]
Hide me!
CHANTECLER
The trouble is he is so conspicuous. That increases our dilemma. Where
can he lie concealed?--Gentle sir, my lord, most noble stranger, where
might we hope to hide the rainbow, supposing it in danger?
PATOU
There by the bench with the beehives stands my green cottage, very much
at your service.--Go in, I pray! [_The_ GOLDEN PHEASANT _goes in, but
his long tail projects._] There is too much of this golden vanity!--The
tip is still in sight.--I shall have to sit on it.
[BRIFFAUT _appears above the wall. Long hanging ears and quivering
chops._]
PATOU
[_To_ BRIFFAUT, _affecting unconcern._] Good afternoon!
BRIFFAUT
[_Snuffing._] Humph, what a good smell!
PATOU
[_Pointing to his bowl._] My poor dinner! Soup with seasonable vegetables.
BRIFFAUT
[_Hurriedly._] Have you seen a pheasant-hen go by?
PATOU
[_In astonishment, reflecting._] A pheasant-hen,--?
CHANTECLER
[_Walking about, with an assumption of gaiety._] Impressive, isn't he,
Briffaut there? with his look of a thoroughbred old Englishman!
PATOU
No, but I saw a pheasant.
BRIFFAUT
That was she!
PATOU
A pheasant-hen wears dun. This was a golden pheasant He went off towards
the meadow.
BRIFFAUT
It is she!
CHANTECLER
[_Going towards him, incredulous._] A pheasant-hen with golden plumage?
BRIFFAUT
Ah, you do not know what sometimes happens?
CHANTECLER _and_ PATOU
No.
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