.

Not if constantly sorrowful.

Oh, sir, if you but had half Mam’selle Erminie’s confidence. There’s many a slip…, and faint heart….

Oh, don’t say that, sir. I’m sure any family might be proud of so sweet a gentleman. You need only speak, you have but to say.

Any orders, please?

Yes, leave us, waiter, till you’re called for!

That’s right, Simon. Take care of your fiancée.

Get in the house and wait until you are called for.

Soldiers, soldiers! There are soldiers marching down the road. I saw them from the swing-boats.

Soldiers! Where are they?

What is it to you where they are? The soldiers don’t want you.

I’m not quite so sure of that. There’s one thing certain. You won’t be wanted by the soldiers.

Don’t drive me to desperation, or I’ll join them.

They wouldn’t have you. You’re too short!

No, it’s better to be in the public line than a private in the line. Glory’s all very well in its way, but its way is a little way out of my way.

Don’t mob us, my dears! Till the inner man is refreshed, the outer man is unequal to any effort. Besides, we are travel-stained and not looking our best.

Oh! You’d make any fellow smart!

In what less could we toast such charmers as these?

Have you come to stay long, Monsieur Captain?

No, my pet. I’m sorry for your sake we have not.

Not so much familiarity! These young ladies - that young lady in particular - object to being petted by strangers.

No, and not likely to.

No, no!

Bravely said, little one. Don’t be afraid, waiter. We don’t run away with them. Ladies on the march are against regulations. Beauty and duty don’t step together.

No, but pipe-playing and popinjays do.

What?!

What’s this? What’s this?

The Marquis!

Take care, Simon. Never meddle with the military!

Well, girls, how many hearts are slain? Are you all conquered by the trappings of glory?

No, no, Monsieur le Marquis. We are the vanquished. My whole troop fell victims at once to the optical batteries of the village bells.

We must do you the justice to say you didn’t wince under fire.

No, no!

They seemed rather to like it.

Yes, yes!

Trust them at beauty’s call to surrender. An army would present arms. Come, Simon, a wine cup for every man!

Vive le Marquis!

As an old soldier, you must pledge me, Captain. You come opportunely in the midst of our festivities.

We’ve little time for enjoyment, Marquis. We are engaged upon an unpleasant duty.

Duty to a soldier should always be pleasant. His first article should be obedience, his last self-consideration. Take the word of an old campaigner. Discipline is the well-spring of glory.

(FOR WE’VE NOTHING TO LOSE AND WE’VE PLENTY TO GAIN),

Hurrah!

Don’t be afraid, Marquis. We shall perform the duty allotted us. But when I tell you our mission is thief-hunting, you will understand it is an office repugnant to the feelings of gentlemen.

True, true, Captain. You are tracking convicts, eh?

Two notorious thieves, who have escaped from prison. You’ve seen no suspicious characters, waiter?

We don’t take in suspicious characters at the Golden Lion.

They’d scarcely venture into so public a place.

No, not while I’m here!

If you are going through the fair, I shall have the pleasure.

You will honor me, Marquis. Come, men, fall in. Good-bye, pretty ones! Attention! March!

Caddy, Caddy, come along Caddy, don’t loiter!

Don’t wurrage me, Ravvy. I ain’t equil to it!

We’re all right. The valiant sons of Mars have departed. There they go!

Oh, do be careful, Ravvy, they’ll see you! Lord, I may never see Paris. I know they’re arter us!

On the contrary, they are before us, and as long as they continue to perambulate in their present direction their chance of catching us will be remarkably remote.

Send they may never look back, and while they go West let us go East. Come on!

No, Caddy, we never go East. It’s low fashion. Wealth, rank and beauty all incline to the West. Everything worth having will be West in time .

Well, don’t let us be wasting time . Think of the risk we’re running.

Running would indeed be risky. It would only call attention to our flight.

Stopping’s wuss. Send I may never. I got the jumps like blooming a kangaroo. The fair is on, the place is full of people.

So much the better for us!

The more there are to suspect, the less suspicion there’ll be. Doubtless there are more suspicious characters.

There can’t be more suspicious characters.

How dare you?

Be dumb, chicken liver! Betray us by your infernal cowardice and I’ll put a full stop to your trembling.

Don’t! It is my first offence. What a man he is! He wurrages me till I don’t know which end of me’s uppermost. What shall I do with the rag bag?

Put it down. Put it down.

Put it down? Put it down for somebody to pick up? What was the good of priggin’ the portmantle for it to be nabbed by somebody else?

Why this want of confidence in your fellow-man? Why should you take everyone for a thief?

Why should everyone take me for a thief? I didn’t arrange it. Fate muddled it up and purshooted me into the wrong rut. I should ha made a better rabbit than a robber. It warren’s my fault!

V. de B.! What can be the meaning of V. de B.?

Vide Boolong! Ve’d better bolt!

Come back, I say! Come back, fool! Why are you going?

It grieved me deeply to have to appropriate the young gentleman’s luggage, but I required a change of linen and he being about my figure….

Anybody’s linen ’ud fit me. I was sorry for the young innocent.

My dear Caddy, it’s the confounded authorities at Toulon who are to blame for not supplying us with bullion to defray our exes. It’s all the result of governmental cheeseparing. The executive should have seen that we had means of transport.

