ACT II.
Scene.—Lustucru's room. Lustucru discovered sitting at table in a happy mood.
Lustucru. At last! at last! I have not waited in vain; fortune has smiled upon my efforts, and rewarded my patience. The Countess has gone to her sister, and only stupid Mother Michel remains. No one saw me seize that wretched Cat last night and put him in the basket; no one saw my joyful dance around my treasure, and no one saw my look of bliss when I flung the Cat from the high bridge down, down into the great river. Mother Michel receive five hundred francs in reward for care of that Cat! I think not. Wretched, ungrateful beast! I am at rest now, I breathe freely: Moumouth is dead; revenge is mine. Ah! here comes Michel, looking, no doubt, for our Cat.
[Enter Michel, hastily.]
Michel. Good-morning, Lustucru; but have you seen Moumouth this morning? In vain have I searched for him.
Lustucru. Does your Cat ever come where I am? You know he hates me.
Michel. Alas! where is he? I left him last night by the parlor fire, and now I can not find him.
Lustucru (slyly). Can he be lost?
Michel. Ah, no, no! it is impossible. He is somewhere in the house.