UC-NRLF DI55 *B ^MT Tb? I /Uo^ I ^A^j/\r/i.rr7J/ fAijyC^AAjit/rUj&;fA/. ^/jJ^ytmy) 4. Digitized by tine Internet Archive . in 2007 witin funding from \ :l IVIicrosoft Corporation ^ - ^ .i ' http://www.arcliive.org/details/frobt|:oucomedyofOOdalyrich 7Mx)v NO. CCCUX FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA. ''FROU FROU;" A Comeily of PowerM Hnian Interest, BY AUGUSTIN DALY, ESQ., , ^UTHOK OP the Gaslight," «'Flas^ wul- ine, what's he been saying? Fail [r. h. corner.'] Saying, sir ? [Valreas vwiions her to stop Brig [Sitting c] Yes, saying. Pau He called Mademoiselle Gilberte Frou Frou, and asked if she bad a heart. Brig [Pretending seriousness.'] What? Val I didn't say anything. Brig [To Pauline.] That'll do. Go to Gilberte! [Exit Pauline, B. 1 E.] So you' ve been tr3dng to find out whether Gilberte has a heart, eh? [Looks at Baroness and pauses.] WelTf, I'll talk to you presehtly ; I must go and dress, and mind, before I come back, don't make anatomical investigations through any of the other servants. [Exits R. 1 E. Val [Following him to the door.] Well, it's no harm, everyone has a heart. I didn't ask about her fortune or anything else that was mean. B'ness Oh, Valreas! Valreas! Vol [Assuming air of gallantry/.] Well, what have I done now ? [Crosses to c. B'ness [Looking at him through eye-glass.] I have known you for foui years now, and if I were called upon to say what you are, I should be puzzled for an answer. Fa/ [Making a gesture of surprise.] What /am ? B'ness Yes, what you are. Vol [Approaching her.] I am only a poor devil who is dying of love for you. B'ness Yes, I know— you* ve said that for four years and I see you are alive yet. Vol For four years and no intermission for refreshments. B'ness Nonsense ! you've been here two days and, during that time you've done nothing but make love to little Gilberte. 'Val [Sitting beside her.] Don't you see that W^as only a little maneuver of mine ? B'ness To make n\e jealous? Val Yes. B'ness But how about that widow ? Val Widow? What wido\w? B'ness Who is dying of love for you, who is determined to get a husband and who has followed you from Paris down to this place. Don t deny it. / know. Val You know? [Baroness nods yes.] Who told you ? B'ness Aha ! [Rises and crosses B. Val [Aside.] It's that rogue Brigard ! [Rising.] Ah, I see yon fTon't believe in the deep ardor of my affection. You won't. B'ness [Meeting him c] No I won't. Vd Decidedly? B'ness Decidedly ! Vol Then I'm perfectly right in lavi^iing the ardor of my affeo- 6 FROU FROU. tion oil Brigard'3 little daughter. And yoa know wbat the oonse quences will be ? B'ness [In surprise.'] The consequences ? Val Yes ! — a wedding. I?ness What ? You marry ? [YALEEAa nods.l You marry ? Val Certainly! Won't she make a delicious little countess?— and the day we are married, what a gay, delightful, happy, joyous wed- ding we will have— with - B'ness With music hy Offenbach ? Vol vvell, why not ? And then there are typographical and geo- graphical reasons why we should marry. [Goes tip to c. arch.] Tiiere on the right, is the chateau of our friend Sartorys ; at tM left, yonder, mine ; and this one we are in makes a third, which my friend Biigard bought two years ago. Doesn't it strike you as odd now, as a sort of destiny, that Brigard, with his two marriageable daughters, should come and settle here, between two bachelors — Sartorys and myself? B'ntss It's quite delightful to hear you, I declare. [Returns to sofa. Val [cl You must acknowledge that Providence never more clearly mamfeste^l its intentions. Neither Sartorys nor I will oppose fate. First mairiage, Md'lle Louise Brigard and Mon. Henri Sartorys; music by Haydn, solenm, grand ; a union of w^isdom and reason. Second marriage, Mdlle Gilberte and your humble servant ; a union of just the opposite. B'nesi How do you know, sir, that M. Sartorys loves Louise and wishes to marry her ? Val How do I know ? Why has he who never before spent a fort- night down at his chateau, now remained here — let me see — more than two months ? Why, unless he wishes to marry her, does he come here every day ? B'ness [Rising.] Well, that's something. Vol [Grossing l.] And then he's so well suited to her. Ha'g quiet and she's so quiet. B'ness [c] But suppose that — Val [Going to her quickly.] What ? Enier Bakon de Cambri, l. c , carrying a tin hox^ such as Botanists coUa their herbs in, on his shoulder. IVears a vnde, ^iie hat. B'ness [Quietly.] Nothing. Baron Here I am, my dear. Val Ah ! good morning, Baron. What have you brought bacl from your early botanical excursion ? Baron Well, not much luck to-day. [To Baroness.] Here, m] love, is something which I selected for you. [Offering an insignificai\ black flower.] Ugly, but very rare. I dug it out of a mud-bank, mi darling, at the risk of my life. B'7iess Dug it out of a mud-bank for me ? Really, you are too good I don't care to rob the mud-bank. FROU FROU. 7 • Barm But, my dear, you don't know what this is— it is die far- fomed Achyrophorous Calendula Borkorsia Alpina. Val What? Baron The far-famed Achyrophorous Calendula Borkorsia Alpina. B'ness I don't care what it is. What have 1 told you, sir, re- peatedly ? Baron Told me, my angel ? B'ness Havn't I forbidden you ever to appear before me with that abominable tin box, and those dirty rocks and rubbish ? Baron Certainly, my love. You have told me in the most positive manner. I will go and put the dirty rocks and rubbish in the next room and return immediately. [EzUs l. u. e. Val [ Watching his exit and then quicJd?