THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Stopping short, amazed._] Braekel? At my party? There's some mistake.
THE BRAEKEL COCK
[_Bowing before her._] Madam--
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Breathless with emotion in the presence of this white_ COCK _braided
with black._] This unexpected pleasure--
THE MAGPIE
[_Announcing._] Cock Ramelslohe--
THE GUINEA-HEN
Heavens!
THE MAGPIE
[_Finishing._]--of the Slate-blue Claw!
THE PEACOCK
[_In the_ GUINEA-HEN'S _ear, while the startling_ RAMELSLOHE _bows._] He
is one of the most recent leucotites!
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Blankly._] A leucotite--How interesting!
THE MAGPIE
[_Announcing in a louder and louder, more and more impressive voice._]
Cock Wyandotte of the Sable Spur! [_Shiver of emotion among the_ HENS.]
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_Off her head with excitement._] Heavens and gracious powers--my son!
THE YOUNG GUINEA-COCK
[_Running to her._] Mamma!
THE GUINEA-HEN
Wyandotte! Cock Wyandotte!
THE PEACOCK
[_With a fine carelessness._] Cock with strawberry coronet, product of
Art Nouveau!
THE GUINEA-HEN
[_To the newcomers who are surrounded by astonished murmurs._]
Strawberry coronet!--Gentlemen--
THE YOUNG GUINEA-COCK
[_Who has gone to take a look outside._] Mamma!
THE GUINEA-HEN
--so kindly condescending to honour my poor house--
THE YOUNG GUINEA-COCK
Mamma, there are still others coming!
THE MAGPIE
His lordship, the Cock--
THE GUINEA-HEN
Heavens, what Cock?
THE MAGPIE
Cock of Mesopotamia with the Double Comb!
THE GUINEA-HEN
Double! Oh! [_Dashing to welcome the newcomer.
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