[STRAFOREL, in an elaborate swordsman's costume, appears at the back of BERGAMIN's park, and swaggers down-stage.]
BERGAMIN. [Descending from the wall and bowing low to STRAFOREL]
Allow me to introduce you to my friend Pasquinot.
STRAFOREL. [Bowing] Monsieur! [He raises his head and sees no
PASQUINOT.]
BERGAMIN. [Pointing to PASQUINOT on the crest of the wall] There, on the wall!—Now, my dear master, does my plan meet with your approval?
STRAFOREL. It does. It is most simple.
BERGAMIN. You must act quickly, you understand?
STRAFOREL. And say nothing!
BERGAMIN. A make-believe abduction and stage-fight with swords.
STRAFOREL. I understand perfectly.
BERGAMIN. You must have skilful swordsmen—I can't have my boy hurt. He is my only child!