/.] Come, Baroness, you were about to say, just now — B'ness [Crossing l.] I? When? Val When I spoke of a marriage between Louise and Sartorys — B'ness Oh, yes, I remember. I was about to say that it is evident you are in love with Gilberte, even if he be not with Louise. But I must go dress for dinner. \Cartseys elaborately and exits l. 1. e. laughing. Val {Taking the stage to r.] Certanly I am in love. Re-enter Baeon tmihout box. Baron You see, my love, that it is only necessary for you to express a desire for to — [Sees, for the first time^ that the Baroness has departed. Val She's gone. Baron. {Sits r. beside table. Baron Gone, eh! well that's just like her. It's the Baroness all over. You enter the room — "Go out" she says, "and don't return until you have done this or that for penance." " You go out, you submit You come back only to find that she's gone out herself and there are vou, as it were, completely wrung out. That's my wife. Val Ah ! indeed 1 Baron Don't sit there and say " ah ! indeed !" in that way. You know it as well as I do. Val Who? I? Baron Oh, yes! you, and a good many others. [Valreas leans forward^ You are not the only one who has been trying to make love to her. [Valreas draws 6acA;.] Oh, I've had my eye on aU your maneuvers. Val [Law^As.] What an interesting subject of contemplation. Baron Oh, yes! I've watched you all and I've pitied you. Val REAS becomes serious and angry. 1 Oh ! I could tell you some of the drollest things about the other poor devils. [Laughs andthen siuldenly.] But it would take too long. Let's speak of you alone Now, for in- stance — Val [Assuming virtuous air.'] Me ! Never ! never ! Baron Oh, yes, you ! You have tried three times to make love to my wife The first attempt, as was natural, the day after that on « FROU FROU. • which I introduced you to her. The second— two years afterwaidi at the races. You remember, you rode a yellow horse there, as an amatem- jockey, and you thought that by exhibiting vourself in an orange-colored jacket without any tails, and on a yellow horse, you could make an impression, ha ! ha ! Well, the Baroness and I had a good laugh over you that day. The third attempt, you have made here m this house. [Valreas stirts] And it was because vour third attempt was as unfortunate as the two first that you have commenced to adore little Frou Frou. •J FaZ Pooh! You've been dreamini::. Baron Oh, you're right to ^ve up the idea. The Baroness is not the woman to be made love to. Her temper is— is— so— so— well, it's tremendously unpleasant for me, but it reassures me as to every <^t^^rman. [Eisim. Vol iRising.'] I congratulate. Baron 0\i\ you needn't be sarcastic. T don't mind your temper, any more than your love making [Crosses to l.] It's no go, my dear boy, it's no go ; so don't waste any more time over it. [Saunters off^ l. 1 £. EnUr Brigard, r. 1b., dressed fcrr dinner. Brig Hallo, are you still there ? Val Yes, I waited, because I wished to speak with you. Bxig Well, it's about time we had a little serious conversation. Val I really believe it is. Brig^ Gilberte has been telling me that while you were riding with her this morning, you began to talk in a singular manner about hearts, and affections, and other etceteras. Now what have you been saying to her? Val Nothing that a young lady could not listen to. Brig Oh ! you think so do you ? Val Certainly, since I have made a resolution to turn over a new leaf and make amends for all my past follies. Brig What? Val Yes, I've made up my mind to marry. Brig You marry ? Val Yes, why not ? I was never more serious. Brig That's not saying much. Now listen to me, my boy, I like you very much, really, very much. I've been about town with you for a couple of years; in fact, I showed you life when you first came to Paris. We've had jolly times together, and I like no one better than you. But as for giving you my daughter, never, as long as 1 live, friend of my bosom. Val Why not? I would make her perfectly happy. In the firs! place, she would be a countess. Bng [Crossing to sofa, l.] Oh ! that's nothing. Val Why not ? Brig ^Putting his hands in his pocMs and unintentionally jingling money.] You know, my dear fellow, if 1 chose, I could have a duke. \^Sits. FROU FROU. 9 uraph! well it's rather bad taste to jingle your moi/cy in ihat way at me. Brig Why, I never dreamed of such a thing, especially to yon, w^ho are richer than I. Besides, I take it all back about the duke. Vol [o.] And you will give me your daughter ? Brig What ! my little Frou Frou ? My little tempest ? My little darling ? Most certainly [VALREAS/Mmps towards him as Brigard rises,'] not! Val [Nettled.'] Why so, since you like me ? Brtg It's precisely because I do like you, or rather on account of the reasons that I like you. You see ? You are too jolly a com- panion to be trusted as a son-in-law ? Besides, there's that widow who is after you. FaZ Devil take the widow. For two days I have taken refuge under your roof to avoid her. Doesn't that prove there's nothing serious in that quarter ? Bnrj Ah ! you rogue. You can't tell me. Widows don't run about after handsome boys like you without encouragement. Val But I'm determined to have nothing to do with her, to be- come a new man. I really believe if I had some friend who would stand by me now I might become worthy of existence and not the cursed nonentity I have been. Brig [Eying him closely.'] You really wish then — Val [Grasping his hand warmly.] Will you? Brig [Bursiizg out laughing.] Oh, anything to oblige a friend. Val What do you mean ? Brig Oh ! nothing. I'm going to drive the widow away. [Going c. Val That's right, and when you return I will address you formally with my request. Brig [Stops.] What request? Val Why, my request for your daughter, of course. Brig What ! you've got back to that again, have you? Enter Louise, r. 1. e. Ah I EiOuise, you've just come in time. [To Yalreas.] Now talk to her about your preposterous ideas. Louise [c] What ideas? Brig Come, out with it. Val [r. c] Oh ! you needn't try to frighten me. Brig [Returning, takes Louise's hand.] It is perfectly well understood in this household, that in this little brain [Tapping her forehead.] dwells all the wisdom of the Brigard family ; andlhat all questions of serious import must be referred to Louise. Louise Well? [Seriously. Val Well, I've just asked of your father, the hand of Md'llt Gilberte in marriage. Louue The hand of Gilberte ? [Surprised and then smiling. yai [Serimisly.] What do you answer, Mademoiselle ? FKOU FROU. Louise [c.'J My answer is, that if you do not make haste and dica for dinner, the same thing will happen to-day that occurred yester»«^ day — you will be late. Brig \jL. c] There, arc you satisfied ? Val Very well, as no one will listen to me seriously — Louise [Oi-ossitig l.] Go and dress for dinner. Brig [Adde. to Valreas ] You still authorize me to go to thai wi'low. Val [With dignity.] Certainly, sir. Brig Then I'm going. [Exits c. and L. Louise [To Valreas ] Hr.