KRISTIN. [Fetches a glass. Then goes to stove and puts on
casserole.] Heaven help the woman who gets you for her husband.
Such a fuss budget!
JEAN. Oh, talk! You ought to be glad to get such a fine fellow as I
am. And I don't think it's done you any harm because I'm considered
your intended. [Tastes wine.] Excellent, very excellent! Just a
little too cold. [Warms glass with hands]. We bought this at Dijon.
It stood at four francs a litre in the bulk; then of course there
was the duty besides. What are you cooking now that smells so
infernally?
KRISTIN. Oh, it's some devil's mess that Miss Julie must have for
Diana.
JEAN. Take care of your words, Kristin. But why should you stand
there cooking for that damned dog on a holiday evening? Is it sick,
eh?
KRISTIN. Yes, it's sick. Diana sneaked out with the gatekeeper's
mongrels and now something is wrong. Miss Julie can't stand that.
JEAN. Miss Julie has a great deal of pride about some things--but
not enough about others! Just like her mother in her lifetime; she
thrived best in the kitchen or the stable, but she must always
drive tandem--never one horse! She would go about with soiled cuffs
but she had to have the Count's crest on her cuff buttons. And as
for Miss Julie, she doesn't take much care of her appearance
either. I should say she isn't refined. Why just now out there she
pulled the forester from Anna's side and asked him to dance with
her. We wouldn't do things that way. But when the highborn wish to
unbend they become vulgar.
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