Alas! No. But I will be exceedingly grateful if you will teach me. A clown! My childhood's dream. When all my school friends were thrilled by Plutarch's heroes, or the light of science--I dreamed of clowns. Beethoven on a broom, Mozart on bottles! Just what I have sought all my life! Friends, I must have a costume!
I see you don't know much! A costume [_putting his finger on his forehead_] is a thing which calls for deep thought. Have you seen my Sun here? [_Strikes his posterior._] I looked for it two years.
It is time for me to go. Consuelo, my child, you must get dressed. [_To HE._] We are lunching with Baron Regnard, a friend of mine, a banker.
But I don't want to go, Daddy. Alfred says I must rehearse to-day.
[_Horrified, holding up his hands_]: Child, think of me, and what a situation you put me in! I promised the Baron, the Baron expects us. Why, it is impossible! Oh, I am in a cold sweat.
[_Drily_]: She has to work. Are you rested? Then come on.
But--the devil take me if I know what to make of it. Hey, Bezano, bareback rider! Are you crazy? I gave you permission for Art's sake, to exercise my daughter's talent--and you----
Go along, Papa, and don't be so silly. We've got to work, haven't we? Have lunch along with your Baron. And Daddy, you forgot to take a clean handkerchief again, and I washed two for you yesterday. Where did you put them?
[_Ashamed, blushing_]: Why, my linen is washed by the laundress, and you, Consuelo, are still playing with toys. It is stupid! You're a chatter-box. You don't think. These gentlemen might imagine Heaven knows what. How stupid. I'm off.
Do you want me to write him a little note?
[_Angrily_]: A little note? Your little notes would make a horse laugh! Good-bye.
[_He goes out toying angrily with his cane. The clowns follow him respectfully, playing a funeral march. HE and_ JACKSON _laugh. The actors disappear one by one._]
[_Laughing_]: Do I really write so badly? And I love so to write. Did you like my note, Alfred--or did you laugh, too?
[_Blushing_]: No, I did not. Come on, Consuelo.
[_They go, and meet_ ZINIDA, _entering. Consuelo passes on._]
[_Politely_]: Yes. To-day is a very bad day. How are your lions, Zinida? I think the weather affects them.