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CHARACTERS Poquelin D'Hemencourt Jules St Ange Jean Mossy Pere Jerome Shaughnessy Manuel Mazaro Governor Indian Charlie Colonel de Charleu Baptiste Bystanders Madame Delicieuse Parson Jones Colosus Pauline Madame Zalli Tite Poulette Vignevielle (Captain Ursin le Maitre) General Hercule Mossy de Villivicencio M. de la Rue Mexican Officer A Man
Poquelin
Good afternoon, Monsieur D'Hemencourt.
D'Hemencourt
Bonjour, Monsieur Poquelin. It is not often you stop here.
Poquelin
Nor do I stop today. But I wish some information. Is it true that
Monsieur le Gouverneur comes here sometimes?
D'Hemencourt
Yes, it is true. The Governor does so honor us. In fact, he
usually comes on Saturdays. I expect he will show up about two o'clock
as is his custom.
Poquelin
Thank you, Monsieur D'Hemencourt. I shall not forget this
kindness.
D'Hemencourt
But it was nothing.
(Poquelin passes on and exits.)
(Jean, Mossy, and Pere Jerome enter and approach the cafe.)
Mossy
How can you be sure it was him?
Pere Jerome
How? It has to be him.
Jean
And so, our childhood friend is a pirate?
Pere Jerome
There's no other explanation of the stories coming out of Cuba.
Mossy
They say he is a marvel of gentility and courtesy.
Jean
And his name is Lafitte.
Pere Jerome
And who, nevertheless, is not Lafitte.
Mossy
It's true. We all know it is.
(They have reached the Cafe; they enter and greet D'Hemencourt.)
Pere Jerome
You have heard of the ship which came to port here last Monday?
Jean
The "Spanish Lady?" An incredible story.
Pere Jerome
Boarded by pirates.
Jean
And the pirates left without harming anyone or taking any booty. .
. . Why?
Pere Jerome
The story is that a young girl was on the ship. She went up to the
pirate Captain and pointed to her Bible. He read the passage she
pointed out, bowed, tipped his hat gallantly, and left. . . .
Jean
By he speaks English, they say.
Pere Jerome
He has, no doubt, learned it since he left us.
Jean
They say he is called Lafitte.
Pere Jerome
Lafitte? No, it is your wife's brother. Not Lafitte, but Le
Maitre— Captain Ursin le Maitre.
Mossy
You just keep that cock and bull story for your next sermon.
Pere Jerome
I intend to. Today—
Mossy
I tell you—if that story about the girl is true—I tell you what
is certain: Ursin le Maitre cares nothing for the Bible. He's fallen
in love.
Jean
If he is a pirate, he has a heavy burden to bear if he is caught.
Pere Jerome
How can we speak of him as a lawbreaker, we, who might have saved
him from that name? Had he been raised differently . . .
Jean
He received a good education—and he had a happy childhood. A plea
like that won't save him in court, Pere Jerome.
Pere Jerome
But in God's eyes—. Only God alone knows how much sin is
chargeable to us. I tell you, the whole community ought to be
recognized as partners in his crime.
Jean
Bosh.
Mossy
Try anyway, in your sermon, to impress the parishioners that he
cares for the Bible. That might be of some help to him if he is
caught. Well, gentlemen, I must see my patients.
(Mossy rises and exits. He passes Madame Delicieuse on his way, and
bows with deep respect towards that lady, who smiles from her window.
Meanwhile, St Ange has turned his attention to D'Hemencourt.)
D'Hemencourt
What a pity about Dr. Mossy, when he might be rich.
St Ange
Yes, his father has plenty.
D'Hemencourt
Certainly, and gives it freely. But General Villivicencio intends
his son shall see none of it.
St Ange
His son? You dare not so much as mention him.
D'Hemencourt
They cannot agree—.
St Ange
Not even upon their name. Is that not droll?
D'Hemencourt
A man named General Villivicencio and his son, Dr. Mossy! But, it
is only that the doctor drops de Villivicencio.
St Ange
Drops the de Villivicencio? But, I think the de Villivicencio
drops him—ho, ho, ho. Diable!
(Jules St Ange exits, well pleased with his repartee. Shaughnessy
enters with Manuel Mazaro; they greet Pere Jerome and Jean.)
Shaughnessy
Manuel, you just take a seat while I have a word with attorney
Jean.
(Mazaro bows and finds himself a table.)
Shaughnessy
Good day, Father Jerome, Jean.
Pere Jerome
Good day, Major Shaughnessy. Are you still planning to invade
Cuba?
Shaughnessy (uncomfortable, looking around)
Oh, you know, that's just a lot of silly talk. I'm into land
development these days. Monsieur Jean, may I just have a word with
you?
Jean
Certainly.
Shaughnessy
Our committee, as you know, is planning to buy some land at the
end of Rue Royale—near the swamp. If you would approach Monsieur
Poquelin with an offer on our behalf . . .
Jean
I will be glad to—but only on a fee basis—because I know he
won't want to sell.
Shaughnessy
Well, you just make an offer of ten thousand and see what he says.
Jean
I'll make a special effort.
Shaughnessy
Thank you. Now, I'm going to pay my respects to our host.
(Shaughnessy rises and goes to D'Hemencourt.)
D'Hemencourt
Ah, Major—your usual, I suppose?
Shaughnessy
Yes, indeed. Can't get that stuff anywhere else.
D'Hemencourt
Ah, Major Shaughnessy—in this Cafe, if any poor exile wants a
draught that will make him remember his homeland—behold the Cafe des
Exiles takes him up and gives him the breast.
Shaughnessy
D'Hemencourt, you are a true man of feeling.
D'Hemencourt
I am, I am. That is why I tried, for years, to keep up my position
without descending into trade. But it was not possible. I had to think
of Pauline.
(At these words, Manuel Mazaro, who has been listening
indifferently, rises and tries to loiter within earshot. D'Hemencourt
pauses, and after an awkward moment, the frustrated Mazaro moves off.
Shaughnessy is not aware of these maneuvers.)
Shaughnessy
She is an excellent and beautiful girl, deserving of all respect.
D'Hemencourt
Respect, yes. But, they never pay their respects. After all, a
cafe is a cafe.
Shaughnessy
It's different from the Cafe des Refugees.
D'Hemencourt
Different as possible. If a man has no money, it matters not. Here
is a rocking chair, here a cigarette, here a light. He will pay for
them when he can.
Shaughnessy
And more than that—no other cafe has Pauline.
D'Hemencourt
Ah!
(Shaughnessy goes to Mazaro's table and talks to him in a
conspiratorial whisper. The Governor now enters with Jules St Ange.
D'Hemencourt greets him.)
D'Hemencourt
You honor us again, Monsieur le Gouverneur, I have saved your
favorite table.
Governor
You know, D'Hemencourt, I think it's important to socialize with
the public.
(The Governor is seated with his interpreter, Jules St Ange.)
(Poquelin enters, goes to the Governor and bows stiffly.)
Poquelin
You the Governor, Monsieur?
(The Governor rises and bows.)
Poquelin
Parlez vous Francais?
Governor
I would rather talk English, if you can do so. If not, M'sieur St
Ange acts as my interpreter.
Poquelin
My name, Jean Poquelin.
Governor
How can I serve you, Mr. Poquelin?
Poquelin
My house is by the swamp at the end of the Rue Royale.
Governor
Go on.
Poquelin
That swamp belong to me.
Governor
Yes, sir.
Poquelin
To me, Jean Poquelin. I own him meself.
Governor
Well, sir?
Poquelin
He don't belong to you; I get him from me father.
Governor
I am sure that's perfectly true.
Poquelin
You want to make strit pass there?
Governor
I'm not sure. Perhaps.
Poquelin
Strit cannot pass there.
Governor
You will be compensated—get paid, you understand. But, it's up to
the city fathers.
Poquelin
Pardon, Monsieur, you is not le Gouverneur?
Governor
I am the Governor. Appointed by the President.
Poquelin
Mais, yes. You are le Gouverneur—yes. Veh—well. I come to you. I
tell you, strit cannot pass at me house.
Governor
But—
Poquelin
I come to you. You is le Gouverneur—I know not the new laws. I am
French man. French a—man have something aller au contraire— He come
at his Gouverneur, I come at you. If Napoleon had not sold us like
vassals, the King of France would show Monsieur le Gouverneur to take
care his men to make strit in right place. Mais, I know we belong to
Monsieur le President. Things have change. I want you to do something
for me, eh?
Governor
What?
Poquelin
Tell Monsieur le President, strit cannot pass at my house.
Governor
You are certainly an odd chap, Mr. Poquelin. (pause) Monsieur
Poquelin, is it your house that they tell such odd stories about?
Poquelin
You don't see me trade some niggah?
Governor
Oh, no.
Poquelin
You don't see me make some smugglin'?
Governor
No, sir. Not at all.
Poquelin
I am Jean-Marie Poquelin. I mine me own bizness. Dat all right?
Governor
Yes, sir.
Poquelin
I give you fair warning, you muz not make that strit pass at my
house.
Governor
Why not? Why do you object?
Poquelin
The marsh is too unhealth for people to live.
Governor
But the marsh will be drained.
Poquelin
The canal is a private.
Governor
Filling up the marsh will make your property worth ten dollars to
one.
Poquelin
Je comprends, je comprends. You comprenez: I don't allow. Tell
Monsieur le President.
(Poquelin bows and stalks off.)
Governor
What a character, eh Jules?
St Ange
You know what makes Jean Poquelin make like that?
Governor
I'd like to know.
St Ange
He is a witch.
Governor
Ho, ho, ho.
St Ange
You don't believe it? What you want to bet? What you want to bet?
Governor
How do you know?
St Ange
Dass what I goin' to tell you. You know, one evening, I was out
hunting. It was getting dark, so I start to come home. Then I got to
pass at Jean Poquelin's house.
Governor
And you saw a ghost, eh?
St Ange
I come slow—slow. Not making some noises; still, still.
Governor (chuckling)
And scared.
