Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/66

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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...