^n't you gone yet ? I shan't go until you tell me why you oppose my marrying Gilberts Louise Well, I suppose I must, or you'll never be ready. Enter Vincent, l. c. Vincent Mon. de Sartorys. Louise rises and turns towards c. and l. as if with pleasure as SARTORTi enters c, and Yisceut goes out. Sartorys Mademoiselle. [Bows to Louise. Louise Did you see my father ? Sar I've just met him. [To Valreas.] I hope you are well, Paul ? Val [Mournfully.] Very well — that is, when I say very well— ah ! my dear friend, if you only knew how they treat me in this house. Louise [To Valreas.] You'll never be ready for dinner. Val [To Louise, who looks at him^ laughing.] I'm going ! I'm going I [Exits l. 1 E. , sighing. Louise [To Sartorys.] How late you are to-day ! [Her manner must evince love for him and pleasure in his company. Sht motions to a chair ; they sit^ Sar [Serioiisly.] I suppose I'm late, because I left home earlier thac usual. [Louise /aw/jr/i^.] I'll explain. I was in such a hurry to get here that I started from the Chateau at a full gallop : but, when I got within a hundred paces of the gate, I stopped, turned my horse, and for a whole hour, walked him about the neighborhood. I came back to the gate three times and three times turned away again. The fourth time, however, I did like all cowards when they make up their minds to be brave. I plunged in head foremost and here I am a little later than usual, perhaps, but still, here I am. Louise [Who has followed him with interest and laughingly, but now 6e- ginning to show her emotion.] What was the cause of this hesitation ? Sar It is because I have decided to say something to-day that I have wished to say for the last month. That is the reasoL why I trembled all the way here and wliy I still— Louise [Confused.] If what you have to say is so very serious— Sar [Earnestly.] It is. Tjouise [Moved.] Perhaps you had better wait— Sar Oh no, I must positively go through with it to-day. Besides, ' before i speak I can gain courage by remembering how good yo« FROU FROU. 11 have always been to me. And then, your father authorized me to— Louise Oh ! if papa — Sar He did ! and more than that, he said I must first speak to you. Louise ^J)eep emotion.] To me ! Sar [Taking her hand.] Have you not guessed ? I am in love. Louise [Scarcely atidible.] You love ! Sar Yes ! I love, madly, devotedly — your sister ! Gilberte ! [Louise as if petrified, at first says nothing, simply raises her eyes to Sar- TORYS, then — Louise Gilberte ! Sar Did you not suspect it ? Louise [Breathless.] No. Sar [ Without looking at her and as if speaking to nimsdf.] It seemed tc me as if everybody must have noticed it. Louise You love my sister ? Sar Yes, and that is why I appeal to that friendship which you have always shown me. Tell me, then, what you think of this avowal which I have just made ? [Pause.] You do not answer. Louise 1 understand you perfectly. You love Gilberte and you ask me — Sir If you approve of this marriage. Louise [Crossing before him.] I approve — T approve of it. Sar [Rising.] You will be on my side then ? Louise Yes, for I know of no man more worthy, no one who could — better than you — Sar [Interrupting her and taking her hand, which she withdraws in paii.] Thank you, Louise, thank you. Louise [Slowly and looking at him with a melancholy smile.] At first I was surprised, you understand ? It is necessary, you know, to be- come accustomed to an idea. And now — I am so. [This said after a struggle loith her own emotions, which she conceals from Sartorts.] You are just the husband I would have chosen for her, for I have often thought of Gilberte' s marriage, and sometimes with fear. Her wil- fulness and frivolity have made me tremble for the future. [Sits on sofa. Sar Ah ! Louise And I have nover thought until this moment, that in order to save her from any danger, it was only necessary to give her to a man like you. Sar Do not let us blame what you call her frivolity, for I confes? to you it is a little on account of that I love her. Still, if you think it best, I will try to teach her — but by degrees — Louise How much you love her ! Sar Yes. Louise But yvhy did you come to me ? • Sar Because your fatlier told me it was you I must speak to — Ijouise Well, you have spoken to me and I have answered you A.nd now, [Sap.torys sits hcsiie her.] what more ? Sar You — )'ou wHl speak to her, to Gilberte for ma? Louise I ! 12 FROU FKOIT. n Sar If I tried to speak myself, the same thing "would happen thai happened a while ago, I should go wandering wildly about, afraid to come boldly up to the gate— I mean the point. Or, if I did speak, what I would say might be more disastrous than my silence. She might laugh, and then— I prefer that you should speak to her. Tell her all the good you can of me, and even a little more — that will do no harm. But, I beg of you, don't say that my character is serious or severe ; there is the greatest danger. Tell her that, in spite of my appearing quiet, and grave, and awkward, that I love her as madly as any of the young fellows who surround her. [Bisinj.] Oh ! if you only knew how I have envied V alreas, who can make love to a dozen women, one after the other. Tell her, above all, not to think me stupid ; for, by an unfortunate fatality, those who can love the most are always the ones who know least how to speak of love. Louise [Rising.] Yes, yes —I promise. Sar [c ] You will speak to her ? When ? Louise [l. c] As soon as I see her. In a few minutes. Sar [Agitated.] In a few minutes? Louise Do you not wish me to ? Sar Y ds, but not while I am here. Louise Certainly not ! But what will you do while I am pleading your cai»se ? Sar I will go out there— in the park — and walk up and down. I will not lose sight of this room. [Joyously.] If the answer be * ' yes/' you will have but a sign to make ; if it be " no " — [Sadly. Louise If it be no ? Sar I will mount my horse and return home. Jjouise [Holding out her hand.] Without a farewell ? Sar Ah, Louise ! all my life hangs on yes or no. [Listening off E, Music-.] flark ! do you not hear her ? Her footsteps on the staircase? The rustle of her skirts ? — Louise Always the same noisy Frou Frou. Sar She comes like a little tempest. [Gets r. u. 8. Enter Gilberte in dinner toilet, like a ivhirlmnd, e. 1 e. holding a bracelet in her hand. [c] Louise, fasten me this? Louise What? [Sartobys gets dovm r. gradually, (\il This bracelet ! I can't ! [Holds out her left aim ; Loulse fastens the bracelet.] Good gracious! how your hand trembles! What is the matter with you ? [Seeing Sartorys, extends her right hand to hir/i, Louise still retaining the left.] Your servant, Mon. Sartorys ! Sar [Taking her hand.] Mademoiselle. [Bows. 