Transport? Oh, Ravvy, don’t talk shop!

Caddy, I’ve a growing conviction….

And several previous convictions.

Suppose the young innocent should foller us and blow the gaff? Suppose he should break away?

How can he, fool? We tied him and the trees together!

Bark to bark !

We took his portmanteau.

And left him the trunk!

Like a sailor, lashed firmly to the elm .

No, stranded at the beach !

He grew restive and broke away once.

But he was left at the post after all. If he should follow us and break away it would be all over. Oh, Ravvy, let’s do a scarper!

Come back, can’t you? Will you dispense with your insufferable slang? Adopt the manners of a gentleman!

How can I? Who’m I to learn it out of?

What did you say? I’ll perforate….

Mercy, Ravvy, it’s my first offence. Let me off light!

You cowardly thief !

Stash your patter, pal. Don’t peach on your pardner.

Bah! It’s written on your face, jail-bird.

It’s the want of a wash. I’d be a perfect gentleman if I had a wash.

As I thought, linen - spotless - linen, shirts, collars and cuffs.

And cuffs?! Oh Lor’! I’m innocent - and I can prove a halibi!

Silence, you idiot! Are you a man?

Stop your cackle! I must make a change. We must have a room here!

No! No, let’s be going on again!

Don’t you be going off again! We rest to-night, start to-morrow!

Start where?

Where? Where is the home of the confraternity?

In the metrolopus!

Where are the police most numerous?

In the basement.

Where are they never to be found when wanted?

On their beats! Thank goodness for it!

Paris! The home of the industrious! The home of the gamin! The field of the mobsmen, the harvest home of the merry, nimble, light-fingered clyfaker!

Slang, sling it!

Yes, Paris, where the clyfaker is but the needle in the bundle of hay, the one drop of scoundrelism in the infinite ocean of rascality.

Don’t mek a noise about it!

There, dear Caddy, we will resume once more our philanthropic pursuit of easing suffering humanity of its load of superabundant luxuries.

House ho! Call about you now! Put on a bold front!

How can I put on a bold front with my only dicky at the wash?

House ho! House ho!

How so! How so!

No waiter to serve! Is this a hostelry or an asylum for imbeciles?

No server to wait. Is this a hinn or a hassalum for cripples?

Waiter! Do you wish someone to elope with your furniture?

No fear of that, sir. No thieves here.

That’s all you know!

There are some questionable characters on the fair-ground.

But there’s no previous conviction agen us .

What’s the matter with the gentleman?

My friend is timid and retiring. He has been very delicately reared, which being a young man of rare discernment you will observe. You are a young man of discretion, I’m sure, and will readily recognise a Louis when you see one.

What are you chucking the dinale about like that for?

Yes, sir, I can, and I knows a gentleman when I sees one, too .

Yes, and you sees one , two now.

Just so. I’m one, and my friend’s the other.

No, you’re the hother and my friend’s one.

Oh, yes, sir. I can see that. Thankee very much.

No thanks, friend. Put it in your pocket. It is the duty of those who have the means to keep money in constant circulation to make it pass from hand to pocket.

From pocket to hand.

I’ve got it, I’ve got it!

I’ve got it, I’ve got it!

You’re very good.

No, we’re not too good.

No, he ain’t a bit too good.

We require a private room and a dinner for two at one.

We’re very full, gentlemen.

And we’re very empty gentlemen. Send I may never see grub if I couldn’t eat a uncooked ostrich.

Very well, show us to an apartment.

I’m afraid it’ll be our worst room.

No matter! We’ll make the best of it.

I’ll find out. I’ll call the guv’nor.

The guv’nor! I can prove a halibi!

Not the governor of Toulon, you idiot! D’you wish to betray us? Keep up appearances as I do. Laugh, talk, joke, be gay - put on a bold front.

How can I laugh, talk, joke with my ’art in the ’eel of my boot?

How d’ye do, gentlemen?

How d’ye do, sir?

Now then, speak up.

How d’ye do, guv’nor? Pretty well? Like me? Tol lol, eh?

Ha, ha, ha! D’you know, I thought you were the guv’nor of the pris….

Come, waiter, drinks! The landlord will pledge us.

He won’t get much on us.

You told me to joke!

And do you call that a joke?

Yes, and a pretty good one too.

Look alive, Simon! Ask the gentlemen what they will have.

What will you take, gentlemen?

Anything that’s loose.

Shut up! Oh nips, nips, of course, the usual.

Usual, usual, of course. Vicious water for me.

Vicious water?

My friend’s expressive way.

Thanks.

That’s eau de vie.

That’s the odeur ve likes.

The gentlemen require a dinner and a room.

If I can find room for the gentlemen….

… the gentlemen can find room for the dinner.

No 7, Simon. Take the gentlemen’s portmanteau.

No! No!

Well, he don’t look honest.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

They’re real gentlemen, sir.

I’m sorry, gentlemen, we are rather crowded. It will be a small room.

Not a word, my dear sir! We have been used to small rooms. In our last hotel, in fact, we were to a certain degree confined.

But we done our time, sir. It was our first offence.

We must be content and take things as we find them.

We make a rule o’ doin’ that.

You see, sir. The Marquis de Pontvert having dropped in with his friend the Chevalier….

Chevalier? Can it be my old college-chum? What name? What name?

B…. B…. Brabazon!

