Townswoman. [Center.] [Whimpering.] Aristide, remember you have a wife and children.
Townsman. That is why I want to do it.
Townswoman. Aristide, I'll jump in after you—as true as I live I'll jump in after you.
Townsman. [Slowly puts his coat on again.] Then I won't do it. [Goes with her into the crowd.]
A Voice. Get the life buoy. [Willing hands try to unloosen the life buoy, but it sticks.]
Another Voice. Let that life buoy alone. Don't you see the sign "Do not touch"?
A Man. The buoy is no good. It will not work.
Another Man. Of course not. It's city property.
Cocotte [shuddering]. I can't look at it. [Comes back to her table.]
A Woman. Look! He's come up! Over there!