'm ■ ^tl Why, your hand trembles too ! [Sartorys a?id Louise look ai each oi/ur, each holding a hand of Gilberte.] What, both of yoQ? Why, what's going on here? Louise [To Sartorys.] Well, sir, since it is impossible for you to remain quiet — [Smilingly. m€rU [Knowingly.] Oho ! [LaugJLS. Louise You had better go and walk about a little. FROU FROU. 18 Sar Yes, Mademoiselle, I am going — to walk about a little. [Exits c. and l. with last gesture to Louise. And now, my dear sister, [Taking hoik her hands.] let me beg yotir pardon for coming in eo abruptly and spoiling your tete-a-tete. feut why did he go away ? He should have stayed here and kept quiet, and, as soon as I saw which way the wind blew, I'd have gone around the room as if I was lookiog for something, and then — fizz ! gone out again and left you two to yourselves. That's the way to manage it. You see I know. Louise You were perfectly right in coming, Gilberte, and still more 80 to stay. It was of you we were talking. - ""#rf Of me ? Louise Mon. Sartorys asks for your hand. mMU [Amazed.] What do you say? Louise I say that Mon. Sartorys has asked for your hand. He has spoken to father already, and he, knowing the affection I have for you, my dear Gilberte, advised him to speak to me. i#iJ My hand ! Sartorys ! Impossible ! You must be mistaken. Louise But I am not mistaken. Then he is mistaken. It is you that he is in love with. Louise It is you. #rt I? Louise He told me so, and begged me to repeat it to you, and — £kl Well ! Louise He waits for yoni answer. tm m^i l My answer ! Now? Before I've time to take breath! And you say he spoke to papa about it ? Louise Yes. And papa left it to you ? Louise Father could not give the answer, it is you alone. ^Gkl No, no, no, no ! It s too serious for me. I have always said, when the question of my marriage came, I would go and find my sister Louise, who is so good and so ^vise, and I would beg her — Louise No, Gilberte, no. '€Hi Yes, yes ! I do as papa, does— I refer it to you. You must decide for me. I will give whatever answer you advise me. Louise [ With an effort.] In that case, I advise you to answer — yes ! m^t^ Louise, have you reflected ?— Louise Yes. Sartorys' merit is universally acknowledged. #»^ Oh, I know he has merit, a great deal too much, perhaps. Louise How so ? Louise, sit here with me. [Louise on sofa, Gilberts chair.] I am going to speak serious now. Monsieur Sartorys, I acknowledge, is a man to whom it is almost impossible to say no. Let me see — what do they say he will yet become with hi, talents? Louise Oh ! minister somewhere — an ambassador. ■" 0il [Playfully.] And I would be an ambassadress ! That would be nice, if it were only in Paris. [Seriously.] But if I do him justice, I must do myself the same. I am full of faults ; you kn jw it and so do T, and it seems to me that these faults of mine are the very ones Sar J 4 FROU FROU torjs should (vish in a -wife if he hoped to he entirely unhappy. [Sk$ laughs, Louise makes a gesture of disaffirmance.'] Oh, you think he would cure me? I am sure he could not I have always been spoilt — by papa first, then by you. By you still more than papa. [Louise makei same gesture.} Yes, still more. And, what is still more, I am posi- tively decided to remain hopelessly ill of those faults and never to be cured, for I am perfectly satisfied .with myself just as I am. If I married M. de Sartorys we would have such battles. Louise He loves you. Gilbcrte. — *^ .H^^ ik Are you very sure ? Louise Did you not see a little while ago ? [A pause; she rejleds ] And so it is I he loves. [Laughs.] What a funny idea. [Rises. Louise [Animated ; rising.] Is it nothing to be loved by such a man ? To see that he trembles before you like a child ? [Still more animated.] It seems to me if I were asked who is it I love, I should say with pride : " Look for the man who is superior to everyone about him — it is he. ' ' HI [Going to her and patting her arms around her vxiist.] Do you know one thing, sister Louise ? Louise What is it ? j,i-^'< Objections ! Oh, I've plenty of them ; but I don't know whether they amount to anything. So I will do as I have always done— jilace myself in your hands. Must Isixy yes, or no ? [Louise about to sf^eak.] Do not answer too quickly. Be serious ; and before answering, think of everything. Louise I ha v^e thought of everything. ■ " ■■ Oil And you believe — LTjise I believe that Monsieur Sartorys will be too hnppy with you, for you not to be always happy with him. [Smiling.] So I must answer Yes ? FROU FROU. 16 ixmse [Kissiiu/ffher.] You must answer Yes. Fnkr Beigard, x. u. B. Brig Well, have you spoken to her? Louiae [c] Yes. Brig And her answer ? Louise She consents. Brig [Kissing Gilbeste.] You little angel ! [Louise goes down n. b. , Just pressing handkerchief to her eyes^ and recovering immediately.'] _ (iil- So you are satisfied, papa ? Brig I'm delighted ! And now I can give that young rascal, YaL reas, a categorical answer. Answer ! a,bout what ? Brig [Laughing.'] Why, he asked for your hand, too. Louise [Turns, laughing.] So he did. ,.«,.