"I asked what will you drink, Mr. Director?"
"Oh, I don't know. I'd take a glass of cognac, but . . ."
"You're afraid of your wife? She does not appear in Nitouche, does she?"
"No, but . . ."
"Waiter! Two cognacs and sandwiches. . . . You will give the role of
Nitouche to Nicolette, will you not, Mr. Director? Please do so, for
I have a good reason for asking it. Remember, Mr. Cabinski, that I
never ask for a thing in vain, and do this for me . . ."
"That's already the fourth candidate for the part! . . . God! all that I have to stand because of these women!"
"Which of them wants this part?"
"Well, Kaczkowska, my wife, Mimi, and now, Nicolette. . . ."
"Waiter! Two more cognacs," she called, rapping on the tray with her glass. "You will give the part to Nicolette, Mr. Director, I know for a certainty that she will not accept it, for with her wooden voice she could dance, but not sing. But you see, Mr. Director, this is the very reason for giving it to her."
"Well . . . not to mention my own wife, Mimi and Kaczkowska will tear off my head if I do!"