No, not the same, not the same!

The Marquis is awaiting the arrival of a guest.

Can it be my old college pudden chummy? What name? What name?

Um…. I forget the name.

Not the same, not the same.

He is coming from Varrol, by the diligence. He is called Vicomte de….

V. de….

V. de….

Hush, fool!

V. de B….

V. de B. Aha!

V. de B. Oho!

B. something!

B. what?

Be damned!

Not the same, not the same!

This way, gentlemen.

Ah! What name shall I enter?

If you would allow us to remain incog a little longer. It’s a surprise we are preparing for - well, I should be glad if you would allow the surprise to remain incog too.

Certainly! Pray go on, sir.

So pleased to meet a landlord of your appearance.

Not at all good. In confinement one loses one’s dexterity and gets quite out of all form.

Come on, you fool. I’ve done him!

Oh, all right.

We are to await the Marquis with you, Monsieur Dufois.

You honor me, ladies.

Ha! Ha! I quite envy the girls the fun they’re having with that old fop the Chevalier.

Erminie, how can you be so light-hearted when you think of the fate that’s awaiting you?

I don’t think there’s such a thing as fate or, if it’s waiting, let it wait. Fate ain’t fate till the fatality has occurred and, as it hasn’t , fate isn’t .

And how do you maintain such strength of purpose?

By proper training, my dear, accustoming the mind to be firm, saving all energies for the final struggle. But that’s not all.

Cerise, do you believe in dreams?

Some dreams, certainly.

Well - no, I shall not tell you mine.

Why not?

Because you might interpret it by the rule of contraries, and it’s too beautiful to spoil.

The delusion may prove false, but the delusion is pleasing, and till the spell is broken I’ll hope on, dream still, let the awakening come when it may.

What a pretty lady! How do you do, dear?

What impertinence! I shall tell the Marquis.

I’ll go and tell my Papa.

Give my love to your Papa!

Ah, Caddy, these papers are interesting! Letters too! Vicomte de Brissac! So that’s our friend of the pine-tree!

No, no, Chevalier

But my dear Marquis.

Stow it! Some ’uns comin’!

The Princess expected! My dear friend, why did you not inform me you anticipated a visit from the distinguished Princess?

I did not think of it.

Not think of a princess? Had we not better return to the château? She might arrive in our absence. And who would receive? Who would be honored?

Don’t be alarmed. Plenty of time. She’s not expected for some hours. I must await my young friend the Vicomte de Brissac.

But to neglect a princess! And doubtless the Vicomte knows his way.

Not at all. He has never been here. His elder brother visited us when a boy. He was, I may tell you, my intended son-in-law, but the poor fellow died, and we have induced a younger brother to take up the contemplated alliance.

Ah, I understand!

And are the young people strangers to each other?

Entirely! The young gentleman is strange to all of us.

Good! That is well to know.

We have never seen him, in fact till the last year scarcely heard of him.

Whilst he was a younger son, why the deuce would you?

And consequently I have not the least idea what he is like.

Permit me, my dear Marquis, to enlighten you. These papers, my credentials, will advise you that I am the Vicomte de Brissac.

Welcome, son of my oldest friend. Allow me - the Chevalier de Brissac, also an old friend!

I should have recognised him as an old friend of yours anywhere. Chevalier, your name is well known to me!

But, sir, I should not have known you from Adam.

Probably not, sir. Adam was before my time .

Erminie, come hither, child! Erminie! Your future bride is here, sir, awaiting your arrival.

Ah, what happiness! Yours is the face I have seen in my dreams. I could love no other!

What impudence!

That’s all right. Then I’m sure Papa will not insist upon dooming you to life-long misery with me.

Why! Is not this…?

No, sir, that is my daughter.

Of course, I might have known it.

You might, but you didn’t. That is the face of your dreams.

Doubtless the Vicomte disbelieves in dreams.

You may find it a stern reality.

You found it dull travelling alone?

Well, I….

There’s that confounded Caddy to account for.

The fact is I had a companion. He’s somewhere about.

My dear Vicomte, delighted to receive any friend of yours.

The chaise has returned without your expected guest.

This is the Vicomte de Brissac.

How, then, did you come?

We travelled on foot.

This, then, accounts for your appearance being wretched.

Not to say loathsome.

Don’t wonder, Papa, if I’m not struck with the object of your choice.

Is this the ruffian poor Erminie is doomed to wed?

I’m nothing to my friend!

Then pray don’t introduce him to the ladies!

Alas, dear friends, our sad plight is easily accounted for. We have been set upon by thieves.

Thieves?

Thieves! After being set down by the diligence, we were set upon, seized, dragged into the woods, stripped of our valuables. My papers I fortunately saved.

What an outrage!

Yes, we were fortunate to have escaped with our lives and the rags of our despoilers.

How dreadful!

How droll! I can’t help laughing at my suspicions. You should have explained at first.

The sight of you drove all else from my mind.

I’M PROUD TO MEET YER. HOW D’YE DO?

I’m werry pleased to scrape all your inquaintinces, and I proposes as we all wets our whistles.

Wet our whistles?

(Eugène and Erminie go up and get over to Cerise, L.C.)

Arabic, pure Arabic!

I’ll strangle you if you’re not quiet!

Don’t! It’s my first offence!

An uncommon man, a study. I’m interested.

