]
RIBIERE. [as he enters]. Ah, Mariano!
MARIANO. [bowing and greeting him gayly]. Monsieur Ribiere! J'espere que
vous etes--
[He breaks off, turns on his heel toward the invisible musicians, and
shouts.]
Silenzio!
[He turns again quickly to RIBIERE.]
RIBIERE. [with a warning glance toward hotel]. Let us speak English.
There are not so many who understand.
MARIANO. [politely]. I hope Monsieur still occupy the exalt' position of
secretar' to Monseigneur the Grand-Duke.
RIBIERE. [sits and opens writing-case, answers gravely]. We will not
mention the name or rank of my employer.
MARIANO. [with gesture and accent of despair]. Again incognito! Every
year he come to our hotel for two, three day, but always incognito.
[He finishes setting the table.]
We lose the honor to have it known.
RIBIERE. [looking at his watch]. He comes in his automobile from Naples.
Everything is to be as on my employer's former visits--strictly
incognito. It is understood every one shall address him as Herr von
Groellerhagen--
MARIANO [repeating the name carefully]. Herr von Groellerhagen--
RIBIERE. He wishes to be thought a German.
[Takes a note-book from case.]
MARIANO. Such a man! of caprice? Excentrique? Ha!
RIBIERE. You have said it. Last night he talked by chance to a singular
North American in the hotel at Napoli.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25