MERCÉDÈS
Prisoner! And this man is friendly to you, Albert?
ALBERT
I believe so, mother.
MERCÉDÈS
And you like him, too?
ALBERT
Yes, although this friendship, I admit it, is mixed with a kind of terror.
MERCÉDÈS
Albert, I’ve always put you on guard against new acquaintances—now you are a man and can give me advice yourself. Still, I will repeat to you: be careful.
ALBERT
Still, for the advice to be profitable to me there must be something for me to be on guard against. The Count doesn’t gamble. The Count only drinks water. The Count is declared to be so rich that if he sneezes he would only cover me with money. What should I fear from the Count?
MERCÉDÈS
You are right and my fears are crazy, especially as they are for a man who has saved your life when he could have let you perish. But you know, my dear Albert, a mother’s heart is full of vague fears. Has the Count ever taken your hand?
ALBERT
Never, and I’ve noticed it.
MERCÉDÈS
Has he ever called you his friend?
ALBERT
Never.
MERCÉDÈS
Yet has he ever eaten at the same table with you, when you were his guest—when he was yours?
ALBERT
Never and even today as you saw—
MERCÉDÈS
Yes, yes, I saw—listen, I am giving a ball in three days, bring the Count, it’s important.
ALBERT
I will bring him, mother—I don’t think he will refuse to come.
MERCÉDÈS
If he comes, the rest is my concern and I will know what to do about it. Goodbye, Albert. Try to get the Count to be your friend.
CURTAIN
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.
