Valeniino (jntiting his pipe in the pocket). Don't let us mind
him. He's a bit distracted.
Don Fausto {angrily). Distracted !

Vol. It's a disease that poets are liable to.
Don F. {raising his voice). It's a disease that I'll very
quickly cure.
Vol. {stroking his back as if he were a horse). Gently, gently,
then, Don Fausto.
85 PLAYS AND PLAYERS IN MODERN ITALY

Don F. Put your hands down, sir !

Val. One of these days, I'll speak to him !

Don F. I've obligations due to-day ; must have the cash
to honour my signature. By midday, at the latest, my bill
must be paid.
Val. By midday ? — it's a little difficult. You see, this is
the time that Stefano shuts himself up in his studio, and woe
to anyone who disturbs him !

Don F. Shut up or not, if I don't have my money in an
hour's time, I'll send your cousin and master an eye-opener,
in the shape of a writ and I'll put . ..
Val. A notice in the paper? [This was a little habit of
Don Fausto.]

Don F. Neither more nor less. {Firmly.)

Val. Stefano will answer in verse.
[Teresa comes in.]

Val. {to Don F.). This is his wife. Behave like a gentle-
man to her. {To her) There's nothing the matter, Sigra.
Teresa. Nothing serious: that is, only Sigr. Don Fausto
Carta] ello, here present, has a Uttle bill of seventeen hundred
francs that he wants paid. A picture frame and two chairs.
Don F. Two armchairs, genuine Henry IV.
Val. Must be those two great chairs with the shoulders.
{Descriptive gesture.)

Don F. Exactly so. On those two chairs it is certain that
Henry IV sat himself.
