United States or Lebanon ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"Let me think it out," groaned Polichinelle, and he took his head in his hands. But from the tail of the table Andre-Louis was challenged by Climene who sat there between Columbine and Madame. "You would alter the comedy, would you, M. Parvissimus?" she cried. He turned to parry her malice. "I would suggest that it be altered," he corrected, inclining his head.
"You were very close with M. Parvissimus over this authorship," said Polichinelle, with impudent suggestiveness. "And what if I was? What do you imply?" "That you took him to cut quills for you, of course." "I'll cut your ears for you if you're not civil," stormed the infuriated Binet. Polichinelle got up slowly, and stretched himself. "Dieu de Dieu!" said he.
But at table over supper a half-hour later he revived the topic. "Our latest recruit, this excellent M. Parvissimus," he announced, "has the impudence to tell me that possibly our comedy could have been worse, but that probably it could not." And he blew out his great round cheeks to invite a laugh at the expense of that foolish critic. "That's bad," said the swarthy and sardonic Polichinelle.
There stood the man's great bulk, the moonlight beating down upon that round fat face of his, and he was holding out his hand. "M. Parvissimus, no rancour. It is a thing I do not admit into my life. You will shake hands with me, and we will forget all this." Andre-Louis considered him a moment with disgust. He was growing angry.
"I think it is Parvissimus." "Parvissimus?" quoth Binet. "Is that a family name?" "In such a company, where only the leader enjoys the privilege of a family name, the like would be unbecoming its least member. So I take the name that best becomes in me. And I think it is Parvissimus the very least." Binet was amused. It was droll; it showed a ready fancy.
Their arms were linked, and Binet's grip was firm and powerful. "Now, my friend," said he, "will you be M. Parvissimus and play Scaramouche to-morrow, or will you be Andre-Louis Moreau of Gavrillac and go to Rennes to satisfy the King's Lieutenant?" "And if it should happen that you are mistaken?" quoth Andre-Louis, his face a mask. "I'll take the risk of that," leered M. Binet.
If I am to lose that fifteen louis... you'll not take it amiss that I compensate myself in other ways?" "That is your own concern, M. Binet." "Pardon, M. Parvissimus. It may possibly be also yours." Binet took his arm again. "Do me the kindness to step across the street with me. Just as far as the post-office there. I have something to show you." Andre-Louis went.
"Let us take a walk together, M. Parvissimus," said he, very affably. He thrust his arm through Andre-Louis', and led him out into the street, where there was still considerable movement. Past the booths that ranged about the market they went, and down the hill towards the bridge. "I don't think we shall pack to-morrow," said M. Binet, presently. "In fact, we shall play to-morrow night."
"And how would you alter it, monsieur?" "I? Oh, for the better." "But of course!" She was sleekest sarcasm. "And how would you do it?" "Aye, tell us that," roared M. Binet, and added: "Silence, I pray you, gentlemen and ladies. Silence for M. Parvissimus." Andre-Louis looked from father to daughter, and smiled. "Pardi!" said he. "I am between bludgeon and dagger.
He even condescended so far as to attribute a share of the credit for the success to M. Parvissimus. "His suggestion," he was careful to say, by way of properly delimiting that share, "was most valuable, as I perceived at the time." "And his cutting of quills," growled Polichinelle. "Don't forget that.
Word Of The Day