Laura. Poor dear, his conscience has come home again! [Rises.] Yes, I think we really ought. I've been at home three days, you know, and the Percivals are such old friends, and Helen has been ill—— [Goes to door.] I'll only be a moment.
LeB. [going to ring bell]. Very well, Madame, I'm at your service. If you are my conscience, sis, you certainly manage to sweeten my duty.
Laura [laughing]. That's just your flattery!
[Exit. LeBreton goes to find gloves. Enter Alphonse.
Alph. Did you ring, M'sieu Henri?
LeB. Yes. Get me my coat, Alphonse. Madame Courvoisier and I are going out for a while. [Alphonse brings coat and silk hat, which he brushes, then helps LeBreton into coat.] I shan't be late. [Goes to door.] But maybe you've calls to make yourself? [Alphonse puts on a conscious smirk.] Well, you needn't wait for me—Christmas Eve, you know. [Exit, putting on gloves.]
Alph. Thanks, M'sieu Henri. [Looks about room, sees cane, which he catches up and hurries after LeBreton.] M'sieu Henri!
[Exit. Minty-Malviny appears at door.
Looks cautiously after Alphonse. Enters
and minces about.
M.-M. [sings].
De rabbit and de jaybird, dey fell out!
Walk jes' so!
De possum and de coon dey want ter know what erbout.
Walk jes' so!