Mel. Hem—hem!
Damas. Fa bel tempo—the si dice di nuovo? * (* Fine weather. What news is there?)
Mel. Well, sir, what’s all that gibberish?
Damas. Oh, oh!—only Italian, your highness!—The Prince of Como does not understand his own language!
Mel. Not as you pronounce it; who the deuce could?
Mme. Deschap. Ha! ha! cousin Damas, never pretend to what you don’t know.
Pauline. Ha! ha! cousin Damas; you speak Italian, indeed!
[Makes a mocking gesture at him.
Beau. [to GLAVIS]. Clever dog!—how ready!
Gla. Ready, yes; with my diamond ring!—Damn his readiness!