But I want to drink with the Baron. What can be simpler? Simpler? Baron, let us drink to the very small distance which will always remain 'twixt the cup and the lip! [Spills his wine, and laughs.]
[The Baron turns his back on him, indifferently. The music plays in the ring. The bell rings.]
Briquet
[Relieved]: There! To the ring, ladies and gentlemen, to the ring, to the ring!
[The actresses run out. The crowd becomes smaller; laughter and voices.]
Mancini
[Much excited, whispers to the Baron]: "Auguste, Auguste——"
Briquet
[To Zinida]: Thank heaven they're beginning. Ah, Mother, I asked you ... but you want a scandal by all means, and you always——
Zinida