Scene FOURTH

CHANTECLER. The Blackbird!——My secret!

THE BLACKBIRD. [Bowing with every sign of admiration.] Allow me to——

CHANTECLER. That inveterate mocker![To the PHEASANT-HEN.] Leave us not alone! My soul is still open — his mockery would enter in!

THE BLACKBIRD. Ripping!

CHANTECLER. Where have you come from?

THE BLACKBIRD. [Indicating an empty overturned flower-pot.] From that flower-pot.

CHANTECLER. But how——?

THE BLACKBIRD. I was having my early snack cozily in the earthenware retreat you see, when suddenly——oh, allow me to express at once the amazement, the admiration——

CHANTECLER. Eavesdropping inside a pot! How can you stoop to——

THE BLACKBIRD. Hang the pot! I've had a sensation! I tell you I was wild! My feet were doing such a horn-pipe I had trouble to keep my eye steady at the peep-hole.

THE PHEASANT-HEN. You could see us?

THE BLACKBIRD. [Showing the hole at the bottom of the flower-pot.] Could I see you! Yonder stump of red cone has exactly the black hole to let through my yellow bill. Apologies,—— but it was too tempting! A bird of taste, I am.

THE PHEASANT-HEN. For the sake of this sincere tribute, I forgive you all the rest!

CHANTECLER. But——

THE BLACKBIRD. [Coming and going in excitement.] Oh, wonderful, and again wonderful, and then again wonderful!——Hear me rant!

CHANTECLER. [Amazed.] What, is it possible that you——?

THE BLACKBIRD. Am I given to gush? This time, old man, it's the genuine article, Enthusiasm with a capital E!

CHANTECLER. Are you in earnest?

THE BLACKBIRD. Must I send you a blankety carrier-pigeon with the news? — That Cock and that crow, — oh, my soul! — And then the day breaking, — oh, my stars!

THE PHEASANT-HEN. [To CHANTECLER.] There seems to be no reason, dear, why I should not leave you alone together.

CHANTECLER. But where are you going?

THE PHEASANT-HEN. [Slightly ashamed of her own frivolity.] I am going to the——

THE BLACKBIRD. The Guinea-hen's Day he's just given the finishing touches to!

CHANTECLER. [To the PHEASANT-HEN.] Must I go too?

THE PHEASANT-HEN. [Tenderly.] No, after rising to such heights, I think you may be excused from the Guinea-hen's at home!

CHANTECLER. [With a touch of sadness.] You, however, are going?

THE PHEASANT-HEN. [Gaily.] I want to show off your sunshine on my dress! I will be back directly. Wait for me here.

THE BLACKBIRD. Yes, much better keep out of the way.

CHANTECLER. [Looking at him.] Wherefore?

THE BLACKBIRD. [Quickly.] Nothing![Falling into fresh ecstasies.] Oh, this blessed Cock of ours!

CHANTECLER. [To the PHEASANT-HEN.] You will not be long?

THE PHEASANT-HEN. The merest moment.[Low to him before leaving.] You see, even the Blackbird is impressed![She flies off.]