Patou
She has taken a day.
Chantecler
A day off, do you mean?
Patou
No, a day at home.
Chantecler
A day at—Where does she receive?
The Blackbird
In a corner of the kitchen-garden.
Patou
Under the auspices of that strawman with the unsavoury old top-hat.
Chantecler
The scarecrow?
The Blackbird
Yes, his being there makes the affair select.
Chantecler
[Bewildered.] How is that?
The Blackbird
Don’t you see? He scares off all the puny fowl—. Poor relations are not wanted at a function.