John. [Warningly.] Miss Julie

Julie. Yes, Monsieur Jean.

John. Attention! Je ne suis qu’un homme!

Julie. Won’t he sit still? See! It’s out now! Let him kiss my hand and thank me.

John. [Stands up.] Miss Julie, listen to me. Christine has cleared out and gone to bed. Won’t you listen to me?

Julie. Kiss my hand first.

John. Listen to me.

Julie. Kiss my hand first.

John. All right, but you must be responsible for the consequences.

Julie. What consequences?

John. What consequences? Don’t you know it’s dangerous to play with fire?

Julie. Not for me. I am insured!

John. [Sharply.] No, you’re not! And even if you were there’s inflammable material pretty close.

Julie. Do you mean yourself?

John. Yes. Not that I’m particularly dangerous, but I’m just a young man!

Julie. With an excellent appearance—what incredible vanity! Don Juan, I suppose, or a Joseph. I believe, on my honor, the man’s a Joseph!

John. Do you believe that?

Julie. I almost fear it. [JOHN goes brutally toward and tries to embrace her, so as to kiss her. JULIE boxes his ears.] Hands off.

John. Are you serious or joking?

Julie. Serious.

John. In that case, what took place before was also serious. You’re taking the game much too seriously, and and that’s dangerous. But I’m tired of the game now, so would you please excuse me so that I can go back to my work? [He goes to the back of the stage, to the boots.] The Count must have his boots early, and midnight is long past. [He takes up the boots.]