St Ange
Mais, wait. I get all pass the house. Then I see two things
before. You think it was nothing? There I see, so plain as can be,
Jean-Marie Poquelin—and beside him, something like a man, but
not a man—white like paint. I drop on the grass from scared—they
pass.
Governor (uneasy)
What was it?
St Ange
So sure as I live, the ghost of Jacques Poquelin, his brother.
Governor
Pooh.
St Ange
I'll put my hand in the fire.
Governor
Maybe it was Jack Poquelin—alive and well—and hid away for some
cause.
St Ange
But there was no cause. Jacques Poquelin been dead these twenty
years.
(The Governor shudders involuntarily)
Shaughnessy (To Mazaro)
I'll bet that's old Poquelin got his brother there in his house,
not dead at all. Maybe we can use that information.
(Pere Jerome and Jean are about to leave. Shaughnessy motions Jean
aside, and they talk. Colonel de Charleu and Indian Charlie enter
together.)
Charlie
It's very thoughtful of you to invite me for a drink, cousin.
Really nice.
(The Colonel and Charlie sit at a table. D'Hemencourt comes to
them, and takes their order.)
Colonel
Eh, well, Charlie. How is those times with my friend Charlie?
Charlie
Eh— every day he make me more poorer.
Colonel (getting down to business)
What do you ask for it?
Charlie
Ask for what?
Colonel
De house! What do you ask for it?
Charlie
I don't believe—
Colonel
What would you take for it?
Charlie
I don't want to sell him.
Colonel
I'll give you ten thousand dollar for it.
Charlie
Ten thousand dollar for dat house? Oh, no. Dat is no price. He is
blame good old house. Forty years dat old house didn't had to be
paint. I can get fifty thousand dollar for that old house.
Colonel
Fifty thousand picayunes, yes.
Charlie
She's a good house. Can make plenty money.
Colonel
That's what makes so you rich, eh Charlie?
Charlie
No, I don't make nothing. Too blame clever me, dat de troub. She's
a good house, make money fast, like a steam boat, make a barrelful in
a week. Me, I lose money all de days. Too blame clever. (he drinks)
Governor (paying and leaving)
If I need you to translate, Jules, I'll send for you. enjoy the
weekend.
(The Governor leaves.)
Colonel
Charlie.
Charlie
Eh?
Colonel
Tell me what you'll take.
Charlie
You want to buy her?
Colonel
Maybe, if you sell it cheap.
Charlie
Old injun Charlie is a low down dog. He's got injun blood in him.
But he's got some blame good blood, too, ain't it?
Colonel
Bien.
Charlie
Old Charlie's injun blood says, "Sell de house, Charlie, you blame
old fool." Mais, old Charlie's good blood says "Charlie, if you sell
dat old house, what de Comte de Charleu make for your great gran'
mother, de devil can eat you."
Colonel
But, you'll sell it anyhow, won't you old man?
Charlie (decisively)
No.
(Baptiste, St Ange's servant enters and goes to St Ange.)
Baptiste
Bull fight this afternoon!
St Ange
There is to be a bull fight? Where?
Baptiste
In the Place Congo.
St Ange
I think I prefer to see Madame Zalli do the Dance du Shawl at the
Conde.
Baptiste
Not an ordinary bull fight, but a bull and a tiger. I for one
don't want to miss it. . . .
(Jules and Baptiste exit.)
Charlie
I'll trade with you.
Colonel (interested)
How will you trade?
Charlie
My house for yours.
Colonel
Trade Belles Demoiselles Plantation to you? (he scoffs)
Charlie
For what do you want him, eh?
Colonel
That's none of your business.
(Two or three men run by in the street, in opposite directions.
Voices of Bystanders: "What's the matter? Is it a fight? Somebody
hurt?)
Madame Delicieuse (appearing on her balcony)
Personne. A man lost his hat and Jules St Ange picked it up. The
man is a giant.
(The crowd flows back. A man of gigantic stature, Parson Jones
enters, holding his hat, talking to Jules.)
Jones
You're a plum gentleman.
Jules (pointing to the banknotes in the hat)
Ah?
Jones
Why, that money belongs to the Smyrny Church.
Jules
You are very dangerous to make your money expose like that Posson
Jone.
Jones
I've done been to Mobile on business for Smyrny Church. It's the
on'yest time I have ever been from home: now you wouldn't of believed
that, would you?
Jules (fascinated by the banknotes)
Non—mais . . .
Jones
You've got to come and eat with me. Me and my boy ain't been fed
yet. What might one call yo' name?
Jules
Jules.
Jones
Jools? Come on, Jools. Come on, Colossus. That's my niggah. Is
that yo' yellah boy, Jools? (pointing to Baptiste)
Jules
Oui.
Jones
Fetch him along, Colossus. It seems like a special providence.
Jools, do you believe in a special providence?
Jules (still hypnotized by the banknotes)
Now, more than ever. I think you is juz right. I believe me
strong— strong in the improvidence, yes. You know my Papa, he own a
shugah plantation. "Jules, my son," he say one time to me, "I goin' to
make you one baril of shugah fedge de mozt high price in New Orleans."
"Well," he says, "Jules, go at Father Pierre, an ged this lil pitcher
fill with holy water, and tell him send his tin bucket, and I will
make it fill with brandy." So, I get the holy water; my Papa sprinkle
it over the baril, and make on cross on the head of the baril.
Jones
Why, Jools, that didn't do no good.
Jules
Did no good. It brought the so great value. You can strike me dead
if it didn't fedge the more high cost than any other in the city.
Parceque, the man what buy that baril shugah, he make a mistake of one
hundred pounds. Mais certainlee.
Jones
And you think that was growin' out of the holy water?
Jules
Mais, what else can it be? It could not be the brandy, because my
Papa keep the bucket and forget to send the brandy to Father Pierre.
Jones
Well now, Jools, you know I don't think that was right. You must
be a plum Catholic.
Jules
I am a Catholique, mais, (brightening) not a good one.
(They go into the Cafe and take seats.)
Jones
Colossus and this boy can go to the kitchen. Now, Colossus, what
is you a beckonin' for?
(Parson Jones lets Colossus draw him aside and whisper in his ear.)
Jones
Oh, go 'way. Who's goin' to throw me? What? Speak louder. 'Pon my
soul, you're the mightiest fool I ever taken up with. Just you go to
the kitchen with that yellah boy and don't you show yo' face until yo'
called.
(Colossus doesn't move.)
Jones
Colossus, will you do ez I tell you, or shall I have to strike
you?
Colossus I goin', but don't you on no account drink nothin'.
Jones
Yo' plum crazy. To tell me that, when I never taken a drop except
for chills in my life. Which you knows as well as me.
(Colossus and Baptiste go out.)
Jones
No, I wouldn't sell him though there's people say he's a rascal.
He's a powerful smart fool. Why, that boy's got money, Jools. More
money than religion, I reckon: I'm shoe he's fallen into mighty bad
company.
(They sit down and order; D'Hemencourt comes over to take the
order.)
Colonel
I'll give you forty thousand dollars.
(Charlie shakes his head.)
Colonel
Forty-five
Charlie
What a lie.
Colonel
Fifty.
(Charlie shakes his head.)
Colonel (wildly)
Seventy-five.
Charlie
Can't you leave an old man alone?
(The Colonel shows no sign of leaving.)
Charlie
Tell you what, I'll make wid you . . .
Colonel
Don't start that again.
Charlie
How much Belles Demoiselles worth? Too much. I don't want Belles
Demoiselles.
Colonel (laughs)
Charlie
But me—me—I'm got le Comte de Charleu's blood in me—anyhow, a
lil bit, anyhow—ain't it?
Colonel
Oui.
Charlie
Bien! If I go out of dis place, and don't go to Belles
Demoiselles, de people will say—dey will say, Old Charlie, he been,
all doze years, tell a blame lie. He ain't no kin to de Charleu. Not
one drop to save his blame, low down old injun soul. (pause) No, sare!
What I wan' wid money, den? No sare! My place for yours.
End Scene I.
Madame Delicieuse
Vous savez, it is now long that Dr. Mossy and his father have been
in disaccord.
Pauline
Indeed, when have they not differed?
Madame Delicieuse
When Mossy was a little boy, the General, his father, thought it
was hard he was not rowdy. He switched him because he would not play
with his toy gun.
Pauline
My father says he was not so high (gesturing) when the General
wished to send him to Paris to enter the French Army; but Mossy would
not go.
Madame Delicieuse
I am determined they shall make it up.
Pauline
Clarisse, even you will not succeed.
Madame Delicieuse
That old fool is in love with me. If he expects to get anywhere
with me, he must do what I say.
Pauline
But Clarisse, General Villivicencio is so stubborn . . .
Madame Delicieuse
And me? Am I not stubborn? What is the use of being loved, if you
can't make the man who loves you obey you? I shall make him greet his
son tonight.
Pauline
How?
Madame Delicieuse
Just wait.
(In the Cafe, Jules St Ange and Parson Jones are seated at a table.)
Jules
This coffee is execrable. I cannot touch it. We can go to the
French market and get some good coffee.
Jones
Not me, Jools.
Jules
But, why?
Jones
Every man has his conscience to guide him.
Jules
Oh, yes! Conscience. That is the bezt Posson Jone. Certainlee! I
am a CATHOLIQUE, you is a SCHISMATIQUE; you think it is wrong to drink
some coffee—then it is wrong; you think it is wrong to make the
shugah get so large price—then it is wrong. I think it is right—then
it is right. It is all habit. C'est tout. What a man thinks is right,
is right. A man muzt not go again his conscience. My faith! Do you
think I would go againzt my conscience?
Jones
Of course not, Jools.
Jules
Well, let us go and get some coffee.
Jones (patiently)
Jools.
Jules
What?
Jones
Jools, it ain't the drinkin' of coffee, but the buyin' of it on a
Sabbath.
Jules
Ah, c'est very true. For you, it would be a sin, but for me, it is
only a habit. Religion is a very strange thing. I know a man, one time
he think it is wrong to go to a cock fight on Sunday. Bah. Only a
habit. (pause) Still, if it cause you a problem, we can go to my
friend Miguel's and get some coffee.