— -^i^^ [lb Brig.] And that makes you laugh? [To Louise.] And you, too ? Well, it is very probable that if he had spoken to me I would have laughed more than either of you. [Gravely.] Who knows, perhaps that folly would have been the most reasonable. However, it is decided. Brig But — ■■■ 6^ Don't let's say anything more about it. It is decided. [Ourt- 8eys and laughs.] Consider me an ambassadress. [Goes r. to Louise. Brig [c] So I can call in poor Sartorys, who is in the park? " " In the park ? Brig [Goes up c ] Yes ; there he is, look at him. m>»^l [Laughing.] Poor fellow ! Yes, call him in. Brig Sartorys, here ! Sartorys ! Come here, a moment, my boy ; I've something to say to you. Enter Valreas, l. 1. e., in full evening dress, mth a large camelia in his button-hole. Vol Well, you see I'm not late for dinner ! [Seeing every one sUertt.] Hallo ! something's going on ! [He goes to Brig, l. c. Enter Sartob rs, quickly, l. u. e. Louise advances to med him. Gilbertb remains r. c. Sartorys c. Louise [To Sartorys.] You will dine with us, Monsieur. Gilberte begs you to remain. [ Holding out her hand.] Yes, I ask you. Sar [Orosdng Louise and Idssing Gilberte' s hand.] Oh ! if you only knew how happy— [Louis'^, saunters up o. mm '^ I know. [^They go up r. c. \al [Aside to Brigard, bringing him down.] What's to become of met Brig [Aside to Valreas.] Well, now, I hope you'll let me alone. TaZ [Same.] Then I suppose I'd better look after the widow ? Brig [Sa;.nc. ] She's gone. [Goes up c. to louiSlB. Vol Gone? Well, that's consoling. 16 FROU KROU. Enter Baron and Baroness, in full dress for dinnei , L. 1 B. Vol Ah, Baroness ! what a delicious toilet. [Kisses her Imnd. Baron puts glass to his eye, and looks on Valrbas co^placerdh/.] Bar [Aside to Valreas.] What is going on ? Ah ! M. de Sartorya and Gilberte. I thought so. Val Exactly. It's a match. What kind of music would you sug- gest for that marriage '? eh ? Bar What music? Music of the future. We will wait and see. Val Gilberte gone ! the widow gone ! Baroness, I have no one tc adore now, but you. Baron [Nudging Valreas.] Go it, my boy. Fourth attempt. [Takes stage R. Brig To Dinner ! [Brigard and Louise, Valreas and Baroness, S.^yaT0RYS and Gubeetb, Baron. Curtain.] ACT II. SCENE. — The house of Sartoilys, in Paris. Sofa u, front to audience Piano behind sofa, up and down stage. Round table l. h. Chimney L. H. Large mirror over mantelpiece. Flowers and pedestals about room. Marble bust on stand o. Picture of Frou Frou on easel above l. table. Chairs r. and l. Walls covered with pictures. Arm chair L. of table. Prrou discovered, hat in hand, siUiiig on chair l. , with book and roll of music in hand. Pitou The greatest folly of a fashionaible woman is to appear on the stage of a theater ; the next to the greatest folly is to wish herself there ; and the folly before that is to take part in private theatricals. [Rises.] But they all do the last — all. [Goes to piano and touches it.] Good instrument — musical taste, evidently. [Yawns.] T wish some one would come. I' ve been waiting five minutes since I sent up my card. [Adjusts eye-glass and looks from picture to picture.] Not bad — not bad. Bnter Pauline, l. 1. e. Paidine Madame will see you, sir, in a moment. She expected you. Monsieur Pitou, is it not ? Pitou Yes, Mademoiselle. M. Pitou, of the Theater Palais Royal. Pau Oh, yes ' you have been anxiously expected by Madame ! she wishes to see you about — about — pshaw, about — Pitou [Dryly.] You dor.'t know why? [V A.v'Lni^ shakes her head) fou her maid, and not know what she's doing ? Pau Oh, I know wh'^ii she goes out to walk >vith M. de Valreas. Pitou M. de Valreas 's a charm mg gentleman. He adores Madame Sartorys ' eh ? I'ROJJ FKOU. i7 Pau He may do what he pleases, but Madame adores only nei husband. Fiiou And does her husband approve of this little affair ? Fau What little affiiir ? Fitou Why, the private theatricals that Madame and the Baroness de Cambri and M de Valreas are getting up. Pau Private theatricals ! oh, that Baroness ! she never gives a poor girl a chance to learn anything that she's up to. So quiet -so sly ! Fitou Yes, very quiet now. Once on a time, when I was a little younger, she was the belle of Paris — such adventures, too ! Ha ! Fau And so they are getting up private theatricals ! and is my lady going to act in them ? Fitou I should think so ! I bring her the prompt-book and music to-day for her part. Fau And what is her part ? Fitou Cleopatra, in the burlesque Vaudeville entitled "Antony and Cleopatra." Do you know it? [Pauline shakes her head.] Why, Cleopatra is a little grisette who lodges in a garret. Antony is a poor devil of a fellow, who lives in the attic next to hers. They meet at ^ masked ball — they come home together — the sheriffe are about to seize him for debt — she lets him out of his attic into her garret — they elope, and the curtain falls. Fau And is madarae — a lady — rich — distinguished— the wife of a Statesman like M. Sartorys— goiag to act the part of such a vulgai grisette ? Fitou [Shrugging his shoulders.] It's only private theatricals, you know. Besides, tbe Baroness de Cambri and M. de Valreas se- lected the part. And then, you know, rich ladies like to act the parts of saucy servant maids in private theatricals. They love to im- itate the low lives they scorn. Now, you — you would like the part of a duchess if you were to act — wouldn't you ? Fau Wouldn't I ? 1 want to be a queen. Fitou Why don't you go on the stage? I'll teach you. You have a good figure, if it's properly dressed ; and a good face, if it were properly painted. Fau No, sir ! My face and figure are natural, and I'm proud of it. Fitou Natural, my dear! [Eying her through glass, and patting her cheek.] You mustn't be proud of nature if you want to be an actress. No one wants to be natural on the stage, where the daylight is gas- lamps, the moon green calciums, the landscape painted canvasses, the gold dutch metal, and the diamonds tin ! Fau But I thought actors and actresses were praised because they were natural. Fitou Nature — nonsense ! The actor who should strive to be na- tural would be a blundering booby, and the public would like him as little as they do raw meat on the table, although meat in a state of nature is raw. Human taste wants cookery, that s all. Natural acting, my dear, is only nature, boiled, baked or roasted. [Music, Gilherte [WithoijU:\ Pauline! Vau Madame! 