Bricks and sacks of plaster lie about.
As the curtain rises, the MASON is seen at work with his trowel.
His back is turned to the audience. BERGAMIN and PASQUINOT, each
on his own side of the wall, watch the progress of the work.
The MASON. [Singing at his work] Tra la la--
BERGAMIN. These masons are so slow!
PASQUINOT. Good!
BERGAMIN. How he slaps the mortar!
PASQUINOT. There goes another brick!
[The MASON sings a number of trills.]
PASQUINOT. Sings well, but works very slowly! By to-morrow the
wall will be at least two feet high!
BERGAMIN. I'm impatient to see it higher!
PASQUINOT. What is that you say, Monsieur?
BERGAMIN. I was not addressing you. [A pause.] What do you do
evenings after dinner?
PASQUINOT. Nothing--and you?
BERGAMIN. Nothing. [Another pause. They bow and walk about
again.]
PASQUINOT. [Stopping] Any news from your son?
BERGAMIN. No--he is still away.
PASQUINOT. He will return soon: his money will surely give out.
BERGAMIN. Thank you. [They bow again, and walk.]
PASQUINOT. Now that the wall is being built again, Monsieur, I
should be glad to see you from time to time.
BERGAMIN. Thank you. Perhaps I shall come. [They bow.
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