52
A LEGHORN HAT
- Anais (With the hat upon her head, drawing near, with arms crossed).—Ah! So, I've found you at last, have I?
- Beauperthuis (Astonished).—My wife!
- Anais.—So, this is the way you conduct yourself?
- Beauperthuis (Aside).—She has the hat!
- Anais.—Gadding about the streets at such an hour...!
- Beauperthuis.—Leghorn straw!
- Fadinard.—And red poppies!
- Anais.—Allowing me to go home alone, at midnight, when, ever since morning, I have awaited you, at Cousin Eloa's..!
- Beauperthuis.—Allow me, Madame... Your cousin Eloa...
- Fadinard.—She has the hat!
- Beauperthuis.—You said you were going to buy suede gloves. It does not require fourteen hours to do that...
- Fadinard.—She has the hat!
- Anais (To Fadinard).—Sir, I have not the advantage...
- Fadinard.—Nor I, either... but you have the hat! (Turning to the guardsmen.) Has Madame her hat?
- All.—She has her hat!
- Beauperthuis (To Fadinard). — But, Sir, that horse in the wood, at Vincennes...
- Fadinard.—He has the hat!
- Nonancourt (Appearing in an upper window of the Post).—It's all right, Son-in-law! It's all fixed up!
- Fadinard (To Beauperthius). — Sir, I present my father-in-law...
- Nonancourt (From the window).—Your man told us the whole affair... It's excellent... quite chivalrous! Quite French! I give you my daughter... I give you the basket... I give you my myrtle... Get us out of custody!
- Fadinard (To the corporal). — Sir, would it be proper to ask for the release of my bridal party?
- Corporal. — Certainly, Sir . . . (Calling.) Release the party! (The party issues from the Post. They surround, and kiss Fadinard.)
- Vézinet (Recognizing the hat upon Anais' head). —Oh, but this lady—
- Fadinard.—Put that man out!
- Beauperthuis (To Vézinet). — What, Sir?
- Vézinet. — She has the hat!
- Beauperthuis. — Yes, I'm in the wrong; she has the hat...