18 FROU FROU. Enter Gilberte c. from l. ■ G i l PaulJDe, send at once for my dress. I will not dino at hom« to-day, and I must have that dress. I must have it l^efore six o'clock. Pau Yes, Madame. \Exil r. 1. b. ^G4l [To PiTOu.] You have lost no time, sir. Pitou Not when I knew it was Madame I was to oblige. [Bows profoundly.l -6M- You know me, then? Pitou Oh, yes. I also know the father of Madame — M. Brigard — a very lively gentleman. He comes very often to our theater ; and sometimes behind the scenes, and sometimes — Oi ir That will do. What have you brought me ? Pitou [Giving hook.l Your role in the Vaudeville. If Madame only knows the part by the printed book, Madame can have no idea of it. This is the complete part, with all the gags in the mox^m, "Oii The gags ! [Sits on sofa.] Pitou [c] Yes, Madame ; the additions which the actors who played in the piece have added to their parts. (jliL Very well ; and now we want the music. Pitm I have copied it. [Giving roll. m^M [Reading.] Air: ** Galop du Tourbillon." What air is that ? Pttow I will play it for Madame. [Goes to piano.'] Like this. ^" Will I be able to sing that? Pitmi Oh, yes, for Madame can't have a worse voice than some of our public singers. Will you practice it ? ■.. dkl Go on, I'll try. [A knock is heard at the door. Pitou stops. It is rq)eated. ■' SU'^[Tuming towards r. h.] Who is there ? No one is to come in. Sartorys [ Without.] It is only me, dear. ■ "-"'^t^ Oh, only you. Come in. Enter Sartorys, r. 1. e. My dear, this is M. Pitou, from the Theater. Gro on, sir. Sar From the theater ? * Yes, you kno7.r. It's about the little piece I'm to play in for the benefit of the poor. Sar I had something to say to you — but I'm sorry I interrupted— '""' Oh, M. Pitou can come again. You can come again, M. ' Htou. Pitou Whenever you please, Madame. You have only to send me word at the Theater Palais Pioyale. [Saluting.] Monsieur — Madame ! Sar [c] Good morning, Monsieur. [Exit Pitou, c. and l. [Coming down to Sartorys.] You know what it's all about. It's for the performance -a magnificent performance— got up by Madame do Cambri. for the benefit of the poor. Sar And wli it does Madame de Cambri j|ay in this rnagnificonl perf rmance? - ^d She d. n't play anything— she gets it up. FROU FROU. 19 Sar That's her way. ■ Gil flow her way V Sar L mean that while you and the others are running about, act- ing on the stage, she is sitting very tranquilly in front with the other guests, criticising your performance. jUU- [Sitlini/ on so/a.] You don't like her. Sir I don't like her, and I don't dislike her. She is merely a wo- man of the world — that is all »mMil And I —what am I? [Looking at him roguishly. S>r [Standing beside her.] The most adorable little actress in the worli Very pretty, indeed. [Tur?dng over the leaves of her part.] You . wished to soeak with me ? Sir Yos. ' [Turning over Ihe leaves of her part and speaking heedlessly.] Speak away. Sir [Looking discontentedly at the book she is studying.] It was about something entirely disconnected with this magnificent performance for the bjnelit of the poor. <^kl [Si'ne bus.] Something serious ? Sir Very serious ! [Same bus. [Svne bus.] That's nioe. Go on. Sir [Tiking chair by sofa.] My darling, I wanted to say— ^il [later rupHng him.] What is the costume of a debardeur? Sir [Surprised^] The costume of a debardeur ? ~il Oh, you can't make me believe you don't know what the cos- tum3 of a debardeur is. Sir Why, the costume of a debardeur consists of a loose silk shirt and a— a —a pair of little panth.loons of velvet or satin. ~ii And what else? Sir Hum! Buttons— plenty of buttons. And then? Sar A little cap. ■a And after that? Sjr Nothing. ~il Nothing ! Oh, I'll never wear that costume — not even for the benefit of the poor. I must find soifvirfthing else. And now, my dear, I'm ready to listen to you. Sir V ve seen the Minister of State this morning. ^^ [Putting doicn book.] You told him to come, of course. Sir To come where ? To our performance. Sir Well, no ; but I will tell him ! This morifing we spoke of an appointment they have for me. They want me to take an embassy abroad. '-'^i^-^^il [Alarmed.] Abroad? Sar You see, there is nothing in Paris they can give me. -^Gil [Pettishh/.] And where do they want you to go ? Sar To Carlsruhe ! Ambassador to Carlsruhe. Isn't that splendid ? ^^^^^^^ Oh, very splendid. And how far is Carlsruhe from Paris ? 20 FROU FROU. Sar I don't know exactly — three or four hundred miles; nftQ hours by rail. ~ " As far off as Baden ? Sar It is very near Baden. ^M- [Rising.] Near Baden! why didn't you say so before. [Grosses L.] you said it was abroad. I'll tell you how we'll manage it. [ISar- TORYs rises.] You shall be Ambassador to Carlsru he— that's settled. [Sartor YS takes her hand.] I'll go and pass the summer with you at Baden, and the balance of th^ year you will come to Paris and see me as often as you can. Sar How ! [Gleefully and rapid y.] And I may — but mind, I don't promise it — I may come and surprise you at Carlsruhe. Sar [In a tone of disappointment.] But — " [Stopping astonished.] Why, you didn't think of taking me to Carlsruhe ? Sar Why, yes. 'Alone — we two way off there — all the year ? Sar Why not ? * But that would be to die — of happiness, 1 know — but to die, nevertheless. [Smiling and coaxingly.] Come, you were not serious/ can you imagine Frou Frou without Paris ? Sar Well to tell you the truth, I did ! [Gilberte turns away pet- tishly.] But I see I must do one of two things; go to Carlsruhe with- out you, or decline the mission. ~" [r. h] Well. Sar [c] I have decided. ■#ii [Interested.] You will go without me? ^ Sar No ; I will decline. >-^!W Ah, that will be right. [Goes to him. Sar Do you think so ? I doubt it myself. But one thing I'm sure of — I haven' t the heart to leave you. ""'Oii- [Putting her arm about him.] You love me, then, a little still, after four years of marriage. Sar Yes, Gilberte ! and I am only afraid that I do not know how to love. [Archly.'] Oh, yes, you ^o. _ou know very well, for the very best way to love a wife is to let her do everything she wishes — be- cause then, you know, the wife is bound in honor to do everything her husband wishes. Sar [Talcing her hands in his.] Then, if I aske^, you something — ^ffi After what you have done for me, can you doubt ? Sar Then, suppose I ask you not to play at this performance. [Withdramng her hands.] Oh, my love. Sar Well. I thought you were going to ask me something reasonable. It is impossible for me to refuse to play now ; and then, you will see how pretty I vnll look in a debardeur costume — if they insist on it. But in anything I'm sure to be pretty, and you will be so proud of me. FROU FROU. 21 S(/r What — with the pantaloons ? [Looking at watch.] I must go. "' Where? Sar To the Minister, to give" my answer. On my way, I will see our iittle Georgie in the Park. m»t7 Are you going away ? Big Yes — to-morrow mornino:. I'm oif to Bohemia. ■ ■■ im Oit To Bohemia ! [Laughs ] Have you been appointed Ambassador to look after the theaters in Bohemia ? Brig Nonsense, my dear. It's only one of my little freaks. You know how tlighty I am. But I wanted to talk to you about Louise. ~ -You are not going to take her? Brig No — and that's the reason that — *«»-»ie«*?