[Ill.u.s.tration: The Duke de Reichstadt

Francesco Duc de Reichstadt]

A MASK.

[_To_ FLAMBEAU.]

Well, Sergeant? So you served--

FLAMBEAU.

The gr-reat--

SEVERAL MASKS.

[_Laughing._]

The gr-reat!

FLAMBEAU.

They didn't laugh when we were quartered on 'em!

EXCLAMATIONS.

A picture by Raffet!--Charlet!--Vernet!

SEVERAL MASKS.

How worn his coat is!--And how singed!--And dusty!-- Who's your costumier?--Tell us!

FLAMBEAU.

They are ladies:-- The ancient firm of War and Victory Sisters.

A MASK.

That's good.

FLAMBEAU.

It's not the firm you patronize.

FIRST MASK.

I'll swear it's Zichy.

_Offering his hand._]

Count, your hand.

FLAMBEAU.

[_Blowing a puff of smoke in his face._]

Get out.

FIRST MASK.

[_Going out, to the others._]

He's masked his language as he's masked his face.

FLAMBEAU.

[_Singing._]

When we marched to Krasno, Cold and hungry, too, were we!

A MASK.

He's really excellent. In Russia, old 'un, 'Twas pretty cold?

FLAMBEAU.

Yes; till we gave 'em h.e.l.l.

[_Sings._]

By Jingo, but it keeps you warm Merely to see his uniform!

A MASK.

His uniform wants patching now, though; what?

FLAMBEAU.

So did your breeches when he'd kicked you; what?

SEVERAL.

Ha! Very funny!

FIRST MASK.

Natural.

SECOND MASK.