_] Earwigs
for one!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Low._] It is wiser, you think, not to tell him?
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Before disappearing among the flower-pots._] Well, rather!
SCENE THIRD
THE PHEASANT-HEN, CHANTECLER.
CHANTECLER
[_Who has reached the_ PHEASANT-HEN'S _side._] Out so early?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
To see the daybreak.
CHANTECLER
[_With repressed emotion._] Ah--?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Teasingly._] What troubles you?
CHANTECLER
I have had a wretched night.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
So sorry! [_A pause._]
CHANTECLER
Are you going to the Guinea-hen's?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
I stayed over solely for that purpose.
CHANTECLER
Ah, yes, I know. [_A pause._] I dislike her extremely.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Come to her party.
CHANTECLER
No.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
As you please. Then we may as well say good-bye.
CHANTECLER
No.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Come to the Guinea-hen's. We shall have a chance to see something of
each other there.
CHANTECLER
No.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
You are determined not to come?
CHANTECLER
I am coming--but I hate it.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Why?
CHANTECLER
It is weak.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
No, no! That is no great sign of weakness!
CHANTECLER
Ah--?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Softly, coming closer to him._] What would be showing a sweet,
delightful, and fully masculine weakness--
CHANTECLER
[_In alarm at her approach._] What?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Would be to tell me your secret.
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