PHEASANT-HEN
But where can I spend the night?
PATOU
[_Indicating his kennel._] There, in my bachelor's quarters.
PHEASANT-HEN
I?--Sleep beneath a roof?
PATOU
[_Insisting._] Go in, I pray.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
But you? What shall you do?
PATOU
I shall do very well!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Resigning herself._] I will stay then until to-morrow.
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_With piercing cries._] Ah! Ah! But to-morrow, my dear! to-morrow--
ALL
[_In alarm._] What is it?
THE YOUNG GUINEA-COCK
To-morrow is my mother's day!
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Impetuously._] My dear, would you care to come to-morrow quite
informally, and take a simple snail with us? The Peacock--
CHANTECLER
[_Mounting the ladder, from whence he can inspect the scene._] Quiet, if
you please! Evening has blown its smoke across the sky--[_In a tone of
command._] Is every one in his accustomed place?
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Lower, to the_ PHEASANT-HEN.] The Peacock is coming. We shall hold our
little gathering among the currant-bushes.
CHANTECLER
Are the turkeys on their roost?
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Same business._] From five to six.
CHANTECLER
Are the ducks in their pointed house?
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Same business._] The Tortoise has kindly said we may expect her.
PHEASANT-HEN
Indeed?
CHANTECLER
[_On the last rung of the ladder._] Is every one under cover?--Every
chick under a wing?
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Still insisting with the_ PHEASANT-HEN _that she come on the morrow.
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