^W* I see —you want her to come here. Brig Yes, until I come back. I shall be away three months. ~ -Well, she shall ; but not for three months, nor for six, but for always. Since she has taken it into her head never to marry, she shall live with me. You know, papa, how much I love Louise, and you know how I have tried time and again to induce her to come and live with me. She has always refused before, and I don't know why. Brig Don't you? Why, she was afraid of incommoding you. jf^JGkl Why, we have four times as much room as we want. Brig That wasn't it. She was afraid of interfering with your hap- piness. ^cg a0K f' *^ l Oh, that was all very well during the honeymoon ; but now, after four years — Brig You' d better not talk to her in that style — ,:«..*4»W I know how to talk to her to make her stay with me. Brig Well, she'll be here to-day; all you have to do is to prevent her going away again. .■^.■'^^'*€Hi' I'll do that, if I have to lock the door. [Baroness appears at c. B'ness Can we come in ? ,0uii«iii*im»^^^ Certainly. [Baroness comes down, fdUywed hy Babon. Brig [r.] I am delighted to see you Madame, since it allows me to bid you farewell before my departure. ^ Baron [r. c] Going to leave us, Brigard ? Where to, now ? B'ness [c] To Bohemia, I understand. Barm, I believe Bohemia is celebrated for its hair-dye, isn,t it ? Brig Well, I'm not going there to lay in a stock of hair-dye, J assure you. FROU FROU. 23 Baron Well, I wouldn't go, cither, if I wore a wig. [All laugh. Brig [Orosdng up G.^^ He, he, he! Very funny. Allow me to wish you good day. B ness Good-by, Bohemian. Brig Respect my gray hairs, Madame. B'ness [Looking through eye-glass.'] I don't see them. Brig True ; I forgot. I haven't had time to grow any yet. Baron Bravo ! Repent of your sins, old boy, and turn bald. [Brigard exits c. and l. , followed by Baron. B'ness [Sitting on sofa.] That horrid man, my husband, my dear, met my carriage and would come with me. And you know i must humor him a little ; he has a claim on me. He's my husband. But what is this I hear about your sister Louise coming here ? *««#<* [On sofa.] Yes, she's coming while papa's away ; and after that T hop 3 — B ness You hope ? ^^'i^l That she will never leave me. B'ness [Regarding her closely.] Ah! [Pause.] And vou will take her with you to Carlsruhe ? ••*## I am not going to Carlsruhe ! B'ness Sartorys is going alone, then ? ms>€rU. He has declined the mission. B'ness I congratulate you, my dear. See what it is to be loved. [Laughing.] After that it's unnecessary for me to ask if he consents to your taking part in our little theatrical performance. *(3r«^ Well, he consents, but — B'ness Never mind the '' buts," my dear, so long as he consents. Have you studied your part ? "'"'^Hi All but the last scene. Bness Oh, the whole thing will be a great suc^ss. I'm sure of it. And Valreas, who is to act your lover in the piece — —^''r^ When he does act it ! He don't study a word. B^ness Oh, he'll play it, and for the best of reasons. ^'^i What is that? B'ness Hes dead in love with the person he's to play with. ■ "" OU Dead in love with me ! nonsense ! you who know him so well can believe that ? B^n ess It's jnst because I do know him so well that I say it, """^'^ [Crossing tojj.] Now you are laughing at me. B ness [o.] I ve known Valreas to be in love when it was a laugh- ing matter, but this time -^ [l. c] Well, this time? Enter Baron c. from l. Baron Ladies, Valreas is coming up. B'ness [r. c] Now, my dear, you shall see. Barm [c] Hey? See what ? B'mss Keep quiet. [Baron starts up sto^e— Baroness crosses to Gilbert l. a 24 FROU FROU. ErUer Valreas, c. from l. Val [Bowing at dooTJ] Madame ! Ah, Baron, where are you going ? Baron I? I am going to keep quiet. [Sits r. B'ness [With a gesture to Gilbeute.] Come, Monsieur, make y^ur adieux. The news was true — your friend Sartorys is appointed t© Carlsruhe, and Gilberte leaves us in eight days. Val [Starting forward.'] How? [Gilberte looking down and motionless B'ness Immediately after the performance. Val [To Gilberte, with emotion.] You are going to leave Paris? Bness [Aside to Gilberte.] What did I tell you? ' [Arousing herself.] Come, let us begin the rehearsal. [Grossing to R. B'ness [7b Yalrbas.] I was only joking — she's not going to leave Paris — how could she ? [r. c] Come — the rehearsal. Baron Rehearsal ! Bless me ! Where am I ? What part am I to take? B'ness That of a spectator, who will be put out if he interrupts the performance. Baron Then let me get a front seat [Brings chair down. ] And now, go ahead. Val Let me see what is it we are to rehearse. ■ ■ OH Only the last scene. I haven't read it yet. Val [Crossing to L.] Come then — the last scene. Baron If I don't see the whole performance, I want my money back. [Baroness crosses to and expostulates with him. *■■ €Hi [7b Valreas.] I'm sure you don't know a word of your part. Val Don't I? I staid up all night to study it. [Takes part out of his pocket.] I'll repeat it without looking at the book. [7b Baroness.] But you will be ready to prompt me ? B ness Oh, I'll take care of that. •What is the scene? Val The stage represents two apartments, separated by a wall. I'll fix it. [Places 2 chairs in c. up and down stage.] This is the wall, and here between the two chairs is the door. [Places a third chair for door.] Cleopatra, that's you, in one room; Antony, that's me, in the other. 