Will you honor me?

Like a bird, sir, like a bird!

Not a jail bird, I trust.

No, I never was in trouble afore. It’s my first….

Silence, fool!

My friend has been in the East too long, where he has been Ambassador at the Court of Mahmoud. It is a custom there to constantly exchange snuff boxes. Hence the expression “up to snuff”.

Yes, but this is scarcely an exchange.

No, of course not. That’s the Baron’s little eccentricity.

Well, them as is there knows a thing or two. What they don’t know is hardly worth learning. If it is, blow me.

Blow me?

Your friend the Baron’s language is rather obscure. I scarcely follow him.

It is peculiar, but I understand him, and he perfectly understands me.

Eugène, will you kindly precede us and suggest such extra preparations as you deem necessary?

Certainly! Cerise, will you come?

Yes, brother. How I pity him!

I’ll walk on too.

No, no! The Vicomte will doubtless have much to say to you.

Yes, I’m full of mind messages, regards from my sister, kindest love from my mother.

Your mother? She has been dead these six years!

Yes, about six years.

Six years and a week come Michelmas.

I got him out of that!

My mother! I was alluding to the mother of the Baron.

Yes, he allus calls her Ma.

Has the Baron a mother, then?

Yes, poor dear, I was her first offence.

How is your worthy father?

He’s all right.

Never better. You should have seen him yesterday setting out for the hunt.

Good gracious! I never thought he would leave his room again. Why, Chevalier, he’s been confined for seven years!

Scuse me! They couldn’t give it ’im for a fust offence.

Exactly! And is likely to be. I said you should have seen my father at the window when we were setting out for the hunt with the mother of the Baron.

Does the dear lady hunt?

No, she don’t ’unt. She used to ’unt with Aunt, but Aunt ain’t in the ’unt now. Mother don’t ’unt either. We was at the ’unt, and Mother was in the window with Father, and that’s how it was.

Hurrah!

Come, let us go on to the château!

’TWAS THEY MOLESTED, RIFLED, MOBBED,

Come now, you extras, bustle about. Remember that you’re not engaged to amuse yourself but to attend to the guests.

Hello, hello there.

Oh, it’s only Simon.

I declare if I didn’t think it was someone of importance.

“Only Simon.” I like that! It’s only your astounding vanity prevents you observing I am a person of importance. It’s not often the Pontvert livery is distended by a figure like mine.

No! Such figures as yours are rare.

Ha! Ha! Ha!

And no padding. That’s right, Javotte, stick up for your future lord and master.

My lord and master?

Haven’t you promised to …?

To marry you. But, if I promise to obey, it won’t be to obey always. You’re never satisfied, Simon, with what’s done for you.

I’m satisfied that you’ll do for me. Oh, Javotte, I wouldn’t have missed this for the world - the dresses, the flowers, the lights, to say nothing of the eating and drinking. It’s too much.

Simon never forgets the eating and drinking.

Some of the guests seem to think of it too.

That Baron doesn’t think about it, he does it right off. Twelve glasses of Benedictine already, to say nothing of two he spilt into the lap of the old Princess.

Did he? Didn’t she storm at him?

No, she’s a bit sweet on him and smiled at his confusion.

He must have been in a state.

No, she was in a state, but he scraped it up with a spoon, and says, “It’ll dry straight. It’s my first offence.”

Come, girls, let’s attend and watch the fun.

You didn’t expect anything so gorgeous as this, did you, Simon?

Well, not quite. The lights and glitter are heavenly, but I prefer the half-light of the retiring-rooms. There’s a sentimental something - murmurs and whisperings.

And taking of hands.

Yes, that’s it.

And putting arms round waists.

And kissing sometimes.

Yes, often.

Come to the still room for another lesson!

Sponge or ice-cake?

The Marquis has observed and questioned me on my dejected manner. I must avoid his presence.

Then he will ask for you. Try, brother, to throw off your depression. Let the surrounding festivities arouse you!

How can I, Cerise, when I think that my dear Erminie is to be consigned to the care of that loud, bombastic Vicomte? I can’t help the feeling that there is a false ring about his gentility.

It seems impossible that he can be the brother of our dear friend Ernest.

It is almost past belief, while the vulgar drolleries of the friend the Baron are too genuine to be assumed. I can’t resist a strong suspicion….

Of what, Eugène?

Be sure you let them conjure up forms of brighter promise.

We took three thousand prisoners and…. Alone, Eugène? I won’t have you brooding alone in corners. Don’t let the loss of fortune bring morbid ideas that you are looked down upon. Go, find a partner and enjoy yourself.

I endeavor to be cheerful myself though I am old - that is older than I was when younger than I am. Everything is par excellence in Pontvert - worthy of the salons of Paris. The only blot to my mind is that fellow we picked up at the inn.

Yes, I am forced unwillingly to admit that I have not been favorably impressed. There is a loudness, an unwarranted amount of….

Confidence, confidence is the failing of the rising generation.

The Baron to them is a revelation. They’ve never seen anything like him before.

Thank you very much, dear friends, for your kind wishes, but I feel you are making a little too much of me.

No, no, Mademoiselle. We can never do you justice.

Where is the Princess? The illustrious lady will be ennuyé.

I’m afraid we strangers don’t receive too many of your favors.

