KLESHTCH [morosely] I don’t care who’s asking—
SATINE. My head buzzes—ah—why do people have to hit each other over the heads?
BUBNOFF. They don’t only hit you over the head, but over the rest of the body as well. [Rises] I must go and buy some thread—our bosses are late to-day—seems as if they’ve croaked. [Exit]
[Anna coughs; Satine is lying down motionless, his hands folded behind his head.]
THE ACTOR [looks about him morosely, then goes to Anna] Feeling bad, eh?
ANNA. I’m choking—
THE ACTOR. If you wish, I’ll take you into the hallway. Get up, then, come! [He helps her to rise, wraps some sort of a rag about her shoulders, and supports her toward the hall] It isn’t easy. I’m sick myself—poisoned with alcohol . . .
[Kostilyoff appears in the doorway.]
KOSTILYOFF. Going for a stroll? What a nice couple—the gallant cavalier and the lady fair!