The Betrothal; or, The Blue Bird Chooses

again behind her, enter a second young girl, dressed in a blood-red skirt and bodice. A butcher's knife hangs from her belt.)

THE SECOND GIRL

(Rushing up to TYLTYL and kissing him.) Here I am, Tyltyl darling, here I am!

TYLTYL

(To THE FAIRY.) This is Belline, my cousin, the butcher's daughter.... (To BELLINE.) What's the matter with you, Belline dear? You're wet through and quite out of breath!...

BELLINE

I should think I was!... It's a long way from the village to your place!... I didn't even wait to wash my hands.... I was helping daddy to cut up a calf; the moment your thoughts came, I dropped my knife and left everything so as to get here quicker.... I even believe that, while I was there, I cut my finger rather badly; but here it doesn't show.... Daddy hasn't the least idea what has happened; he must be furious. (Catching sight of MILETTE.) How do you do, Milette?

MILETTE

How do you do, Belline?...