JULIA. [Sharply] If you can see that, you’ll have good eyes, indeed! [To CHRISTINE] Put it in a pint bottle and cork it well.  Come and dance a schottische with me now, Jean.

JEAN. [Hesitatingly] I don’t want to be impolite, but I had promised to dance with Christine this time—–­

JULIA.  Well, she can get somebody else—­can’t you, Christine?  Won’t you let me borrow Jean from you?

CHRISTINE.  That isn’t for me to say.  When Miss Julia is so gracious, it isn’t for him to say no.  You just go along, and be thankful for the honour, too!

JEAN.  Frankly speaking, but not wishing to offend in any way, I cannot help wondering if it’s wise for Miss Julia to dance twice in succession with the same partner, especially as the people here are not slow in throwing out hints—­

JULIA. [Flaring up] What is that?  What kind of hints?  What do you mean?

JEAN. [Submissively] As you don’t want to understand, I have to speak more plainly.  It don’t look well to prefer one servant to all the rest who are expecting to be honoured in the same unusual way—­

JULIA.  Prefer!  What ideas!  I’m surprised!  I, the mistress of the house, deign to honour this dance with my presence, and when it so happens that I actually want to dance, I want to dance with one who knows how to lead, so that I am not made ridiculous.

JEAN.  As you command, Miss Julia!  I am at your service!

JULIA. [Softened] Don’t take it as a command.  To-night we should enjoy ourselves as a lot of happy people, and all rank should be forgotten.  Now give me your arm.  Don’t be afraid, Christine!  I’ll return your beau to you!

[JEAN offers his arm to MISS JULIA and leads her out.]

***

PANTOMIME

Must be acted as if the actress were really alone in the place.  When necessary she turns her back to the public.  She should not look in the direction of the spectators, and she should not hurry as if fearful that they might become impatient.

CHRISTINE is alone.  A schottische tune played on a violin is heard faintly in the distance.

While humming the tune, CHRISTINE clears o$ the table after JEAN, washes the plate at the kitchen table, wipes it, and puts it away in a cupboard.

Then she takes of her apron, pulls out a small mirror from one of the table-drawers and leans it against the flower jar on the table; lights a tallow candle and heats a hairpin, which she uses to curl her front hair.

Then she goes to the door and stands there listening.  Returns to the table.  Discovers the handkerchief which MISS JULIA has left behind, picks it up, and smells it, spreads it out absent-mindedly and begins to stretch it, smooth it, fold it up, and so forth.

***

JEAN. [Enters alone] Crazy, that’s what she is!  The way she dances!  And the people stand behind the doors and grill at her.  What do you think of it, Christine?