He Who Gets Slapped. Leonid Andreyev

      It is not flattery.

      Mancini

      You are evidently not accustomed to good society, my dear. Flattery? This gentleman expresses his admiration in sincere and beautiful words—and you—you are not educated, Zinida. As for myself——

      [Enter Consuelo and Bezano in circus costume.]

      Consuelo

      You here, Daddy?

      Mancini

      Yes, my child, you are not tired? [Kisses her on the forehead.] My daughter, sir, Countess Veronica. Known on the stage as Consuelo, The Bareback Tango Queen. Did you ever see her?

      Gentleman

      I have enjoyed her work. It is marvellous!

      Mancini

      Yes! Of course. Everyone admits it. And how do you like the name, Consuelo? I took it from the novel of George Sand. It means "Consolation."

      Gentleman

      What a wonderful knowledge of books!

      Mancini

      A small thing. Despite your strange intention, I can see, sir, that you are a gentleman. My peer! Let me explain to you, that only the strange and fatal misfortunes of our ancient family—"sic transit gloria mundi," sir.

      Consuelo

      It's a bore, Daddy—— Where's my handkerchief, Alfred?

      Bezano

      Here it is.

      Consuelo

      [Showing the handkerchief to the gentleman]: Genuine Venetian. Do you like it?

      Gentleman

      [Again bowing]: My eyes are dazzled, how beautiful! Papa Briquet, the more I look around me the more I want to stay with you. [Makes the face of a simpleton.] On the one hand a count, on the other——

      Jackson

      [Nods approval]: That's not bad. Look here, think a bit—find something. Everyone here thinks for himself.