Scaevola. In the meanwhile, give us something to drink to get me into the vein. I don't feel at all in the vein tonight.
Host. That's often the case with you, my friend. I must tell you that I was most dissatisfied with you last night.
Scaevola. Why so, if I may ask?
Host. The story about the burglary was simply babyish.
Scaevola. Babyish?
Host. To be sure. Absolutely incredible. Mere roaring is of no avail.
Scaevola. I didn't roar.
Host. You are always roaring. It will really be necessary for me to rehearse things with you. One can never rely on your inspirations. Henri is the only one.
Scaevola. Henri—never anything but Henri! Henri simply plays to the gallery. My burglary of last night was a masterpiece. Henri will never do anything as good as that as long as he lives. If I don't satisfy you, my friend, then I'll just go to a proper theatre. Anyhow, yours is nothing but a cheap-jack establishment. Hallo! (Notices Grain. ) Who is this! He isn't one of our lot, is he? Perhaps you've just engaged someone? But what a make-up the fellow has!
Host. Calm yourself. 'Tis not a professional actor. 'Tis a real murderer.