[A long grating noise is heard within the house Crrrrrrr, then.]
The Clock
Cuckoo!
The Grey Hen
[Leaving her hiding-place and running towards the cat-hole.] His voice!—Now through the kitty’s little door I finally shall see him! [She thrusts her head into the hole. The Cuckoo’s call is not repeated.] Oh, deary, deary me! I am too late! [Calling.] Bis! Encore!
Chantecler
[Turning around at the noise.] Eh?
The Grey Hen
[Desperately, with her head in the cat-hole.] He has stopped!
The Blackbird
It was the half-hour.
Chantecler
[Close behind the Grey Hen, abruptly.] How does it happen, my love, that we are not in the fields?
The Grey Hen
[Turning, scared.] Goodness gracious!
Chantecler
What are we doing, my love, in the cat-hole?
The Grey Hen
[Upset.] I was just taking a peep—