Yes, every queen. Beauty has her fool. Wisdom, too. Oh, how many fools she has! Her court is overcrowded with enamoured fools, and the sound of slaps does not cease, even through the night. But I never received such a sweet slap as the one given by my little queen. [_Someone appears at the door._ HE _notices it, and continues to play, making many faces_.] Clown HE can have no rival! Who is there who could stand such a deluge of slaps, such a hail-storm of slaps, and not get soaked? [_Feigns to cry aloud._] "Have pity on me. I am but a poor fool!"
[_Enter two men: an actor, dressed as a bareback rider, and a gentleman from the audience. He is spare, dressed in black, very respectable. He carries his hat in his hand._]
[_Laughing, embarrassed_]: HE, there is someone here. Stop!
[_Gets up_]: Who is it? Who dares to intrude in the castle of my queen?
[_HE stops, suddenly. Consuelo, laughing, jumps up and runs away, after a quick glance at the gentleman._]
You cheered me up, HE. Good-bye. [_At the door_] You shall get a note to-morrow.
[_Laughing_]: A jolly fellow, sir. You wanted to see him? There he is. HE, the gentleman wants to see you.
[_In a depressed voice_]: What can I do for you?
[_The actor bows, and goes away, smiling. Both men take a step toward each other._]
Must I believe my eyes? Is this _you_, Mr.----
[_In a rage_]: My name here is HE. I have no other name, do you hear? HE Who Gets Slapped. And if you want to stay here, don't forget it.
You are so familiar. As far as I can remember----
We are all familiar, here. [_Contemptuously_] Besides, that's all you deserve, anywhere.
[_Humbly_]: You have not forgiven me, HE? [_Silence._]
Are you here with my wife? Is she, too, in the circus?
[_Quickly_]: Oh, no! I am alone. She stayed there!
[_Humbly_]: No--we have--a son. After your sudden and mysterious disappearance--when you left that strange and insulting letter----
[_Laughs_]: Insulting? You are still able to feel insults? What are you doing here? Were you looking for me, or is it an accident?
I have been looking for you, for half a year--through many countries. And suddenly, to-day--by accident, indeed--I had no acquaintances here, and I went to the circus. We must talk things over ... HE, I implore you. [_Silence._]