(_To the other Pages who are already in the gallery_). We're coming! THIRD PAGE (_in gallery_). We're ready! (_Blows dried peas at him through hollow stick._) A PICKPOCKET (_drawing around him some suspicious-looking characters_). Now, youngsters, try to learn something. You see, the first time you steal.... (_Driven away by dried peas blown in showers by the Pages above._) TRADESMAN (_to his son_). The play we are going to see: "La Clorise" .... SON. The author, please? TRADESMAN. Balthazar Baro. PICKPOCKET (_continuing his instructions_). Mind the lace around the knees![2] How you cut it! TRADESMAN (_to his son_). I was at the first performance of "Le Cid,"--(_pointing up_)--There! PICKPOCKET. As to watches.... and kerchiefs.... TRADESMAN. You are going, my son, to see illustrious actors. (_Enumerating_) Montfleury! THE PAGES. Light the chandeliers! WAITING-GIRL (_offering her refreshments_). Oranges! Milk! Raspberry water! Cedar water! A MARQUIS (_entering_). Make way there, fellows! A LACKEY. What! a Marquis in the pit! MARQUIS (_to other Marquises who have followed him in_). The house is empty! Why, we enter like tradesmen, disturbing nobody, treading on nobody's toes! Disgraceful! (_Meeting other noblemen just come in_). Cuigy! Brissaille! (_They salute and embrace each other with great affectation._) CUIGY. Patrons of art so faithful, yes, that we get here even before the candles are lighted! MARQUIS. Do not mention it! I'm terribly out of humour! CUIGY (_seeing lamplighter enter_). Be consoled! Here is the lamplighter. ALL THE HOUSE (_satisfied_). Ah.... (_Groups around the chandeliers while they are being lighted. Lignière enters the pit, leaning on the arm of Christian de Neuvillette. Lignière, somewhat untidy, has the appearance of a gentlemanly drunkard. Christian, dressed with care, but somewhat out of fashion, seems thoughtful, and examines the boxes._) [2] NOTE. "La dentelle des canons."--"Canons" were ornamental lace, embroidery or ribbons around the lower edge of knee-breeches.--Not, as one translation has it: "the canonical gentlemen's lace." _SCENE II._ _The same_, CHRISTIAN, LIGNIÈRE, _then_ RAGUENEAU _and_ LE BRET. CUIGY. Why, here's Lignière! BRISSAILLE (_laughing_). And not yet drunk?.... LIGNIÈRE (_aside to Christian_). Shall I present you?