Act 1 — SCENE V

Macaire, Bertrand; afterwards Charles, who appears on the gallery, and comes down

Bertrand. I told you so. Why will you fly so high?

Macaire. Bertrand, don’t crush me. A pound: a fortune! With a pound to start upon—two pounds, for I’d have borrowed yours—three months from now I might have been driving in my barouche, with you behind it, Bertrand, in a tasteful livery.

Bertrand (seeing Charles). Lord, a policeman!

Macaire. Steady! What is a policeman? Justice’s blind eye. (To Charles.) I think, sir, you are in the force?

Charles. I am, sir, and it was in that character—

Macaire. Ah, sir, a fine service!

Charles. It is, sir, and if your papers—

Macaire. You become your uniform. Have you a mother? Ah, well, well!

Charles. My duty, sir—

Macaire. They tell me one Macaire—is not that his name, Bertrand?—has broken jail at Lyons?

Charles. He has, sir, and it is precisely for that reason—

Macaire. Well, good-bye. (Shaking Charles by the hand and leading him towards the door, L. U. E.) Sweet spot, sweet spot. The scenery is . . . (kisses his finger-tips. Exit Charles). And now, what is a policeman?

Bertrand. A bobby.