ACT II
SCENE I
Room in the Cottage of Dame Babette, R. H. F. open door, L. H. F. large open window, showing a country scene. Chamber door right and left. Dame Babette with a letter in her hand. Jaqueline, seated on a low stool at window, making garlands of small green branches. Chairs and tables, jug and tin cup on table.
Bab
Well, well, the Duke must be obeyed - and I must say nothing of his being a Duke; - but no fear of that - I never talk. He will be here presently, and I mustsend for Blanche. Poor little Blanche, she will lose her May-day sport; but then the honor of receiving a Duke! Here, Jaqueline, child, throw down those garlands, run to the green, and tell Blanche she must hasten home directly.
Jaq
Not I, indeed, mother! Bid Blanche hasten home on May-day? I shan't think of such a thing. Besides, Blanche begged me to weave more garlands for the may-pole.
Bab
Never mind the garlands, chatterbox; go and tell Blanche she cannot dance upon the green to-day. I need her home.
Jaq
(still working at the garland) Just as if the villagers would let her go, mother! They can do nothing without Blanche! They would come and carry her away by force.
Bab
Stop talking, nimble-tongue! What a fondness these young ones have for chattering. Ah! they'll be as silent as I am when they grow old ! There! (snatching away the garland,) leave the green things and go!
Jaq
Blanche won't come - I wouldn't if I were she. Oh! I'll go; but Blanche shall have her garlands, if I make tbem on the road, (gathers up the garlands.) Who do you suppose would disappoint our Blanche ? (runs out door, off L.
Bab
How fast the child talks! Where she got her fondness for chattering, I can't tell; her poor father was as silent as a post, and I'm sure its not from me.
Enter Jaqueline, running, R. D. F.
Jaq
Didn't I tell you, mother, they would never let Blanche come? She insisted, and the villagers insisted on coming along with her, and they intend to carry her away again, (rustic music without.) Hark! there is the music, they will be here in a moment.
Bab
The villagers coming here! Oh dear, Oh dear, I shall be ruined if the Duke finds them. Run, tell Blanche that I want her alone, and they must not enter. Tell her my poor neck - no, no, - tell her they must not come in.
Jaq
I'll tell her, hut she wont mind; I wouldn't if I were she. (Exit. c. off L. R. D. F.
Bab
(music) There they come sure enough! Oh, dear, what shall I do to get rid of them! If the Duke finds them and gets angry, I shall die of fright! Oh! my poor neck - I shall never again be sure that I have it on my shoulders. Blanche! Blanche! Is Blanche coming? (Music, piano, through speech - stop at end of it.
Enter BLANCHE, R. D. F.
Blan
Yes, Dame, here is Blanche.
Bab
Good child! Good child!
Blan
Nay, Dame, pay homage to our Majesty! I'm chosen Queen, dear Dame, the Queen of May! You do not smile - prithee, what serious thought has cast its grave reflection on thy face?
Bab
I was thinking how beautiful a crown - a real crown - a crown of gold and jewels - would look upon your head.
Blan
A crown? Why you are dreaming, Dame, at mid-day!
Bab
And if I am, there's something, sometimes, in some dreams - but I say nothing - only wouldn't you like to dream of wearing such a crown?
Blan
No, in good sooth, not I! This woven band Of dewy wild flowers lightlier girds my head, and circles in its ring but happy thoughts! Then for my King - whom think you I have chosen!
Bab
Wait 'till you see the King himself.
Blan
Has he a nobler mien - a loftier look - a braver, truer, purer heart than Armand?
Bab
Have you forgotten the cavalier who walked with us in the Gardens of Versailles?
Blan
No, I remember him, - 'twas but last night.
Bab
Then listen, what would you say if he were the King! the true King! Louis XV., the King of France! Oh dear! what would you say to that?
Blan
Why if he were the King - in truth the King - I could but say that wayward nature played on fortune's favorite a most idle trick! While to the humble artizan she gave the aspect, soul, and bearing of a king.
Bab
Oh dear, Oh dear! what a young traitor! Its very fine talk - yet for all that there's a great difference between your Armand and the King - I mean the cavalier.