FullReads

JULIE
[To Kristin].

Is Jean your sweetheart, that he is so devoted?

KRISTIN.
Sweetheart? Yes, may it please you. Sweetheart–that’s what they call it.

JULIE.
Call it?

KRISTIN.
Oh Miss Julie has herself had a sweetheart and–

JULIE.
Yes, we were engaged–

KRISTIN.
But it came to nothing.

[Enter Jean in black frock coat.]

JULIE.
Tres gentil, Monsieur Jean, tres gentil.

JEAN.
Vous voulez plaisanter, Mademoiselle.

JULIE.
Et vous voulez parler francais? Where did you learn that?

JEAN.
In Switzerland where I was butler in the largest hotel at Lucerne.

JULIE.
Why, you look like a gentleman in your frock coat. Charmant! [Seats herself by table.]

JEAN.
You flatter me!

JULIE.
Flatter! [Picking him up on the word.]

JEAN.
My natural modesty forbids me to believe that you could mean these pleasant things that you say to a–such its I am–and therefore I allowed myself to fancy that you overrate or, as it is called, flatter.

JULIE.
Where did you learn to use words like that? Have you frequented the theatres much?

JEAN.
I have frequented many places, I have!

JULIE.
But you were born here in this neighborhood?

JEAN.
My father was a deputy under the public prosecutor, and I saw Miss Julie as a child–although she didn’t see me!

JULIE.
No, really?

JEAN.
Yes, I remember one time in particular. But I mustn’t talk about that.

JULIE.
Oh yes, do, when was it?

JEAN.
No really–not now, another time perhaps.

JULIE.
“Another time” is a good for nothing. Is it so dreadful then?

JEAN.
Not dreadful–but it goes against the grain. [Turns and points to Kristin, who has fallen asleep in a chair near stove]. Look at her.

JULIE.
She’ll make a charming wife! Does she snore too?

JEAN
. No, but she talks in her sleep.

JULIE
[Cynically].

How do you know that she talks in her sleep?

JEAN
[Boldly].

I have heard her.[Pause and they look at each other.]

JULIE.
Why don’t you sit down?

JEAN.
I can’t allow myself to do so in your presence.

JULIE.
But if I command you?

JEAN.
Then I obey.

JULIE.
Sit down then. But wait–can’t you get me something to drink first?

JEAN.
I don’t know what there is in the icebox. Nothing but beer, probably.

JULIE.
Is beer nothing? My taste is so simple that I prefer it to wine.

[Jean takes out beer and serves it on plate.]

JEAN.
Allow me.

JULIE.
Won’t you drink too?

JEAN.
I am no friend to beer–but if Miss Julie commands.

JULIE
[Gaily].

Commands! I should think as a polite cavalier you might join your lady.

JEAN.
Looking at it in that way you are quite right. [Opens another bottle of beer and fills glass.]

JULIE.
Give me a toast!

[Jean hesitates.]

JULIE
[Mockingly].

Old as he is, I believe the man is bashful!

JEAN
[On his knee with mock gallantry, raises glass].

A health to my lady of the house!

JULIE
.
Bravo! Now you must kiss my slipper. Then the thing is perfect.