Jones (shamefaced)
Why Jools, m'dear friend, you know I never visit on Sundays.
Jules
Never, what?
Jones
No.
Jules
Never visit?
Jones
Exceptin' sometimes amongst church members.
Jules
Mais, Miguel is a church member.— Certainlee! He love to talk
religion. I am nearly expire for my coffee.
Jones (rising)
Jools, I ought to be in Church right now.
Jules
Mais, the Church is right yonder at Miguel, yes. I think every man
muzt have the religion he like bezt. Every man will sure go to heaven
if he like his religion the bezt.
Jones (troubled)
Jools, do yo' think yo' have any sure hopes of heaven?
Jules
Yes, I am sure—sure. I think everybody will go to heaven. I think
you will go, and Miguel will go, and I—of course, not if they have
not been christened—even I think some niggers will go.
Jones
Jools—wait. I don't want to lose my niggah.
Jules
You will not lose him. With Baptiste he cannot get lost.
Jones
Still, had I of gone to church . . .
Jules
Posson Jone.
Jones
What?
Jules
I tell you, we goin' to church.
Jones
Will you?
Jules
Allons—come along.
(They pay and go out.)
(Zalli and Tite Poulette enter and cross the Square.)
Zalli
Tite Poulette, you are seventeen.
Poulette
True, maman.
Zalli
Ah, my child, I do not see how you are to meet the future.
Poulette
Why not, maman?
Zalli
You are not like the others. No fortune, no pleasures, no FRIENDS.
Poulette
Maman!
Zalli
No, no. I thank God for it! I am glad you are not, but you will be
lonely, lonely, all your poor life long. There is no place in this
world for us poor women. I wish that we were either white or black.
Poulette
God made us, maman.
Zalli
Sin made me, yes.
Poulette
No. God made us. He made us just as we are; not white, not black.
Zalli
He made you. You are so beautiful, my sweet white daughter.
Poulette
And could I be whiter than I am?
Zalli
Oh, no, no. But, if only we were real white, so some gentleman
might call and say, "Madame Zalli—I want your pretty little chick to
be my wife." To see that, I would give my life.
Poulette
Don't worry about me, maman.
(Enter Pere Jerome)
Zalli
Good afternoon, Pere Jerome. We thank God for that wonder sermon.
Jerome Then, so do I.
Poulette
Pere Jerome, what was the name of that man . . . ?
Jerome What man?
Poulette
The pirate—it was such a beautiful story—.
Jerome His name—(evasively)—some say one name, and some say another. Some think it was Jean Lafitte.
Zalli
Tite Poulette, can you go home by yourself? I want to talk to Pere
Jerome—alone.
Poulette
Of course, maman.
(Tite Poulette goes to her home and enters the house.)
Zalli
I probably should have said this in confessional.
Pere Jerome
No matter. Perhaps you want a friend, not an oracle.
Zalli
I have done a bad thing.—I fell in love.
Jerome Love is the right of every soul. If your love was pure, I am sure your angel guardian smiled upon you.
Zalli
It was not pure. And the man I loved was white. He was good.— I
believe he would have married me if the law allowed it—but it did
not. He managed to leave me property—(pointing)—that house—. He
sent our daughter to live in Boston, with relatives, but recently,
they died, and—
Jerome And, at last your mother's heart conquered.
Zalli
She did not escape reproach, even there. So, I brought her here.
She came on the "Spanish Lady" two weeks ago.
Jerome I suppose she is a sweet, good daughter—
Zalli
The very best.
Jerome Which gives us a dilemma in its fullest force. She has no more place here, than if she had dropped upon a strange planet.
Zalli
If I should die—
Jerome Well, Madame Zalli, one thing is sure: we must find a way out of this trouble.
Zalli
But, how?
Jerome God knows.
Zalli
If god tells anybody, he will tell you.
Jerome Do you think so? Well, leave me to think about it. I will pray and ask him.
Zalli
I am just going to say Hail Marys all the time, till you find that
out for me.
Jerome Well, I hope that will be soon.
Zalli
Good bye, Pere Jerome. (she follows her daughter's path to her
house)
(Vignevielle enters the Square and sees Jerome. He stops.)
Jerome Well, a-day, old playmate, after so many years.
Vignevielle
Ursin le Maitre is dead, Jerome. He left a will. I am his
executor.
Jerome Ah, le roi est mort, vive le roi. What will you do?
Vignevielle
I've a lot to atone for—that is Captain le Maitre has a lot to
atone for. He also left a lot of money.— I think I will open a bank.
Jerome A bank?
Vignevielle
I can do a lot of good that way. Loan money to people who really
need it—the devil with interest. (pause) Do you know, if Ursin le
Maitre had been able to get a loan of four hundred dollars, he
wouldn't have turned pirate?
Jerome Where did you hear that story?
Vignevielle
His dying words. Can I see you all tonight? I want to see Mossy
and Jean.
Jerome Of course.
Vignevielle
Expect me around eight.
(Vignevielle leaves, leaving Pere Jerome, if anything, more puzzled
than he was before. Madame Zalli returns.)
Zalli
I wanted to say one more thing.
Jerome Madame Zalli, you saw that man?
Zalli
Yes—?
Jerome You wouldn't believe me if I told you what that man proposes to do.
Zalli
Is that so, Pere Jerome?
Jerome He is going to open a bank.
Zalli
Ah, but is that so strange?
Jerome He is God's own banker, Madame Zalli.
Zalli
Pere Jerome . . . you know how I earn a living?
Jerome No,—not exactly. I suppose you live off the property your, er—the property you were left.
Zalli
No. It is not enough for that. I dance the Dance du Shawl at the
Salle de Conde.
Jerome Well, well, Madame Zalli, that is unusual, but not immoral.
Zalli (deeply moved)
Thank you, Pere Jerome.
(They part, Zalli following her daughter, Pere Jerome in the other
direction. Both exit. Shaughnessy enters from the direction of Madame
Zalli's house.)
Shaughnessy
Fact is, it would take us at least twelve months to make Mr.
Poquelin understand the rather original features of our plan, and he
wouldn't subscribe even then. Besides, the only way to see him, is to
stop him in the streets.
Mazaro
I'd rather meet a bear robbed of her whelps.
Shaughnessy
You're mistaken as to that. I did meet him, stopped him, and found
him quite polite. But, I could get no satisfaction from him. The
fellow wouldn't speak English, and when I spoke in French, he gave the
same answer to everything I said. That it was not worthwhile.
Mazaro
He always says that.
Shaughnessy
Old Poquelin does everything he can to prevent anyone coming near
his house. Now, I have heard a ghost story. Course, I don't believe in
ghosts, savin' the little people, you understand—. He's got somebody
locked up out there— Most likely, his brother.
Mazaro
How do you propose to handle the subject?
Shaughnessy
It would be inadvisable for us to formally authorize any action
involving trespass. But if one of us were to informally look into it—
Mazaro
It's an action we owe to the community.
(They wander into the Cafe.)
End Scene II.
Madame Delicieuse
General, had I not some beautiful ladies on my balcony this
morning? A veritable bouquet?
General Villivicencio (gallantly)
It was as magnificent as could be expected with the central rose
wanting.
Madame Delicieuse
But, ah, General, if you had heard what some of those rosebuds
said of you!
General Villivicencio (preening)
I am sure I don't deserve any praise from the ladies.
Madame Delicieuse
You have been spoken against.
General Villivicencio
It is some time since the ladies have had cause to complain of me.
Madame Delicieuse
A lady said today—but, you will be angry with me.
General Villivicencio
With you, Madame, it is not possible.
Madame Delicieuse
I don't like to bear tales, but . . .
General Villivicencio
You are an angel. But what said she?
Madame Delicieuse
Well—this woman said "All the world knows General Villivicencio
treats his son badly. Don't marry a man like that."
General Villivicencio (muttering)
It is not true.
Madame Delicieuse
"But what did his son do?" I asked. "Nothing," she said. Me, I
would be angry too, if my son had done nothing for fifteen years.
General Villivicencio (vexed)
It is nothing to joke about.
Madame Delicieuse
Exactly what I thought,—but (sweetly) what could I do? I had no
idea what your son had done. Nor did I wish to know, or hear, anything
against one who has the honor to call you his father.
General Villivicencio
Madame is too kind.
Madame Delicieuse
So, I said, "No one has a right to be angry with so noble, kind,
and brave a young man."
General Villivicencio (ironically)
Brave!
Madame Delicieuse
Of course, braver than any soldier. Does he not tend the small
pox, the cholera, and other infectious diseases without flinching from
his duty?
General Villivicencio (reluctantly)
Dr. Mossy practices his profession with honor, still—.
Madame Delicieuse
And, do you know what that catty woman said?
General Villivicencio
Eh?
Madame Delicieuse
She said, "I have seen his father once run from a snake."
General Villivicencio
An execrable lie. That woman is a viper. I should run from her.
Madame Delicieuse
I could hardly deny that your son was a noble gentleman—
General Villivicencio
Certainly, my son is a gentleman.
Madame Delicieuse
Another lady said, "Do you know why his father is angry so long?
It is because he refused to become a soldier."
General Villivicencio
All the Villivicencios have been soldiers. For six hundred years.
Madame Delicieuse
A great tradition. But, no reason there cannot be a doctor in the
family.
General Villivicencio
At least he could have been a military surgeon.
Madame Delicieuse
I am sure you love him no less for healing than for killing.
General Villivicencio
Perhaps, Clarisse, it would be better if—
Madame Delicieuse
That other lady, the viper, said "No ladies, I am going to tell
you why Monsieur le General is angry with his son. It is just
because—he is—a little man."
(General Villivicencio stands straight up.)
Madame Delicieuse
Ah, cherie, I have wounded you. They are wretched girls, and I am
a wretched tattler.
General Villivicencio
Ah, no, Madame. You are my dearest friend, yes.
