Of such a mistress one can well be proud!
It"s honorable, and it gives one style.
"Tis in good taste. If men ask who you are They say, "Beloved of Marion de Lorme."
[_Didier gives him back the portrait; he refuses it._
No, keep the portrait; since the lady"s yours, It should belong to you. Keep it, I pray.
DIDIER.
I thank you! [_Puts it in his breast._
SAVERNY.
She is charming in that dress.
So you are my successor! One might say, As King Louis succeeded Pharamond.
The Brissacs, both of them, supplanted me.
[_Laughing._] Then, yes, the Cardinal himself came next, Then little D"Effiat, then the three Sainte-Mesmes, The four Argenteans! In her heart you"ll find The best society. [_Laughing._] A little numerous.
DIDIER (_aside_).
My G.o.d!
SAVERNY.
Tell me about it some time. Now, To be quite frank with you, I pa.s.s for dead, And in the morning shall be buried. You Must have escaped police and seneschals.
Your Marion can manage everything!
You joined a strolling company by chance; What a delightful history!
DIDIER.
Yes, true It is a history!
SAVERNY.
To get you out She probably made love to all the jailers.
DIDIER (_in a voice of thunder_).
Do you think that?
SAVERNY.
You are not jealous--what?
Oh, joke incredible!--of Marion!
A man jealous of Marion! The poor child!
Don"t go and scold her!
DIDIER.
Have no fear. [_Aside._] The angel-- It was a demon! Oh, my G.o.d!
[_Enter Laffemas and Gracieux. Didier goes out; Saverny follows him._
SCENE VIII
Laffemas, Gracieux
GRACIEUX (_to Laffemas_).
My lord, I do not understand you!
[_Aside._] Humph! A costume Of Alcaid and a figure of police; Small eyes, adorned with big eyebrows! I think He plays the part of Alguazil in this Locality.
LAFFEMAS (_pulling out his purse_).
My friend!
GRACIEUX (_drawing near, low to Laffemas_).
My lord--I see!
Chimene has interested you. You wish To know--
LAFFEMAS (_low, smiling_).
Who is her Roderick?
GRACIEUX.
You mean Her lover?
LAFFEMAS.
Yes!
GRACIEUX.
Who groans beneath her spell?
LAFFEMAS (_impatiently_).
There"s one?
GRACIEUX.
Of course!
LAFFEMAS (_approaching him eagerly_).
Then show him to me, quick!