Pray don’t impeach my impartiality, Captain.

You really must not be too hard upon our fair debutante. She is not accustomed to crowds.

You forget, Eugène, our guests are not accustomed to debutantes like Erminie.

Oh, Mam’selle, may I put my name down for a dance?

Hang it all, where? The army is not to be slighted.

Did Monsieur require anything? I hope the waiters are attentive, that Monsieur is not neglected.

Oh no, no!

If I can get Monsieur anything?

Not if you’re to leave me to fetch it. You’re a deuced pretty girl!

Ah, that’s Monsieur’s fun. He doesn’t mean it!

Indeed I do , little one. When I look into your eyes I have but one desire - and that is….

Ice or sponge-cake?

No, fellow, no.

Is there anything I can do for Monsieur?

Anything for Monsieur le Capitaine?

Come along, my dears, and I’ll see.

Anything for Monsieur?

No, no, hang it, no!

Now they’ve taken him away. That’s your meddling!

And a good job too, traitress!

We’re not accustomed to bad language in the Château Pontvert.

Beware, Javotte! Soldiers are dangerous. Think of my faithful heart, think of me.

Ice or sponge-cake?

Ice or sponge-cake?

Your confiding trustfulness must be contagious. In spite of myself I feel hopeful, though I fail to see whence aid can come.

Time works wonders. It may be weeks before I am formally betrothed to de Brissac, and marvels may happen ere then.

The dream is blissful, Erminie, but the awakening…. Is it wise to be living in a fool’s paradise?

No paradise was ever made for fools. Wise men accept Elysium, fools hesitate and lose it.

Where do you acquire such comforting philosophy?

From old ballads composed by grey-bearded cynics. I have one to suit your case.

And after?

And the following?

Engaged.

And the next?

Engaged.

What’s that?

The Princess’s voice.

The Princess!

Oh, Baron, I vow you must not.

Don’t be alarmed. It’s only the Baron amusing the Princess de Gramponeur with his tricks. She’s in fits of laughter.

Ah, your Highness, if the little dicky-birds had only whispered about you in the times that’s parst. Send I may never. Yer does me proud and the reciprocity as you shows tords me’s mutual, that’s a certainty.

How nice! Such unique phraseology! How you do remind me of my dear defunct Gramponeur!

What? Your old man, eh? Ah, who knows? It was allus thought I was changed at birth.

How nice! How deliciously romantic! You may have been kidnapped, perhaps stolen.

Ha! Ha! Ha! Bravo!

Ah, here is the dear Princess.

Ha! Ha! Oh, Marquis, I do declare he’ll be the death of me.

What a turn she guv me. Ravvy’ll finish me. I knows he will.

I have been telling the Marquis I know I can prevail upon you to prolong your visit.

Impossible, Chevalier.

Oh, then I must get the Baron to persuade you to remain another week.

How nice!

Where is the fascination? I fail to see any charm in the fellow myself.

How could you not appreciate the dear Baron?

Confound the Baron!

His tricks are wonderful, Marquis!

Oh, wonderful!

And his sleight of hand is marvellous!

Most marvellous!

He charmed a diamond bracelet from my very wrist and declares I shall find it in my jewel-case on my return to Paris, and when a gold necklace and a purse of money were placed under a handkerchief he changed them at a word into a pair of old gloves and a bunch of grapes.

Wonderful!

Not at all! With a little practice I….

Yo! Ha! Ha! I’m glad we’ve found you a lion, ladies!

Ah, but he’s not an ordinary lion.

No, a stuffed lion!

He does so remind me of my poor dear Gramponeur - so original, so daring. Marquis, would you believe it, we’ve positively been romping?

No! No! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Yr realth ter ryal lioness, and may the skin of a gooseberry be allus big enough for a humbrella for hall yer hennimies.

The sentiment is certainly sensible.

Won’t yer ryness have wee nippee?

Wee nippee? How nice!

No, of course not. Such drops as these ’ud be no good to a real tip-topper like you.

Tip-topper?

Tip-topper?

What is a … tip-topper?

Don’t ask, my dear Princess. It may be a shock to your refinement.

No, the dear Baron.

Damn the Baron!

Yer ’ealth ter ’ighness, and may your father’s daughter allus have a loving smile for my uncle’s nevy.

How he does remind me of my poor dear Gramponeur!

Ah, how different things might a bin if they wasn’t as they is. But who knows what sentence the old book destiny will parse on us yet? I believe in omens, leaven myself to the sweet little chirrups as sit up aloft and allus goes on what the dicky-birds say.

I’M NOT TOO FREE AN AGENT LIKE ALL THE REST OF YOU,

I’M ALLUS IN A DREADFUL STATE

Be careful, Caddy. Pull yourself together and don’t drink any more liqueur.

Look here, Ravvy, I’ve swiped two souvenir silver spoons.

No, I can prove a halibi.

Ha! Ha! Ha! How clever!

He positively deceives me , and I’m accustomed to him.

Get him to perform some more tricks.

My noble and illustrious friend Baron Bonny will do his best to please you all.

Of course. I shall be only too pleased to best you all.

Ho! Ho! Ah, Benedict, I will again. It’s lovely, Benedict. Yer ’ealth ter ryal lioness, and may you long live to reccommember the day when yer uncle was a doin’ the nobby.