Madame Delicieuse (brightly)
But, for all that they admire you. They said you look glorious—
grand—at the head of a parade. And, I think so, too.
General Villivicencio
You are too good, Clarisse.
Madame Delicieuse (returning to the attack)
Anyhow, I told them they were fools. I said you had a very good
reason for your attitude. But, when they asked me to disclose it, I
had to say it was a secret, for I didn't want to say you've never told
me.
General Villivicencio
Of course, I have an excellent reason. (hesitates) It's difficult
to explain. Besides, it is a sort of secret.
Madame Delicieuse (feigning pain)
A secret from me?
General Villivicencio
Someday, I shall tell you. I have more than one burden here.
(pressing his heart)
Madame Delicieuse (with insincere sympathy)
Pauvre General. (she is annoyed that he has eluded her)
General Villivicencio
You could ease one of my burdens, Clarisse.
Madame Delicieuse (innocently)
Ah, how?
General Villivicencio
Be my wife.
Madame Delicieuse (coldly)
Hercule, I shall always be your dear friend, but isn't this a bit
premature?
General Villivicencio
Premature? I've been trying to say this for months.
Madame Delicieuse (mischievously)
Did you lack courage?
General Villivicencio (honestly)
Well—yes. I'd rather brave a cannon or a dentist than propose.
Madame Delicieuse
What I mean, Hercule, is—don't you think you ought to do
something to please me?
General Villivicencio
But, for a year now, I've been doing everything I can think of to
please you. (he is puzzled)
Madame Delicieuse
How can you say that! Isn't it obvious that I've been trying to
reconcile you and Dr. Mossy for some time now—?
General Villivicencio (icily)
Very.
Madame Delicieuse (haughtily)
And you spurn my efforts?
General Villivicencio (confused)
I don't spurn them. I just—
Madame Delicieuse
And you think to ingratiate yourself with me in this bumptious
way?
General Villivicencio
My dear Clarisse— It is a personal matter.
Madame Delicieuse
You propose to me, and tell me that my stepson is "a personal
matter" in which I am not allowed to interfere. As if I have no
interest or right?
General Villivicencio (retreating)
Of course you have a right.
Madame Delicieuse
You must know, I like to get my way about everything. Especially
family matters. I think you must be one of those gallants who believe
that irritating a woman is the way to her heart. Well, it won't work
with me. The answer is "No, I will not be your wife, Monsieur le
General."
(And turning her back on the helpless General, she stalks off.)
End of Scene III.
Mazaro
You should have seen him laugh. "She thinks I want to marry her,"
he said.
D'Hemencourt
Manuel Mazaro, if what you say is not true . . .
Mazaro
If it is not true, you will kill Manuel Mazaro? All right—
D'Hemencourt
Not I. But, I am positive Major Shaughnessy will shoot you.
Mazaro
Says to me, "Manuel, you go tell Senor D'Hemencourt I find you
some night and cut your heart out." But if Senor D'Hemencourt finds
out from Pauline . . .
D'Hemencourt
Silence, Sieur Mazaro. Neither you nor anyone else shall use the
name of my daughter. It is not possible. I shall not permit that.
Mazaro (nodding approval)
Correct, correct, Senor. You are right. Excuse me, Senor, excuse
me. The Major uses her name when he talks to me—all the time.
D'Hemencourt
But, Manuel Mazaro, if what you say is not true—I will request
you never to return to the Cafe des Exiles.
Mazaro (leaving You shall find it is true.
(Mazaro exits to the street, Pauline enters from the kitchen.)
Pauline
Papa, Papa, it is not true.
D'Hemencourt
You heard? No, my child, I am sure it is not true. But, why do I
find you out of bed so late, little bird?
Pauline
Ah, Papa, I thought Manuel would tell you something of the kind,
and I listened.
D'Hemencourt (suspicious and grieved)
Ah, my child—if Manuel's story is all false, in the name of
Heaven, how could you know he was going to tell it?
(Pauline is silent.)
D'Hemencourt
Speak my child. Speak!
Pauline
Oh, Papa,—I do not know.— Something told me.
D'Hemencourt
Your conscience told you.
Pauline
No, no, no, Papa. I was afraid of Manuel Mazaro. He hates the
Major and will hurt him any way he can. He will even try to kill him.
D'Hemencourt
You know something else. You know the Major loves you, or you
think so: is it not true?
Pauline
I would give worlds to think so.
D'Hemencourt
Oh, my child, my child. Your Papa is not angry. What will I do
without you? (pause) You were right. The Cafe des Exiles never should
have been opened. It is no place for you. No place at all!
Pauline
Let us leave it.
D'Hemencourt
It is too late.
Pauline
Why?
D'Hemencourt (gravely)
Daughter, I cannot tell you. You must go to bed. Good night. God
keep you.
Pauline
The Blessed Virgin will care for us.
(She goes into the house, D'Hemencourt, in a troubled way, looks
after her as the curtain falls.)
End of Scene IV.
CURTAIN
Shaughnessy
D'ye want to see me, Manuel?
Mazaro
You must avoid the Cafe. There are to men hanging about, evidently
watching for you.
Shaughnessy
What do they want?
Mazaro
You ought to know.
Shaughnessy
Why don't they look for me in the Cafe Anglais. I'm there mot of
the time.
Mazaro
They are probably afraid to do anything in that crowd.
Shaughnessy
That's so. Very well, I'll not go. We've no business tonight, eh
Manuel?
Mazaro
None at all.
(Shaughnessy turns on his heel and leaves as he came. Mazaro
continues to hang about. General Villivicencio enters. Seeing Mossy,
he pauses. He looks at Madame Delicieuse's balcony. He twirls his
moustaches furiously. Finally, he makes up his mind, crossing himself,
he enters the Cafe.)
General Villivicencio
Good afternoon, Doctor—
Mossy
Be seated, Papa.
(The General sits stiffly and clears his throat.)
Mossy
Is all going well, Papa?
General Villivicencio
Yes. (pause of painful silence)
Mossy
Beautiful day.
General Villivicencio
Exceptionally.
Mossy
I thought it would rain, but it cleared off.
General Villivicencio (drumming the table with his fingers)
So it did.
Mossy
It appears to be turning cool.
General Villivicencio
No, it is not turning cool at all.
Mossy
H'mmm.
General Villivicencio
Hem!
Mossy (stealing a glance at his manuscript)
Ummm.
General Villivicencio (with frigid politeness)
I am interrupting you.
Mossy
No, no! Pardon me; be seated. It gives me great pleasure to have
you here.
General Villivicencio (drumming again)
The city—it is healthy?
Mossy
Huh?
General Villivicencio
The city has not much sickness at the moment?
Mossy
No—er, yes— Not much. (stealing another glance at his manuscript)
General Villivicencio (on his feet immediately)
I must go.
Mossy (also rising)
Ah, no, Papa.
General Villivicencio
But yes, I must.
Mossy
But wait, Papa. I had just now something to speak of—
General Villivicencio (sitting)
Of course—
Mossy
It's gone out of my head—
General Villivicencio (rising immediately)
Perhaps, it will come another time.
Mossy
Ah, now I remember. I congratulate you on your nomination to be
Governor. I can't imagine why I momentarily forgot.
General Villivicencio (preening)
My friends compelled me to run.
Mossy
They really think you will be elected?
General Villivicencio
They do not doubt it. But what think you, my son?
Mossy (sincerely)
They could not elect a better man.
General Villivicencio (bowing)
Perhaps the people will think so; my friends believe they will.
(he is flattered by the compliment, and shows it, despite himself)
Mossy
Still—all these Yankees. You won't be too disappointed if you are
not elected, I hope?
General Villivicencio
Me? I should hope a Villivicencio knows how to bear defeat as well
as victory.
Mossy
Still. These campaigns get rather vitriolic.
General Villivicencio
I shall not engage in mudslinging.
Mossy
I hope your opponents won't.
General Villivicencio
If they do, they shall answer for it.
Mossy
Your friends should help you as much as they can Papa. Myself, I
should like to assist you.
General Villivicencio (emotionally)
Really, Victorien, you please me more than I can say.— This is
like a son.
Mossy
But, I don't see what I can do.
General Villivicencio (disappointed)
Ahhh!
Mossy
Not being a public man. Unless, perhaps, I could write editorials
for you. That's it!
General Villivicencio
Certainly—certainlee! Ah, Mossy, you are right. The pen they say
is mightier than the sword. Well, my son—au revoire. I really cannot
stay. But I will see you again soon. I hasten to tell my friends that
the pen of Dr. Mossy is on our side.
(The General rises, and salutes his son with great cordiality. He
goes out and enters Madame Delicieuse's house. As he leaves, he passes
Jules St Ange leading in Parson Jones who is the picture of a big man
with an even bigger hangover. The Parson's exuberant personality is
crestfallen. Though he is a giant, he feels himself a pygmy,
especially morally. They sit down, D'Hemencourt greets them. They
order. Jules is jubilant.)
Jones
How'd you get me out of jail, Jules?
Jules
I tell the judge you are innocent.
(Jones groans.)
Jules
Mr. Posson Jone—
Jones (despairing)
Oh, Jools.
Jules
Mais, what de matter, Posson Jone?
Jones (groaning)
My sins, Jools, my sins.
Jules
Ah, Mr. Posson Jone, you make a so droll sermon at the bull ring.
Ha, ha, I swear I think you can make the money to preach. How you do
it? How you carry the tiger?
(Jones lets out a deep groan. He feels his sin upon him.)
Jules
Hah, you is the mozt brave man dat I never see, mais at the same
time, the mozt religious man.
Jones (with unbearable guilt)
I was to have left for home tomorrow sun-up on the Schooner
Isabella. Poor Smyrny.
Jules
Mais, why can't you cheer up an be happy. Me, if I should be
miserable like that, I would kill myself.
(There is a pause. Jones is crying.)
Jules
Ah, Posson Jone, is that something to cry, because a man get
sometime a litt bit intoxicated? Mais, if a man keep all the time
intoxicate, I think that is again the conscience.
