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PAGE 3

Countess Julie
by [?]

[Jean hesitates.]

JEAN.
I don’t wish to be impolite to anyone but–this dance I promised to Kristin.

JULIE.
Oh, she can have another–isn’t that so, Kristin? Won’t you lend Jean to me.

KRISTIN.
It’s not for me to say, if Miss Julie is so gracious it’s not for me to say no.

[To Jean].
Go you and be grateful for the honor.

JEAN.
Well said–but not wishing any offense I wonder if it is prudent for Miss Julie to dance twice in succession with her servant, especially as people are never slow to find meaning in–

JULIE
[Breaking out].

In what? What sort of meaning? What were you going to say?

JEAN
[Taken aback].

Since Miss Julie does not understand I must speak plainly. It may look strange to prefer one of your–underlings–to others who covet the same honor–

JULIE.
To prefer–what a thought! I, the lady of the house! I honor the people with my presence and now that I feel like dancing I want to have a partner who knows how to lead to avoid being ridiculous.

JEAN.
As Miss Julie commands. I’m here to serve.

JULIE
[Mildly].

You mustn’t look upon that as a command. Tonight we are all in holiday spirits–full of gladness and rank is flung aside. So, give me your arm! Don’t be alarmed, Kristin, I shall not take your sweetheart away from you.

[Jean offers arm. They exit.]

[PANTOMIME.–Played as though the actress were really alone. Turns her back to the audience when necessary. Does not look out into the auditorium. Does not hurry as though fearing the audience might grow restless. Soft violin music from the distance, schottische time. Kristin hums with the music. She cleans the table; washes plate, wipes it and puts it in the china closet. Takes off her apron and then opens drawer of table and takes a small hand glass and strands it against a flower pot on table. Lights a candle and heats a hair pin with which she crimps her hair around her forehead. After that she goes to door at back and listens. Then she returns to table and sees the Countess’ handkerchief, picks it up, smells of it, then smooths it out and folds it. Enter Jean.]

JEAN.
She is crazy I tell you! To dance like that! And the people stand grinning at her behind the doors. What do you say to that, Kristin?

KRISTIN.
Oh, didn’t I say she’s been acting queer lately? But isn’t it my turn to dance now?

JEAN.
You are not angry because I let myself be led by the forelock?

KRISTIN.
No, not for such a little thing. That you know well enough. And I know my place too–

JEAN
[Puts arm around her waist].

You’re a pretty smart girl, Kristin, and you ought to make a good wife.

[Enter Miss Julie.]

JULIE
[Disagreeably surprised, but with forced gaiety].

You’re a charming cavalier to run away from your partner.

JEAN.
On the contrary, Miss Julie, I have hastened to my neglected one as you see.

JULIE
[Changing subject].

Do you know, you dance wonderfully well! But why are you in livery on a holiday night? Take it off immediately.

JEAN.
Will you excuse me–my coat hangs there. [Goes R. and takes coat.]

JULIE.
Does it embarrass you to change your coat in my presence? Go to your room then–or else stay and I’ll turn my back.

JEAN.
With your permission, Miss Julie.

[Exit Jean R. One sees his arm as he changes coat.]