FLORIAN
It really pays an actor to be in a hospital for a while. You
think I can't use what I see here because I'm a comedian?
Wrong—all wrong. It's a discovery of my own Mr. Rademacher
(Important) A discovery of the fact that true dramatic intuition
can construct the comic maak from the suddenly face, even from
the face directed by pain. When I see a man die I know just
how he looked when laughing at a good story. ——But what's the
matter Mr. Rademacher? Here, here--where's your courage. Don’t
lose your sense of humor. Lock at me now. Not a week ago I
was given up--not only by the doctor, that wouldn’t have
matered much--but by my own self. And now I'm as jolly as
can be--and in a week more--ta, ta! And hereby I take the
liberty of inviting you to my first performance. (Has a fit of
coughing)
RADEMACHER
That will hardly be possible.
FLORIAM
If you and I hadn't been ill we'd probably
say, isn’t it queer?
have been enemies to the strife.
RADEMACHER
Why?
FLORIAN
Why--I'd have acted and you'd have written horrid things about
me — and I never did likeoritics also say horrid things about me.
But this way we're the best of friends. say, listen,tell me
Mr. Rademacher, did I look as bad as you do a week ago?
RADEMACHER
There's a difference--
FLORIAN