Jones
What exactly did I do?
Jules
You carry the tiger above your head, (gesturing) like so, and you
say —you roar—"The tiger and the buffalo shall lay down together."
Jones
Oh, my God.
Jules
Where I going to find one priest like that?
Jones
What happened to the money?
Jules (coolly)
Oh, that. You lost most of that gambling.
Jones
Gambling—
Jules
Don't you remember? At Miguel's—
Jones
But Jools, the money's none o' mine. It belonged to Smyrny Church.
Jules
Anyway, Lazt evening, when they lock you up, I go to Monsieur le
Blanc, he is the judge, to get you out of the calabooze. So soon I was
entering, he say, "Ah, Jules, me boy, juzt the man to make complete
the game of poker." Posson Jone, it was a specious providence. In tree
hours I win more than six hundred dollah. Look. (showing money) And, I
didn't have to cheat.
Jones
Jools, my friend, your kindness is in vain.
Jules (amazed)
Mais, why?
Jones
Because I can't accept the money. It don't become a Christian
(which I hope I can still say I am one) to do evil that good may come.
Jules
Mr. Posson Jone, hold on. You see dis money—what I win last
night— Well, I win it by a specious providence, ain't it?
Jones
There's no tellin. God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to
perform.
Jules
Ah, c'est very true. I get dis money in the myzterieuze way. Mais,
if I keep dis money, you know where it goin to be tonight?
Jones
I really can't say.
Jules (sweetly)
Goin to the devil.
Jones
Oh, Jools.
Jules
Well, den, what I shall do wid it?
Jones
Anything! Better donate it to some poor man.
Jules
Ah, Misty Posson Jone, dat is what I want. You lose five hundred
dollar—was my fault.
Jones
No, it wasn't, Jools.
Jules
Mais, it was.
Jones
No.
Jules
It was me fault! I swear, it was me fault. Mais, here is five
hundred dollar. I wish you shall take it.
(Jones begins to weep.)
Jones
Oh, Jools, Jools, Jools. My noble friend.
Jules
Oh, my faith. Posson Jone, you muzt not begin to cry some more.
Jones
My dear, misguided friend; ef you hed of hed a Christian raisin!
May the Lord show you your errors better'n I kin. And God bless you
for your good intentions. (starting suddenly) Jools, Jools, where's my
pore old niggah?
Jules
Posson Jones, never mind; he is wid Baptiste.
Jones
Where?
Jules
I don't know where—mais, he is wid Baptiste. Baptiste is a
beautiful to take care of somebody.
Jones
I never will believe he taken the money.
Jules
Posson Jone. You take this money.
Jones
Can't, it's agin my conscience.
Jules (defeated)
Posson Jone! Make me anyhow this promise; you never, never will
come back to New Orleans.
Jones
Lord willin, I never will leave home again.
Jules
You got to go soon.
Jones
But, I got to find Colossus first.
Jules
Mais, Posson Jone. De judge's order—you cannot read it, it is in
French, compel you to leave New Orleans by nightfall. I made him put
it there myself.
Jones
Oh, Jools, supposin Colossus don't get home? Oh, Jools, if you'll
look him out for me—I'll never forget you nohow Jools.
Jules
I will, I will. Adieu, Posson Jones. My faith, you are the so
fighting an mozt religious man as I never saw. Adieu. Adieu.
(They pay and go out.)
End Scene I.
Zalli
Cherie, why do you dream so much?
Poulette
I was thinking of Pere Jerome's sermon. (pause, worried) Do you
think, maman, that Pere Jerome knows that I was the girl on the
"Spanish Lady"—who—?
Zalli
No, I am sure he does not.
Poulette
Do you think Pere Jerome knows him?
Zalli
Yes, I do. He said so in his sermon.
Poulette
I wish I was Pere— I wish I was as good as Pere Jerome.
Zalli
My child, my child—don't give your heart to a pirate.
Poulette
I will not—I will not!
Zalli
It would be useless anyhow.
Poulette
I know, I know.
(There is a pause.)
Zalli
Tite Poulette, I want you to promise me one thing.
Poulette
Well, maman?
Zalli
If any gentleman should ever love you and ask you to
marry—promise me you will not tell him you are not white.
Poulette
It will never happen.
Zalli
But, if it should?
Poulette
But, to marry like that is against the law.
Zalli
The law is unjust
Poulette
I would surely tell him.
(Zalli looks off; she is upset. In the distance she spies Monsieur
de la Rue, manager of the Conde, her boss.)
Zalli
Oh dear, oh dear. Monsieur de la Rue is coming.
Poulette
Your employer at the Salle de Conde?
Zalli
Yes. I cannot avoid speaking to him. Go home quickly, Tite
Poulette. The man is a roue, not fit for your company.
(Tite Poulette starts off, obeying her mother. Monsieur de la Rue
enters.)
M. de la Rue
Madame Zalli.
(Zalli curtsies politely.)
M. de la Rue
Madame Zalli, that young lady—is she your daughter?
Zalli
She—she is my daughter.
M. de la Rue
I think not, Madame Zalli.
Zalli
Yes, monsieur, she is my daughter.
M. de la Rue
Only make believe, I think.
Zalli
I swear she is, Monsieur de la Rue.
M. de la Rue
Is that possible? But, how? Why does she not come to our ballroom
with you?
Zalli (uneasily)
Each of his own tastes, Sieur de la Rue. It does not please her.
M. de la Rue
I shall come to see you, Madame Zalli.
Zalli
Monsieur must not give himself the trouble.
M. de la Rue
It will be my pleasure. (he bows and leaves)
(Zalli is perturbed. A new and totally unexpected threat has
presented itself. Sieur de la Rue means to have Tite Poulette, and
Zalli has no idea how to stop him. She is lost in thought when
Monsieur de Vignevielle approaches from the Cafe. He bows to
Zalli, who curtsies in return.)
Vignevielle
Good afternoon, Madame Zalli.
Zalli
Ah, Miche Vignevielle, I thank God to meet you.
Vignevielle
Is that so, Madame Zalli? Why is that?
Zalli
I've been talking to Pere Jerome—he suggested that if—
Vignevielle
If—?
Zalli
If it arrive to me to die—
Vignevielle
Yes?
Zalli
I want you to take care of my little girl.
Vignevielle
I will do that—like my own—
Zalli
You are so kind— Oh, if she weren't so unhappy—
Vignevielle
Why is she unhappy?
Zalli
She won't tell me, Miche.
Vignevielle
What do you think?
Zalli
Miche, I think she is lonesome.
Vignevielle
In that case, Madame Zalli, I don't think it right for me to be
her guardian. It would be a miztake.
Zalli
Ah,—non—Miche.
Vignevielle
There is only one that can be.
Zalli
Who, Miche?
Vignevielle
God.
Zalli
Ah, Miche.
Vignevielle
I'm not going to desert you, Madame Zalli.
(Zalli is puzzled.)
Vignevielle
You don't know what I mean.
Zalli
Not exactly.
Vignevielle
I mean your daughter's guardian must find her a husband, and only
God can do that. But, Madame, I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll find a
husband for your daughter—a white man. You can trust me—
Zalli
You will come to my house yourself?
Vignevielle
If you like.
Zalli
Miche, I think Pere Jerome might be able to tell you somebody.
(They go out towards her house.)
End of Scene II.
Jean
General, you must read this. You are called "antiquated." We who
nominated you are called "fossils." Our whole caucus is
"irresponsible!"
General The devil! Let me see. (reading) I cannot read this trash. Colonel, you read it.
Colonel (reading)
"The Crayfish Eater's Ticket. It is not long since the fossils who
represent the old ways nominated the antiquated General Hercule Mossy
de Villivicencio for Governor. It is true that the old soldier
performed good service in the last war (and while we are not prone to
attack his record, which is honorable, we are not prohibited from
saying that his victories proceeded more from luck and pluck than from
any strategic grasp of the situation). Despite his service, which the
old gentleman never ceases to preen himself on, we feel justified in
criticizing his attachment to the most reactionary elements in our
community—elements which we believe regret that the Louisiana
Purchase was ever made. This irresponsible group of crayfish eaters
undoubtedly think that the election of General Villivicencio is the
first step leading to secession and reunion with France. However,——"
General Villivicencio (savagely)
Stop. That is enough.
Colonel
The author must answer for it.
General Villivicencio (savagely twirling his mustaches)
I forbid you to fight him. You shall not fight him.
Colonel
But, one of us must fight. You cannot. If you fight, the cause is
lost. The candidate must not fight.
Jean
He is right.
General Villivicencio
You are right. Thank God, I have a son. My son shall call the
villain out and make him pay for his impudence with his blood.
(The General rises.)
General Villivicencio
Decidedly, Victorien must do it.
(The two friends nod in agreement.)
End of Scene III.
Zalli
Ah, my little fatherless one—kiss—kiss—kiss.
Poulette
Is it good news you have, or bad?
Zalli
God knows my darling, I cannot tell.
Poulette
Why do you cry?
Zalli
For nothing at all, my darling—for nothing— I am such a fool.—
It's just that Miche Vignevielle is the best man on the good Lord's
earth—
Poulette
There is something else, and you shall tell me.
Zalli
Yes.— We must go in and clean the parlor, even though no one is
coming to see us, eh?
Poulette
Who is coming here this evening?
Zalli
Oh, nobody—nobody at all. It's just time for a little overdue
spring cleaning.
Poulette
Tell me who is coming.
Zalli
Our blessed friend, Miche Vignevielle.
Poulette
To see me?
Zalli
Yes.
Poulette (unnerved)
What have you done?
Zalli
Why, child, do you forget that it is Miche Vignevielle who has
promised to protect you when I die?
Poulette
How is it possible? First of all, you are young, and in good
health, and not going to die. Secondly, this Miche Vignevielle has
only recently come to New Orleans, and you have only known him for one
day.
Zalli
Ah, cherie, it is there that he shows himself the best man alive.
He is so kind.
