Page:Poet Lore, volume 29, 1918.pdf/114

Second Gentleman.—What a beautiful present! But are you so sure of it? (He is confused.)

Mistress.—Of what?

Second Gentleman.—Are you sure the stars shine?

Mistress.—Oh! That is simple. Close your eyes.

Second Gentleman.—I am blind, if you wish it; I am deaf, if you wish it.

Mistress.—I shall assure myself. (She covers his eyes with her hands.) Blanche!

Maid.—My lady wishes something?

Mistress.—Hang the rug.

(Maid exits. Returns immediately.)

Mistress.—Hang it up.

Maid.—Does my lady wish anything else?

Mistress.—No, you may go.

(Maid exits with bow.)

Mistress (Takes hands from the eyes of Second Gentleman).—Well, do you see—there?

Second Gentleman (Looks in the direction indicated).—I see.

Mistress.—And are you counting?

Second Gentleman.—I am counting, one, two, three (Stops).

Mistress.—Proceed!

Second Gentleman.—Four, five, (Suddenly) but I didn’t say them to you?

Mistress.—What did you say?

Second Gentleman.—Six, seven,—That I do not love laughter.

Mistress.—It isn’t laughter that you must love.

Second Gentleman.—That I sometimes do not love the laughter of a woman—eight—but is it truly a starry sky? It seems that after all I am just cheating chance. What if it is an absolutely dark night outside? A hopelessly cloudy night?

Mistress.—Will you not be satisfied with this heaven?

Second Gentleman.—I cannot.

Mistress.—You are cruel (She hesitates a moment). I shall tear this sky down then. (Opens window; joyously.) Hark! hark! The heavens are clear, a starry heaven! Not only nine, but thousands of stars!

Second Gentleman (Looks out).—Yes——

Mistress (Approaches him, her body coming in contact with his).—Well, count them.

Second Gentleman.—One, two, three, four!

Mistress. How slowly you count.