LAF. Then he should be attending to his business rather than brawling about drinks. (Stranger turns off swaggeringly and exits, singing Mon Coeur a Toi; Lafitte starts; turns to Darblee.) A priest, did you say?—Then he’d some excuse for wanting drinks. He has no love to keep his heart warm, no hate to make it hot. I’ll pay for the drinks. (goes to door; calls.) Friend! (signs to Stranger to return; enter Stranger.) It is a chilly day. Will you have a drink with us? (Stranger bows awkwardly.) Come host, your best. (laying money on table.) Is it long since you joined the priesthood? (they drink.)
STRAN. (nervously; gloomily.) Not very. (holding out his glass.) Let me have a good drink of whiskey. (Lafitte lays money on table; Darblee pours out a drink.)
LAF. Have you far to go to-day?
STRAN. (tipsily.) To the little green cottage immediately above the city. Let me have a good drink of whiskey. (Lafitte lays money on table; Darblee pours out drink and exits.) I must be going.
LAF. Do you walk?
STRAN. No, sir! Drive. Come (hic) with me?
LAF. (laughing.) To the little green cottage?
STRAN. Near the Jesuit plantation. I (hic) remember.
LAF. I congratulate you. Good luck.