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Signora Fantastici (A Dramatic Proverb)

by Madame de Staël

Pages
about 14
Category
Literature & Fiction
Language
English
Reading time
16 min at 250 wpm
Start readingThe whole book, as cards or one word at a time. 9 min at 450 wpm in Read mode.

From the opening

CHARACTERS: Mr. De Kriegschenmahl, former Swiss officer Mrs. De Kriegschenmahl, his wife Licidas Rodolphe Signora Fantastici Zepherina, her daughter A Commissioner who stutters

The action takes place in a town in the German parts of Switzerland.

NOTE: MR. de Kriegschenmahl and Rodolphe are played with a German accent. Madame de Kriegschenmahl has an English accent.

MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: My friend, if you could stop smoking that pipe you would please me greatly, in truth, greatly. It spoils the odor of the tea. The smoke soils my white dress. In truth, it's quite disagreeable.

MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: What do you want, my wife? Each country has its customs. In England you drink warm water all day. It's tasteless, it's insipid! The pipe is more military; it reminds me of my youth. I've been married to you for twenty-five years, Madame de Kriegschenmahl. Can't you get used to me?

MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: For twenty five years your customs have revolted me.

MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: Don't be upset, Mr. de Kriegschenmahl; I have a bounty to ask of you. For twenty-five years we've made a party of whist every night. I'd like to try this French game they say is so gay: Reversi. Do you consent to it, my dear husband? I wouldn't permit myself to do it without your approval.

MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: Ah, how good you are! We could try it with our two sons.

MR. DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: Yes. That will be a family match. That's always a pleasure. But haven't you noticed that for some time your cherished son, the one you named Licidas, is 24 years old? On account of this English novel you haven't had time to finish. Well! Licidas de Kriegschenmahl is very rarely at home. Where's this leading?

MADAME DE KRIEGSCHENMAHL: Licidas is too well brought up for me to suspect his conduct. I'm sure he's busy with the new agricultural course which has just started up. He loves the country, solitude; he's modest and timid. Not the same as your Corporal Rodolphe.

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