Doing the nobby? Where is the sense of such an expression? What is …?

Chevalier, don’t interrupt the Baron.

Damn the Baron!

Get out! After the gavotte my noble friend will show you his wonderful card-tricks.

The merry little hanky-panky fakes.

Hanky-panky? What does it mean?

Pure Arabic! The Baron has explored the hitherto unknown portions of street Arabia and lived there as a sheik for several years.

That’s where I learnt to write the oracle.

The enemy were on our right flank…..

Why will you persist in interrupting the Baron?

Oh, damn the Baron!

Poor dear Gramponeur used to speak Arabic, and I never could understand a word. Oh, he is so like…. You little humming bird!

You little grasshopper!

The Baron speaks the language like a native.

Yes, comes as natural to me as thieving.

As what?

As thieving to a monkey. My honored friend had not finished his sentence.

No, not by two years and….

Oh!

Chevalier, why will you interrupt the Baron?

Just at that moment the Marshall said….

Damn the Baron! Ah, yes, to be sure. May I have the pleasure?

Oh, damn that Baron!

The Sergeant, Monsieur le Marquis.

What is your mission, Sargeant?

The Maire?

He has been with our prisoner and sends a letter for Monsieur le Marquis. This, with a written statement of the prisoner, is for the Captain.

Read it, Eugène.

Strewth, the situation is growing critical. If that statement reaches Delaunay, we’re lost.

If you’ll allow me, I shall be delighted to bear the missive to your Captain.

Remain, Sergeant. Your Officer shall be found.

“I have fixed to-morrow for the examination of the prisoner if convenient for you to be present with the Vicomte and his friend.”

To-morrow? That is impossible.

Why, Papa?

The notaries will be here for the signing of your betrothal contract.

To-morrow! Alas, all is over!

Why to-morrow, Papa? What is the object of this haste? Are you so anxious to be rid of me?

Oh, consider how dull will be your existence without the happy face that was its only brightness.

Spare us, Sir, spare us your parental pangs.

Why not postpone - a month, a week?

No, no, to-morrow our friends will be here. I must not be selfish. I will consider only your happiness.

Ah, your love for your old father prompts that avowal. But I can bear it, my darling. I have had experience in suffering - your poor, dear mother’s loss, which you can scarce recall.

Ah, if I had now her gentle guidance and support. My memories, if faint, are sweet. I fancy I can see her tender face and hear her low, sweet voice in the dear old lullaby of my childhood days.

Enough, Erminie, of these mournful recollections.

Come, my friend, you are here for enjoyment. Eugène, take the Sergeant and endeavor to find Delaunay.

Erminie, even your courage must falter beneath this blow.

Nearly. Return presently. I’m going to make an appeal to the Vicomte, tell him of our love, and beg him to relinquish his claim.

There is little hope in that. Come, Sergeant.

Vicomte, I must have a few words with you.

Certainly! A thousand. I will return.

No, no, now. You must hear me. I have an appeal to you to your generous nature. Your nature is generous, I’m sure.

It is, it is. I have the tenderness of a woman.

You are the blight upon two loving hearts.

The mildew shall be removed.

You are standing between two kindred souls.

Then I will step aside.

Not till you have heard. Oh, by the love that I might and should have felt for you, had you been he - by the hate which, as you are not, fills me - that is not hate, but hate compared with the love I feel for him.

Him? Who? Captain Delaunay?

No, Eugène.

Eugène, he? Let me fly. I cannot stay to witness his bliss.

Oh, Vicomte, be merciful. Give me up.

Two others will be made whole, and they will for ever bless you.

They’re very good.

You will scorn the contract, refuse to sign, destroy the paper.

If I can obtain them from the Sergeant, yes.

The Sergeant?

The Cap.… The Marq….

Then he shall not read it.

Not? What? Rot! I’m losing my nerve.

“I beg that you will take the trouble to read the accompanying statement. The effrontery of the prisoner may surprise you.” What can be…?

No, no, Captain, business tomorrow. This evening is devoted to pleasure.

Exactly.

In the corridor after supper you shall know my plan to save you.

But Eugène! May I tell…?

In the corridor after supper, yes.

But hang it all. Duty!

Duty is now to attend on beauty. And from such service who would shrink?

None, none.

Come, Erminie, your slaves must be dying for food.

Yes, Papa.

The Vicomte will help us, will tell you more in the corridor after supper.

The dear Baron is so clever. He has won 200 francs off me.

And fifty off me.

And 500 off me.

And 20 off me.

Only practice. The quickness of the ’and deceives the hye. Where’s Benedic?

I’m innocent. I can prove a halibi.

Idiot!

How clever!

Supper!

Princess, may I?

Oh, damn that Baron!

Come along, Caddy, leave the window open in case of need.

Oh, Ravvy, let’s scarper! What’s the good of stopping to be copped?

What’s the use of leaving to wander around the country with the hound of justice at our heels and the certainty of capture at the finish?

Oh, don’t talk so, Ravvy.

We must have horses and a carriage.

Oh, what a swag we could land if we had. I could a filled a wan to-night.

We shall have them. I am waiting for my affianced bride. I shall get her to agree to an elopement.

Elope and leave your old pal?

No, no, with my rival the secretary and so obtain by her orders the conveyance which is to secure our flight.

Oh, Ravvy, what a general you’d a bin!