Poulette
Besides, how can he protect me? He is a white man, and I am a
poor—
Zalli (happily)
He proposes to meet that difficulty. He says he will find you a
husband.
Poulette (sobbing violently)
I shall never marry. Who would want me?
Zalli
Oh, my sweet daughter, you must not cry! I did not want to tell
you. Don't cry— Miche says you shall have the one you wish, or none
at all.
Poulette (hysterically)
None at all! None at all! None at all!
(Enter Monsieur Vignevielle, he bows.)
Vignevielle
Hem!
Zalli (thunderstruck)
Miche— (she curtsies)
Poulette (faint)
Maman?
Zalli
I am here, my daughter. (overwhelmed) It is Miche Vignevielle, my
daughter.
Poulette
No, maman. It is Captaine le Maitre.
(Vignevielle bows again. Poulette regards him as if in a trance.)
End of Scene IV.
Colonel
Charlie—open up.
Charlie (opening the door)
Ello. From what you come dis time of tonight?
Colonel
Never mind that. Charlie, what you say, Charlie?— My house for
yours, eh Charlie? What you say?
Charlie (astonished)
You come to trade?
Colonel
Yes. (pause) Well, old man Charlie, what you say: my house for
yours— like you said—eh Charlie?
Charlie
I dunno. Why don't you stay dere yourself?
Colonel
Because, I don't want! Is dat reason enough for you? You better
take me in de notion—old man—I tell you, yes.
Charlie
I don't care, I take him.
Colonel
Not the whole plantation—only the house.
Charlie
I don't care. We easy fix dat. Mais, what for you don't want to
keep him? I don't want him. You better keep him.
Colonel (irritated)
Don't you try to make a fool of me, old man.
Charlie
Oh, no. Oh, no! But, you make a fool of yourself, ain't it? Belles
Demoiselles is more wort than three blocks like dis one. (gesturing)
Yes, the Comte de Charleu have two family. One was lowdown Choctaw,
one was high up noblesse. He gave the lowdown Choctaw this rat-hole.
(pause) What I'll do wid Belles Demoiselles? She'll break me in two
years, yes. And, what you'll do wid old Charlie's house. Tear her down
and make yourself a blame old fool. I rather wouldn't trade.
Colonel
Charlie.
Charlie
I rather wouldn't, mais, I will do it for you. Just the same like
Monsieur le Comte would say, Charlie, you old fool, I want to change
house wid you.
Colonel
Come. Come at my house tonight. Tomorrow we'll take a look at the
place before breakfast and finish the trade.
Charlie
Well, anyhow— I don't care— I'll go.
(They continue to talk, as the Curtain falls.)
End of Scene V.
CURTAIN
Pauline
We do not know that he refuses to come. We only know that Manuel
says so.
D'Hemencourt
When has he ever stayed away so long? No, my child, it is
intentional. Manuel urges him to come, but he only sends excuses.
Pauline
But, why have you not sent word to him, by some other person?
D'Hemencourt
It is not fitting that I should send to him—
(Zalli and Tite Poulette enter from their house and pause near the
fountain.)
Poulette
Did you go to Sieur de la Rue's office, maman?
Zalli
I could not.
Poulette
Maman, he has seen me at the window.
Zalli
While I was gone?
Poulette
He passed on the other side of the street. He looked up purposely
and saw me.
Zalli (wringing her hands)
How shall we escape him?
Poulette
It is nothing, mother, do not go near him.
Zalli
But the pay—my child.
Poulette
The pay matters not.
Zalli
But, he will bring it to the house; he wants the excuse. Lord,
he's coming, now—hurry.
(They rush back to their house and go in as Sieur de la Rue enters.
He knocks, but there is no answer. Vignevielle has observed this and
comes up.)
Vignevielle
They are not at home.
M. de la Rue (continuing to rap)
I saw them.
Vignevielle
Perhaps, they are not at home to you.
M. de la Rue
Are you staring at me, sir?
Vignevielle (icily)
Are you not making a mistake, sir?
M. de la Rue
Kindly mind your own business.
Vignevielle
You had better leave.
M. de la Rue
And if I choose not?
Vignevielle (smoothly)
I shall make you.
M. de la Rue
You dare?
(Vignevielle knocks him down. M. de la Rue rises slowly and adjusts
his hat. Mossy has come up.)
M. de la Rue
There shall be a time, sir. (he exits)
Mossy
That wasn't such a good idea. He is Madame Zalli's boss.
Undoubtedly, he will discharge her.
Vignevielle (shrugging)
I don't care for her to work there anyway. (he knocks and is
admitted)
(Mossy returns to his seat in the Cafe. Lawyer Jean enters and goes
to Mossy.)
Jean
The druggist says the boys are going to shivaree Old Poquelin. I'm
going to try to stop it.
Mossy
You'd better not. You might get hurt.
Jean
I'm going to sit here until they come by.
Mossy
You're welcome.
Jean
On second thought, there's something I must do first. (he exits)
(Mossy returns to his writing. The General enters.)
General Villivicencio
Well, my son, have you seen yesterday's newspaper? No, I see you
have not, since your cheeks are not red with shame and anger.
Mossy
What has happened, Papa?
General Villivicencio
My faith, Mossy, is it possible you have not heard of the attack
on me which has surprised and exasperated the city?
Mossy
I guess not.
General Villivicencio
My soul. But Mossy, my son, there it is—there! There! There! Read
it! Calls me not responsible. Practically suggests I am a traitor—.
Mossy (after reading)
But Papa, I have read this. If this is it, I am already preparing
to respond to it.
(The General embraces his son and kisses him on both cheeks.)
General Villivicencio
I knew I had a son. Read me what you have written, my son.
Mossy (reading)
"Messers Editors, in your journal of yesterday, there was
published an editorial reflecting on General Hercule Mossy de
Villivicencio, a national hero, in the most scurrilous manner.
Numerous errors of fact were made and preposterous opinions ventured.
We request you to retract the editorial and apologize—"
General Villivicencio
Apologize? I will not accept an apology. Do not accept an apology,
Victorien. You must demand the name of the scoundrel and chastise the
wretch on the field of honor—
Mossy
You want me to fight?
General Villivicencio
What else is there to do? Exchange love notes in the newspapers? I
believe you do not want to fight.
Mossy
Not over this.
General Villivicencio (heartbroken)
If not over this, what? My God.
Mossy
This sort of thing goes on all the time. I warned you, Papa, that
you would be exposed to this sort of thing. I'm afraid—
General Villivicencio (dejected but ironic)
I see that.
Mossy (hotly)
That's not what I mean. But you know how I feel about dueling.
General Villivicencio (majestic)
It is well. I was wrong. It is my quarrel. I shall settle it
myself.
Mossy (blocking him)
No, Papa!
General Villivicencio
What else is there to do?
Mossy
Papa, I cannot permit you to expose yourself in this way. For
years we have been estranged. You must not leave me so. (decisively) I
will settle this quarrel for you.
General Villivicencio (brightening, for he knows but one way
to settle a quarrel)
I would myself do it. But a candidate cannot. Silly custom. My
friends forbid it.
Mossy
So do I.
General Villivicencio
My son— I do not wish to compel you.
Mossy
It is a small service. You must wait here for my return.
General Villivicencio
But, I have an appointment at Maspero's.
Mossy
I will call and make an excuse for you. Now, I must go and find
which member of their talented editorial staff wrote this trash.
General Villivicencio
What if your patients are looking for you?
Mossy
Send them to Dr. Prevost, if it's an emergency. Otherwise, tell
them to call me at my office tomorrow.
General V. Bien. (he seats himself and reads a paper)
(Mossy goes out, decisively.)
(Enter Major Shaughnessy. He goes directly to D'Hemencourt.)
Shaughnessy
Good evening, Monsieur D'Hemencourt. I want to have a private word
with you.
D'Hemencourt
Mazaro told you?
Shaughnessy
Yes.
D'Hemencourt
Major, if Mazaro told you, why didn't you come sooner?
Shaughnessy
Didn't Manuel tell you why I didn't come?
D'Hemencourt
Yes, but one brave gentleman should not be afraid of—
Shaughnessy
Monsieur D'Hemencourt, I'm not afraid of any two men living, and
certainly not the two that've been watching me, if they're the two I
think they are.
D'Hemencourt
But, sir . . .
Shaughnessy
What's the use of confronting two cutthroats when—?
D'Hemencourt
Major Shaughnessy, I am not a cutthroat, and I have a right to
watch you.
Shaughnessy
What do you mean? One of us is crazy.
D'Hemencourt
No, sir. I am not crazy. I have a right to watch the man who made
a remark about my daughter.
Shaughnessy (hotly)
I did not such thing!
D'Hemencourt (with equal fire)
You did!
Shaughnessy
Never.
D'Hemencourt
But, you have just acknowledged—
Shaughnessy
The man that told you is a liar!
D'Hemencourt (triumphant)
Ah, you call Manuel Mazaro a liar?
Shaughnessy
Well, I should say so. Why, Monsieur D'Hemencourt, Mazaro's been
keeping me away from here with a yarn about a couple of Spaniards from
Cuba watching for me. That's what I came to ask you about. Do you
suppose I would talk about your daughter to the likes of Mazaro?
End of Scene I.
Colonel
Old Charlie, you and me is both old, eh?
Charlie
Yes.
Colonel
And, we has both been had enough in our time, eh Charlie?
Charlie (sipping his drink)
Yass.
Colonel
You and me is pretty close.
Charlie
Blame close, yes.
Colonel
But, you never know me to cheat, old man?
Charlie
No.
Colonel
And, do you think I would cheat you now?
Charlie
I dunno. I don't believe.
Colonel
Well, old man—I shan't cheat you now. My God,—you better not
make the trade.
Charlie
Because for what?
Colonel
Because the levee's burst.
(Charlie makes signs of disbelief.)
Colonel
It's true, it's true, Charlie. When you first wanted to trade—I
kind of laughed. But when I went back home last night, I saw the levee
was bursting and decided I'd better make that trade after all. I've
got no insurance, Charlie.
(The mob enters, and prominent among its leaders is Jules St Ange.
