The Locksmith: A Comic Opera

Them.

Them!

Yes, them; my wife and her gallant. original: "galant"; refers to a man who pays court to a woman, often implying a secret or illicit suitor.

Good heavens! original: "Peste !"; a common exclamation of surprise or annoyance, literally meaning "plague."

Do you see now if my plan was not a good one?

Hah!

Eh! You are still eating; that is not the most urgent matter.

Oh, but it is, by gad, for I am starving. original: "morgué"; a rustic dialect variation of "morbleu," used as a mild oath.

Run quickly to the end of the garden.

Let us go then, Master. original: "not' Maître"; Guillaume continues to use a rural, contracted dialect.

Where are you going?

Where you said.

To do what?

I do not know at all.

Listen to me, and then you will know.

Tell me then...

Run first to the end of the garden; when you see my wife coming out with a man who is speaking to her in a low voice, go toward them so that they flee from you. Make sure they head this way, do you hear?

Oh! Yes, indeed; that means I shall beat the field— original: "battrai la plai-"; Guillaume is likely about to say "battre la plaine," a hunting term meaning to scour the fields or beat the bushes to drive game toward the hunter.