'But I thought in the last scene Antony was in Cleopatra' i apartment, [l. of chairs.] Val [l. of chairs.] Oh, we'll come to that. Now take your place there. Allow me to open the door. [Pulls away middle chair, and Gilberte passes through to r. h. ' Now we're right. Where will you go, Baroness ? Baron Come, clear the stage. B'ness I'll be prompter ; give me the book. [Takes book, and sUs L. doum stage opposite Baron.] Now we're oif. «#* Let's begin where the constable has just gone- Val To look for the Commissary of Police ? FROU FROU. ^^^^^K^ -5 That's it. Val You commence. Baron Ring up the curtain. [Commences io applavd. 5' 71655 What are you about? Barm Giving them a reception, my dear ; it encourages them. Gil [n-iT-ftT^T to speak naturally, and playing a little awkwardly, which she must do throughout this " rehearsal."] " He is gone ! He is gone !" Val [Playing with animation] "Bravo! bravo! Hurrah!'* Baron [Applauding.] Bravo! bravo! : Val [To Baron.] My dear sir, you put me out. ;■ B'riess [To Baron.] Will you be quiet ? Barm I thought he was starting the applause. Goon. •*-##-'* He is gone ! he is gone !" Baron Stop ! stop ! you said that before. Val [Coming in frmt of chairs and bowing to Baroness, theii Baron.] The management begs me say — Baron Hes going to apologize. Some of the actors are sick ; have to change the piece. Val — That unless order is preserved, the performance can not I proceed - Baron [Applauds. To Baroness.] I suppose he means me. B'tms Sh ! I ■ ■ Gil " He is gone ! he is gone !" Baron Well, this is the most vividly interesting play I ever at- tended. ■ " Oii Please, Baron ! " He is gone! He is gone !" [Baron turns away in disgust. "But he will return with the Commissary. They will force the door ! Pray, sir, [as if through wall] no more of your fooling." B ness Very good ! Very good, indeed ! Baron [ With the air of a connoisseur.] Yes, very good ! Really very- good. ^ "€ ^ i i Isn't it ? " Pray, sir, no more of your fooling." [To Baron,] And you will see at the performance I will do it even better. B'ness Now you. " Ah ! a light — " Vaf. 1 know without prompting. "Ah! a light breaks in upon me. I will clear my apartment, and put ail my furniture into yours.'' "In my room?" Val "Why not ; since I'm about to marry you?" flti " Before the Mayor ?" B'ness [To Gilberte.] In the book it says you must speak that line very quickly. **'*T^ Haven't I said it quickly enough ? B'ness [Imitating Gilberte.] No ; you said it this way — "Before the Mayor !" '^ (M [To Valreas.] Shall we go over it again ? Val With all my heirt. " Since I'm about to marrj^ you. "**'^W [ With a rush. ] ' ' Before the Mayor ?' ' [AU ajfplaud her* 1 hope that I did It then. 26 FROU FROU. B'ness That time it was excellent. i«wn»i^«#r^ [Repeating.] " Before the Mayor?" Vol "Quick ! quick ! open the door." "^ "»'" No, no; I dare not. [To B'ness.] What do I do then ? B'ness [Referring to book.] The book says you run to the window and look out. _ Oh, yes ; so I do. [Goes to side and pretends to look out.] "Ah, the police are coming, led by the Commissary. Gracious, what a long sword he has ; and heavens, what a long nose he has !" Val " I'll make it longer yet, when I get hold of it. Open the door, quick." B^ness [Referring to hook.] Now you open the door between your apartments. So I do ! [Goes to chair and stops.] And what do I say then ? Bthen seme- thing that is very much needed in this house will he needed no longer. Louise [ Withdramng her hand.] What is needed here? Sar A wife FROU FEOU. 29 Louise What is this vou tell me ? Sar I say that what is needed in this household is a wife ; and you know it, although you pretend tht^t you do not. [Ir'ause. Louise [With emoiion.'] What has happened? Sar Nothing has happened. Everything is the same now as always, with us. I love Gilberte more than ever I did. Louise I know it. [ WitJi a smile.] But I don't see what gi'eat miS' fortune that is. Sar You don't see? Louise No. Sar Then you shall. This morning I was appointed Minister to . You have heard of it? Louise Yes ; and I was prouder than ever of you. Sar I told Grilberte, and she said to me she would never consent to leave Paris. Louise And then you — Sar I refused the honor they would have conferred upon me. I refused it for her sake ; and with the same satisfaction that I would feel in making her a present, no matter how simple. And yet by that refusal I know I have saciihced that brilliant fortune that had been my life-long dream. I refused it because I love Gilberte, and she permitted me to do so — because she loves me not. Louise Sartorys! Sar When you gave Gilberte to me — because it was you who gave her to me — Louise {Turning partly away.] Yes ; it was I. Sar You said tome, "You are the fittest husband for Gilberte; and her frivolity will cause me less fear for her, when she is the wife of a man so wise as you." You did not think then what so wise a . man as I could become. Those faults in her which made you fear, and which I might have cured by a little firmness, I refused to per- ceive then, because I loved her. I love her to-day as I loved her from the first ; but now, after four years, you will find in Gilberte the same faults, only the faults Aave become greater. ^ Louise But her child ? Sar She adores him. A little while ago Georgie was seriously ill. Gilberte passed eight nights at his side, sleeping but an hour at a ,time. By day she was never from him. Her love and watchfulness alone snatched him from the grave. He recovered ; then foi whole ;veeks she saw him only five minutes in the morning and five minutes at night. Louise Who took care of him then ? Sar His governess ; and I, when I could. Louise What you tell me is dreadful. i Sar Yes. And if Gilbert and I must remain alone, abandoned to I one another, who can tell what will be the end of it all. [Taking her \ hands again.] But if some one else— Louise Some one else — Sar Some- one who is good, and kind, and wise, woull come be- I tween us ; would take control of this household, which every ona m FROU FROU. neglects ; would perform those duties which Gilberte av