Jean rises quickly and signals to St Ange. The mob more or less
quiets down to see what's going on.)
Jean
Stop those fellows, Jules. Stop them just a minute.
(St Ange gives a signal and the mob quiets.)
Jean
Don't shivaree old Poquelin tonight.
Jules (drunk)
Who tell you I'm going to shivaree somebody, eh? You think because
I make a little playful wiz this tin pan zat I am drunk?
Jean
Oh, no. I was just afraid you might not know old Poquelin is sick.
Jules
I am very sorry to tell you, you are drunk as the devil. I am ze
servan of ze publique. Zese citoyens goin to request Jean Poquelin
give two hundred fifty dollars to charity. If he refuse, we make some
little musique, ta, ra, ta.
Jean
But, gentlemen, the old man is very sick.
Jules
Old Poquelin got no bizniz drink so much whiskey.
Jean
It is not right to do it to a sick man.
Jules
My faith, we did not make him to be sick. When we have say we
going to make le shivaree, do you want we have tell a lie?
Jean
Oh, no. You can shivaree someone else.
Jules
Mais, certainlee. We can shivaree Jean ah Poquelin tomorrow.
Voice in the crowd Let us go to Madame Schneider's Bordello. The old witch. Cent pesetas pour le charite. Hurrah!
(The crowd goes noisily off. Jean resumes his seat. Zalli enters
with Pere Jerome.)
Zalli
I just had to find you, Pere Jerome. I had to talk to you. (pause)
Pere Jerome.
Jerome Why, Madame Zalli?
Zalli
Oh, Pere Jerome, I wan see you so bad, so bad!
Jerome Perhaps we had better sit apart.
Zalli
I was glad to catch you. (pause) (fanning herself) F'e chaud.
Jerome Well, Madame Zalli?
Zalli
Pere Jerome.
Jerome Well?
Zalli
Oh, Pere Jerome, the law is broken. I broke it. Me! Me!
Jerome I suppose that must have been by accident, Madame Zalli? That's the way it is, isn't it?
Zalli
No, no. I betrothed my little girl to a white man.
Jerome Is that possible, Madame Zalli?
Zalli
Yes, yes, it's true.
Jerome Is he a good man—without doubt?
Zalli
The best man in the world.
Jerome My poor, dear friend, I am afraid you are being deceived by somebody.
Zalli
Ah, not Miche. Not by Captain le Maitre.
Jerome (after a long pause)
He is a good man, surely, though he has much to atone for— Still,
are you sure he is prepared—
Zalli
Has he not braved other rules—?
Jerome A priest is not a judge or a lawyer. How can I help you?
Zalli
Why did they make that law?— What right had they—?
Jerome To keep the races separate—if that be a right—.
Zalli
Then, they made a lie, Pere Jerome. Separate, no.— We are not
separate. But they do want to keep us despised. No, I will tell you
what the law is made for. It is made to punish my child— My God, what
a law! I came to tell you they shall not punish my daughter. She shall
marry who she wants!
Jerome Madame, Zalli, I want you to go home. Don't make yourself upset. I will go to see Captain le Maitre, who is, by the way, an old friend of mine. We will fix that law for you.
Zalli
You can fix it?
Jerome We can try, Madame Zalli.
Zalli (kissing him)
You are the best man God ever made!
Jerome (embarrassed)
Well, well, Madame Zalli, I will only do my best. I must go now—
(Pere Jerome is about to leave. Zalli looks about nervously.)
Zalli
I think Sieur de la Rue has followed me—
Jerome I see no one.
Zalli
I am over excited.
Jerome I really must go.
(Pere Jerome exits. Zalli hesitates, looks about, then starts
towards her house. Vignevielle enters and bows to her.)
Zalli
Miche Vignevielle! Ah, Monsieur, you will be killed if you stay
here. I am sure Sieur de la Rue is following me.
Vignevielle
Madame Zalli, I wish you not to dance.
Zalli
I have danced already. I am going home. Come, be quick, we will go
together.— Ah—it is he, Sieur de la Rue.
Vignevielle
I am not afraid.
(Sieur de la Rue appears from the shadows accompanied by two
ruffians.)
Zalli
Are you armed? Here take this. (she withdraws a dagger and gives
it to him, he brushes her aside)
M. de la Rue (raising his cane to strike)
That for yesterday.
(Vignevielle easily wards off the blow and knocks him down.)
Ruffian (striking Vignevielle with a club)
That for Tite Poulette.
(La Rue and his ruffians surround Vignevielle and are doing pretty
well kicking and clubbing until Vignevielle gets angry and pulls the
sword from his sword cane, which he wields expertly, too expertly for
a gentleman.)
Vignevielle (uttering a pirate's oath)
Sblood! I shall cut your ears off and make you eat them—
M. de la Rue
It's Captain le Maitre. He will kill us. Call the watch.
Vignevielle
Run—you had best. But, unless you want your throat cut, sir, and
that of all your family—you had best say nothing—.
M. de la Rue
Run! I shall be silent. My God, what an escape. A pirate—
(La Rue and his ruffians run off, terrified.)
Vignevielle
Sometimes, it's a good idea to have the heart of a pirate.
Zalli
You are wounded, sir.
Vignevielle
Merely a scratch.
Zalli
Come to my house. I will fetch Dr. Mossy.
(They exit into her house. The excitement dies down in the Cafe.
Shaughnessy had come to interfere, but Vignevielle had settled
matters for himself. D'Hemencourt and Shaughnessy resume their watch
for Mazaro.)
D'Hemencourt
He is coming— Don't let him catch you.
Shaughnessy
The little yellow wretch. I'm going to catch him.
D'Hemencourt
No, no. Not in the Cafe des Exiles. Not now, Major. Go in that
door if you please. You can listen to what he has to say.
Shaughnessy
I can't go in that door. That's your daughter's room.
D'Hemencourt
Oui, oui, mais.
Shaughnessy
I'll just slip in here.
(The Major goes in another door. Mazaro enters.)
Mazaro
You've got a heap of trouble, senor. (silence) There was a big
crowd in the Cafe Anglais. . . .
D'Hemencourt
But where is Major Shaughnessy?
Mazaro
Major Shaughnessy? Yes, he was there; but he wouldn't come to see
you senor.
D'Hemencourt
No?
Mazaro
Oh, no, senor. It's very bad for your daughter, eh?
D'Hemencourt
What?
Mazaro
They're talking about her. This coffee house is not a good place
for her, eh? (pause) But, you cannot help, eh? I know about her
getting married.
(D'Hemencourt rises with a gesture of dismissing a distasteful
subject.)
Mazaro
Senor, if I was a man who loved your daughter, all is possible to
love, eh? You should let me marry her and take her away from this
place, senor.
D'Hemencourt
Manuel Mazaro, you have said enough.
Mazaro
No, no, senor; no, no. I want to tell you there is one man who
loves your daughter, and I know him.
D'Hemencourt
Major Shaughnessy.
Mazaro
The Major. Oh, no, not the Major. The Major never loved your
daughter. Ah, senor, if it was possible that your daughter loved him,
it would be the worst kind in the world, but senor, I—
D'Hemencourt
Manuel Mazaro, you have—
Mazaro
Senor, I am about to reveal to you—
D'Hemencourt
Manuel Mazaro!
Mazaro
Senor, excuse me.
D'Hemencourt
Silence! You have deceived me. You have mocked me. You—
Mazaro
Senor, I swear to you that all that I say—
(Pauline and the Major step from behind the door.)
Major and Pauline A LIE!
(Mazaro is speechless.)
Shaughnessy
Just finish your speech.
Mazaro (confused)
Was nothing—
Shaughnessy
You're a liar.
Mazaro
No, I was only telling D'Hemencourt something true.
Shaughnessy
And, I tell you, you're a liar. Be so kind as to get yourself to
the street as I am desirous of kicking you before everyone.
D'Hemencourt
Major—no scandal.
Shaughnessy (imperiously)
Go!
(Mazaro runs off.)
Shaughnessy
Be so kind as to say "Here's a good wife for you" and I'll let the
little serpent go.
End of Scene II.
(The crowd returns, obviously in flight.)
Voice
Ghosts
Voice
I ain't never been so scared in my life.
Jules
Posson Jone, where are you when I need you? I scared, me.
(Jules runes off. Parson Jones enters from the direction in which
the crowd has entered.)
Jones
Hats off, gentlemen. Here come the last remains of Jean Marie
Poquelin. I say it was a special Providence that I went by this poor
sinner's house on my way back to Smyrny. Thus did I discover this
heroic man on his death bed; a man who for twenty years had exposed
himself to contagion and leprosy (a shudder passes through the crowd)
to shelter his brother.— He died a repentant sinner in my arms. An
old slaver; a misanthrope, yet he believed in a Holy Saviour.
(A casket passes on the shoulders of four men; behind the
casket—the eerie figure of the leper, Jacques Poquelin.)
Voice
They are going to the Terre aux Lepreux—
Voice
His brother, Jacques, a leper all these years.
(The crowd and Parson Jones go out.)
(General Villivicencio has watched these proceedings from his post
in the Cafe. He, though struck by the scene, is preoccupied with his
own worries. He drums the table. Finally, he rises and paces. Madame
Delicieuse enters.)
General Villivicencio
What is the matter, Clarisse?
Madame Delicieuse
I am looking for my physician—your son.
General Villivicencio (uneasily)
He is not here. (he looks at his watch with growing impatience)
Madame Delicieuse
Will he be back soon?
General Villivicencio
He should have been back some time ago. I've been all over looking
for him.
Madame Delicieuse
Where did he go?
General Villivicencio
A small matter— (wincing)
Madame Delicieuse
Your son took your quarrel on his hands, eh?
General Villivicencio
Like a good son. (edgy)
Madame Delicieuse
I left him an hour ago in search of your slanderer.
General Villivicencio
He must find him.
Madame Delicieuse
Perhaps, he has.
General Villivicencio
Clarisse, this is not like you. Where is my son? What has
happened? If you know something, speak!