By this plan we shall also secure her diamonds. No female ever elopes without her jewelry.

Oh, it’s too good. It can’t come off. We may be nabbed at any moment.

No, Ravvy, let’s give ourselves up. We’ve had a hevingly hevening.

Stop trembling, or I’ll end your nervousness.

No, Ravvy, I can prove a halibi.

She’s coming, Caddy, and the blooming bird is with her. To tell him our plan would be dangerous. He half suspects already. Up the stairs quick! We must wait till she’s alone.

You blundering fool!

Don’t, Ravvy, it’s my first offence.

Why, from our friend the Vicomte, as you should have guessed.

He our friend I can scarce believe!

Of course not. He is your hated rival. But, if he does all he has promised, you may yet live to thank and bless him for your happiness.

My Erminie!

Hmm! All right, Mam’selle, nobody here but me!

That’s all. Nobody here but….

How dare you make me tell Mam’selle a story like that, please? The Vicomte is not in the supper-room. He left the table with his friend the Baron, so Simon says.

Seek him, Eugène. He is a stranger to the Château and may have lost his way. I must see him to-night. Look through the corridors.

What are you standing there for, stupid? Didn’t you hear Mam’selle say she must see the Vicomte to-night?

I’ve enough of him to-night and a great deal too much of the other swells. What was that Captain saying to you?

Oh, he was only asking if I’d seen the Sergeant.

Couldn’t he ask without kissing you?

Oh, that was an accident.

Why, you jealous simpleton, he was going to whisper but, the corridor being dark, he mistook my mouth for my ear.

He’d better mind I don’t mistake his cranium for a hogshead and tap it.

You go along and search the corridor for the Vicomte.

You come along with me to insure against accidents. I want no more mistakes in your military manoeuvres.

It is useless. Your father is obdurate. I cannot move him.

Then there is no hope? No way?

With you?

No, such happiness is not for me. With Eugène.

That would be delightful. I wonder he never proposed it.

You are not serious, Erminie?

Indeed I am if it can be done.

But you are not counting on Eugène. Will he be agreeable?

No, I’m afraid he will never consent to carry me off.

A mere detail. Then you must carry him off!

It’s deliciously romantic, but I’m afraid you mustn’t think of it. You can’t go this way.

Yes I can, and take you with me. To go alone wouldn’t be at all proper.

My friend the Baron….

How are you, girls?

… has promised every assistance. Send your authority and he’ll make all arrangements with the grooms. The regular postilions we must dispense with. My friend will act in that capacity.

No, I was never on a hoss….

The Baron is an accomplished horseman. Who can you send with him to the stables?

Where is Javotte?

I’m here, Mam’selle.

I understand, Mam’selle. Simon shall go. He’s not far away.

Shall we require to take anything?

Well, a change….

You may be away some days. It may take time to bend your father’s will.

Then we must get our trunks from the storeroom.

That might arouse suspicion.

Very probably. A few necessaries, trifles, knickknacks.

Trifles we have a knack o’ nicking,

Your jewelry.

Jewelry?!

You see, jewelry can always be changed back to money on a pinch .

Not a pinch back jewelry.

Here’s Simon, Mam’selle.

Simon, take this gentleman to the stables. Tell Joliquet whatever instructions he may give are to be obeyed to the letter.

Yes, Mam’selle. This way, my Lord.

If I could find Benedic and get a drop of summat to steady my nerves. I’m trembling like a jelly-fish.

Good horses, mind. Be steady and cautious.

I’ll bring a jackass.

Cerise

Come then, Javotte. Be diligent and don’t betray us.

If I breath a word, may I never get married!

Tell Eugène nothing. Say only he is to meet you in the garden at three.

By that time we shall be clean away. I have four packages in readiness. The Baron will assist me to take them to the chaise.

Look, this is my dressing-room. The chambers are beyond.

How shall we find it again in the dark? A light might attract attention. And the doors in this corridor are all so much alike.

We will place a sentry.

Yes, this stand of armour. My great grand uncle René. We will drag him to the right side of our door.

Capital! That will be our guide.

Come, Princess!

Be cautious! The guests are approaching. The party is breaking up.

Delighted, Princess. Your room is here.

Here is your door, Chevalier.

Thanks!

What is that?

That? The armour of a famous warrior, my grand-uncle René.

How nice! So like poor, dear Gramponeur. Where is the dear Baron? He is so clever. He has taken my watch to regulate.

He is making an important astronomical calculation. He is taking the altitude of a star.

Just like poor, dear Gramponeur.

Come, Eugène, you shall accompany me on my rounds. Once more, friends, good night!

’TIS GROWING LATE, ’TIS GROWING LATE,

Good night, Princess, and pleasant dreams.

Have you succeeded?

All will be well. Have not time to impart more now. Meet me in the garden at three.

At three in the garden. Can I?

If you can’t, I must ask the Vicomte.

Eugène.

Yes, Marquis, I’m coming.

First, to move the sentinel.

The stand of armour?

Yes, here he is.

Now there he is.

They can’t very well miss that.

Now to collect our things. Oh, how nervous I’m getting!

Come, Eugène, we must go down and see our friends depart.

The devil!

Chevalier, you here?

Yes, if you’ll allow me, I’ll go down with you, get a little air and look at the moon.

As you please, Chevalier.

