PED. That will do. Do you know Lizbette?
BAP. (in distressed irresolution.) I done had some ’quaintance wid ’er, but—
PED. Here is a paper that you will give to Lizbette for Lafitte. Now listen. If it reach him safely and in time, you will have a big reward. If not—
BAP. Lordy!
PED. If not, you will be haunted to a most torturing death; a death you will not be able to escape. You are in great danger. I put the paper here on this table. (lays paper down; Baptiste approaches.) Don’t touch it, till you have seen me disappear. I’m going. (moves toward exit.) Be careful. Watch the paper. Watch me. Your safety is at stake. (raises his hand impressively; exeunt Manuel and Pedro; Baptiste in his eagerness to watch Pedro, goes a little up stage, away from the table; enter by a side entrance, Lizbette.)
LIZ. (passing by table and swooping up paper.) I dunno who dat scatter all dis litter ’bout. (throws paper in fire and exits without having been seen by Baptiste.)
BAP. (comes to table; finds note gone! falls on his knees.) Lordy! Lordy! (crawls around table on his knees looking for paper; enter Bella.)
BELLA. Why, Baptiste! You’d better hurry home before Mr. Darblee discovers your absence.
BAP. Good-by, Miss Bella.
BELLA. Good-by, Baptiste. (exit Baptiste.) Poor fellow! He looks as I feel. Oh, I am so glad Dominique has not come. If he and Pedro d’Acosta meet ... I believe that man to be a sinister and deadly.—I hate State balls! (enter Dominique.)