Madame Delicieuse
You can do nothing now. Suppose you should rush out and find your
son had not fought with this scribbler?
General Villivicencio (very excited)
My son is no coward!
Madame Delicieuse
I want to ask you something. Please answer candidly.
General Villivicencio
Very well.
Madame Delicieuse
Did you not force this quarrel on your son to test his courage—?
General Villivicencio
Not his courage—his love.
Madame Delicieuse
And, if he ahs proved it?
General Villivicencio
Then, he is my son.
Madame Delicieuse
And your heir?
General Villivicencio
Certainly.
Madame Delicieuse (savagely)
It will make him a magnificent funeral.
(The General is overwhelmed.)
(The Colonel and Charlie enter the Cafe and take seats.)
Madame Delicieuse
Your son has met the writer of that article.
General Villivicencio
Where?
Madame Delicieuse
Suddenly, unexpectedly—in a passageway.
General Villivicencio
My God, and the villain—?
Madame Delicieuse
—lives!
General Villivicencio
Let me go, Clarisse.
Madame Delicieuse
I wrote the article. Your son is hunting for me now.
General Villivicencio
You!
Madame Delicieuse
Me!
General Villivicencio
But, why? How could you say such things? You know they are not
true!
Madame Delicieuse
That made saying it all the more piquant, Hercule.
General Villivicencio
I still don't understand why.
Madame Delicieuse
Well, I had to pay you back for pestering me so,—not making up
with Victorien.
General Villivicencio (amused)
What a mischief maker.
Madame Delicieuse
I had it all worked out (pointing to her head) up here. No one,
absolutely no one, and particularly not you, dear Hercule, can arrange
matters better than I can. Remember that—after we're married.
General Villivicencio (delighted)
I will, my dear, I will.
Madame Delicieuse
Now, you may escort me home, Hercule. I have to prepare a
retraction and apology for tomorrow's newspaper. Altogether, I think
your cause will benefit from this scurrilous and unprovoked attack.
Even Yankees hate to see a national hero treated so unfairly. I
foresaw that, too.
General Villivicencio (involuntarily impressed)
Indeed.
Madame Delicieuse
I plan on being married in the Governor's mansion.
(The General bows magnificently to her, as only he can, and offers
her his arm. Exit the future Governor and First Lady of Louisiana.)
(A messenger enters and goes up to Colonel Charleu.)
Messenger Colonel Charleu?
Colonel
Yes?
Messenger Sir,—ah— (hesitating)
Colonel
Speak out, man. What's wrong with you? You look like somebody just
died.
Messenger Colonel—Belles Demoiselles Plantation, sir—
Colonel
Flooding. I expected it.
Messenger The house, sir, it fell into the river.
Colonel
Ahh! My daughters escaped injury?
Messenger They sank with the house into the mud. There is no question, they are dead.
Colonel
My daughters. My Belles Demoiselles—all gone?
Messenger All.
Charlie (reaching out to embrace him)
Come, stay with me. It shall be your house now. Come, my old
friend.
(Charlie leads off the Colonel. Injin Charlie seems to have sobered
up. This call of the blood has brought out the best in him—whether
this be Indian or French blood, who can say? As Charlie and the
Colonel exit, Manuel Mazaro enters. There are several rough looking
characters seated at a table with the Major. Mazaro looks
inquisitively at one of them, a Mexican. The Mexican looks to the
Major who indicates Mazaro can stay.)
Mexican
You may take your place without fear, Manuel.
(Mazaro nervously sits down.)
Shaughnessy
Gentlemen, this may be the last time we meet together in unbroken
body. Who knows but that Senor Benito, though hale and strong, may be
taken ill tomorrow? Who knows but that Pedro there may be struck with
a fever? Who knows but that they may soon need the services of the
good Dr. Mossy, and of our burial society, and that Fernandez, and
Beningo, and Dominguez may not be chosen to see on that very schooner
lying at Picayune pier just now, their beloved remains delivered
safely into the hands of their relatives in Cuba? Who knows but it may
be so? If such is to be their fate, amigos, I will say to them,
Creoles, country men, lovers— Bon voyage and good luck to ye.
(All at the table say "Bueno" and drink a toast.)
Shaughnessy
And now, gentlemen, fellow exiles, Monsieur D'Hemencourt, it was
your practice until lately to reward a good talker with a glass from
the hands of your daughter.
(All at the table cry "Si, si.")
Shaughnessy
However, I'll ask you, not knowing but it may be the last time we
all meet together if you will not let the goddess of the Cafe des
Exiles grace our company for one last minute. (Pauline comes forward)
You see, friends, her position has been growing more and more
embarrassing daily. Therefore, I have taken steps to relieve the old
gentleman's distress. (he gestures towards Pauline) Friends and fellow
patriots. Mistress Shaughnessy. Lads, fill your glasses. Here's to my
wife and the Cafe des Exiles.
(An Army Officer enters.)
Officer
Major, I am sorry to disturb you, but I have information you plan
to invade Cuba and have weapons stored in this Cafe. I am sorry but I
must search the premises.
Shaughnessy
You are mistaken.
Officer
The Cafe is surrounded.
Shaughnessy
This is a simple business meeting. We are a burial society and we
also speculate in real estate.
Officer
I hope that is the case. Monsieur D'Hemencourt, you will show me
over the premises.
D'Hemencourt
Of course, we have only some coffins for the burial society.
(D'Hemencourt and the Officer go inside.)
Mexican
Someone has denounced us.
Mazaro
Who would do that?
Mexican (looking at him coldly)
Who, indeed?
(The Officer returns with D'Hemencourt.)
Officer (amused)
I've heard of some strange heathen burial customs, but I never yet
heard of storing rifles in coffins.
(The Mexican quietly plunges his dagger into Manuel Mazaro's ribs.
So deft is he, that Mazaro only utters a little grunt. The Officer is
totally unaware of what has happened.)
Officer
I have to confiscate the rifles. However, no other action will be
taken against you—.
(The Officer leaves. Mazaro slumps in his chair.)
Shaughnessy
You fool, Pedro. You shouldn't have done that here. Get him out of
her, quick—
(The Mexican and another man carry Manuel out as if he were drunk.
Pauline shudders and draws near to Shaughnessy, who holds her
protectively. Officers enter and begin to remove the rifles.)
End of Scene III.
Poulette
Maman, please—stop this. Say you are my mother.
Zalli (tearful)
No, child. I am not your mother. I have deceived you all these
years. Your mother was white. You are white and I am black. You are
free to marry whom you choose.
Poulette
It's not true.
Zalli
I have sworn it before Monsieur Jean, the lawyer, and Pere Jerome.
Poulette
Maman, how can you do this?
Zalli
I love you, child, but you must stop referring to me as your
mother.
Poulette
You're only doing this so I can marry him.
(Vignevielle and Pere Jerome enter together.)
Zalli
Ah, Pere Jerome, finally you have come—
Poulette
Make her stop, Pere Jerome.
Pere Jerome (uneasily)
Your mother—er, Madame Zalli, has sworn the most solemn oath that
you are not her daughter.
Poulette
Only so I can marry Miche Vignevielle.
Jerome I should not wish to accuse Madame Zalli of taking a false oath, if I were in your position. If you are her daughter, it is most undaughterly, if not, it isn't very nice.
Poulette
I will not marry if I have to give up my mother.
Vignevielle
May I have the papers. (Jerome gives them to him, and he looks at
them) Undoubtedly, they would be accepted in a court of law. (he tears
them up)
Zalli
Miche Vignevielle, what have you done?
Vignevielle
Madame Zalli, I need no such papers. For some men, perhaps, they
would be essential. For me, they are unnecessary. I am Captain Ursin
le Maitre. For fifteen years, I have defied all man's laws, laws which
I admit in theory to be just. Am I now to be thwarted in my will by a
law which I do not conceive even for one moment to be just? Judge for
yourself. My wife need not renounce her family for me. . . .
Poulette
Ursin, you are magnificent.
Vignevielle (modestly)
Just an old pirate, my dear. But, I see it pleases you.
Poulette
More than anything you have ever done for me, and you have done
much.
Vignevielle
Then, let us all—and you too, ma mere—celebrate. And where
better than at the Cafe des Exiles?
Zalli
You go ahead. I must speak to Pere Jerome privately.
(Vignevielle and Tite Poulette enter the Cafe and are greeted by
Major Shaughnessy and D'Hemencourt.)
Zalli
I have sinned, Pere Jerome. I lied.
Jerome Go— I absolve you. God can forgive almost anything to a mother's love.
(Zalli goes into the Cafe and joins the others.)
Jerome God—lay not this sin to her charge. I know you will not.
(Pere Jerome is about to go into the Cafe when Parson Jones enters,
looking for Colossus.)
Jones (yelling)
Colossus! I say, Colossus, where are you, sar? (he turns around
and meets Pere Jerome) Oh, excuse me, sar. I see you are a member of
the clergy, of ah— (he really can't be rude) Hmmm—a Catholic. I
can't say I have ever met a Catholic priest before. (he is rather
surprised Pere Jerome doesn't bite)
Pere Jerome
Of course. Good day.
Jones
Parson Jones.
Jerome Parson Jones. I am called Pere Jerome.
Jones
Very pleased to meet you, sar.
(They boy and Jones walks off; Pere Jerome hesitates before
entering the Cafe.)
Jerome I could preach a sermon about the things I have seen here these last few days. But, would anyone understand it the way I intend it?
(Pere Jerome enters the Cafe.)
(A slight pause, and Jules and Baptiste saunter in.)
Baptiste
You know what happen to Parson Jonez money, Miche?
Jules
He lost it, or Miguel stole it.
Baptiste
No, no. Colossus took it. He give it back to him already.
Jules
And, I feel so guilty. You know what I gon do wid dis money?
(showing the roll of bills)
Baptiste
No, monsieur.
Jules
Well, you can strike me dead if I don't goin to pay half my bills.
Allons!
(Baptiste and Jules saunter out.)
End of Scene IV.
CURTAIN