You’re unused to these late hours. Come along!

Just so. Come along!

Why don’t these old fools go to bed? Caddy, Caddy! No matter! He knows - the room next the figure. I must help those girls with our plunder. There’ll be a dearth of jewelry to-morrow! Ah, here is the silent sentry! This then is the room.

Ravvy! Ravvy! Ravvy is so reckless! It’s the biggest plant I ever was in, and if I’m nabbed it’ll be the biggest tree I ever was up. I’ve had 14 days, 8 months four times, 1 year twice, 7 years unfinished. This’ll be a fourteen penn’orth if I can’t prove a halibi. Eh? What? What did you say?

Oh, it’s the old iron image. Right. He marks the room. The door at the side. Which side? Right can’t be wrong. So here goes.

The wrong room. I’m innocent. I can prove a halibi!

Eh? What? My room is somewhere here.

It’s scandalous. I never…!

Princess! Chevalier! What has happened?

Seize this iniquitous old man!

Pray be calm! Let us avoid raising the house. What has occurred?

He has unblushingly intruded upon the privacy of my apartment.

No! No!

Dare you deny? I caught you here at the very door trying to make your escape.

Believe me, there is some mistake.

Indeed, Princess, the Chevalier was with us but this moment.

Pray retire, Princess. I will make all enquiries. I am assured the Chevalier is a….

… a bold, bad man. I would secure my door were I not so afraid of ghosts.

Make your mind easy, Princess. The Ponverts have all died natural deaths.

How nice! Just like poor, dear Gramponeur. Thank you, gentlemen, so much.

It is really a great deal past my comprehension. The Princess is perfectly sane, I trust.

She’s been dreaming of you, Chevalier. It will be all right in the morning. Here’s your room. Now, who’s been moving Uncle René’s armour?

The servants must have been making some changes.

They know my objection to changes, or ought to by this time. Good night, Chevalier. You’ll be better in bed. Here you are on the right of Uncle René.

Better in bed on the right of Uncle René.

Come to my room, Eugène, and we will talk over these suspicions of yours.

Ever thoughtful for our affairs. How different from that puppy, the Vicomte. Ah, if you and Erminie…. But there! Regrets are useless.

Oh, sir!

Am I dreaming? Believe me, sir….

Yes, I know, it can’t be helped. If people don’t fancy each other, they don’t.

Caddy! Oh, what? Not there! I thought I heard him.

My light is out.

Most annoying! If I could but find my way to the Marquis’s room.

Sh! Are you there?

Am I here?

You idiot! Surely you know if you’re there or not?

Yes, I am here.

I’m glad you’ve made up your mind. Where the devil have you been so long?

Where the devil have you been so long?

Don’t keep echoing my words! Come here! Take hold of this bundle! Reach out, can’t you? Why, you’re shaking like a dice-box!

What am I to do with it?

What am I to do with it? Didn’t we arrange it before?

Did we?

Take it into the bottom of the stairs. Make no mistake, or I’ll strangle you.

I’m going. Preserve me! I’m engaged in a burglary! Oh, Mr. Confederate, don’t kill me!

All’s clear, if things can be clear when they’re not at all clear. The darkness is clear enough. If this isn’t darkness, I don’t know darkness when I see it.

Hello! Can’t you look where you’re passing? Oh, it’s the tin-man!

Sh! Have you come back?

Of course, I should ha’ bin here before, but I got twisted.

You have been here before. What do you mean?

Have I? I didn’t know.

Have you taken the bundle?

No, I’ve come for it.

Come for what?

The bundle, o’ course.

You had it.

Yes, I dropped it off the stairs.

Yes, yes, who else? No fooling!

How do I know who else?

No fooling!

That’s just what I say. Turn it up!

Fool! Come inside and get the jewelry.

What the deuce is that? There’s an alarm.

It’s all up. I’m innocent. I can prove a halibi.

Up the stairs quick! Throw down your bundle! Quick, quick!

What’s the matter? Here, the chamber of the Princess.

Save me! Help, help!

Chevalier!!!!

That libertine again! Now, Marquis, I shall be believed.

No, no, I am innocent. It’s a mistake. I have been half-murdered. There are burglars in this house.

Burglars??!!

Erminie! Cerise! What is this?

Oh, Papa, forgive me. I was going to elope.

With the Vicomte?

No! With Eugène!

How dare…?

Sir…, I….

Oh, he knew nothing about it. I was going to carry him off.

The Vicomte promised to help us.

Marquis, a serious imposition has been practised on you. The pretended Vicomte is no other than the notorious thief Ravannes.

Ravannes?!

How different from his friend the Baron!

The supposed Baron is really none other than Ravannes’s companion, the escaped convict Cadeaux.

Don’t you interfere!

Marquis, may I have the honor of introducing myself? Ernest, Vicomte de Brissac.

Ernest!

Cerise!

There will be no difficulty in arranging matters here, I see.

This is Eugène’s dearest companion.

And Cerise’s fondest friend.

So like poor, dear Gramponeur.

Ah, ladies, sorry our little trip was interrupted!

Ah, Princess, how different it might ‘ave bin, if they wasn’t as they is.

There’s Eugène, Papa.

Well, Eugène, what do you say?

Oh, Sir, what could I say?

How nice!

The blushing brides who owe to us their happiness will plead in our defence.