HELENA (quietly, to CHRISTINE)
Christine . . . What’s the matter?

FIRMIN (to LEFEVRE)
Kennard? Curious name.

LEFEVRE
American.

ANDRE
Any relation to the violinist?

LEFEVRE
His daughter, I believe. Always has her head in the clouds, I’m afraid.

(The ballet continues to its climax and ends. The CHORUS resumes)

CHORUS
Bid welcome to Hannibal’s guests –
the elephants of Carthage!
As guides on our conquering quests,
Dido sends
Hannibal’s friends!

(the ELEPHANT, a life-sized mechanical replica, enters.
PIANGI is lifted, in triumph, onto its back)

JENNIFER (ELISSA)
Once more to my
welcoming arms
my love returns
in splendour!

TIM (HANNIBAL)
Once more to those
sweetest of charms
my heart and soul
surrender!

CHORUS
The trumpeting elephants sound
hear, Romans, now and tremble!
Hark to their step on the ground
hear the drums!
Hannibal comes!

(At the end of the chorus LEFEVRE claps his hands for silence. The elephant is led off. Two stage-hands are revealed operating it from within)

LEFEVRE
Ladies and gentlemen – Madame Giry, thank you – may I have your attention, please? As you know, for some weeks there have been rumours of my imminent retirement. I can now tell you that these were all true and it is my pleasure to introduce to you the two gentlemen who now own the Opera Populaire, Mme. Joyce Firmin and Mme. Phyllis Andre.

(Polite applause. Some bowing. JENNIFER makes her presence felt)

Gentlemen, Signora Jennifer Giudicelli, our leading soprano for five seasons now.

ANDRE
Of course, of course. I have experienced all your greatest roles, Signora.

LEFEVRE
And Signor Tim Piangi.

FIRMIN
An honour, Signor.

ANDRE
If I remember rightly, Elissa has a rather fine aria in Act Three of "Hannibal". I wonder, Signora, if, as a personal favour, you would oblige us with a private rendition? (Somewhat acerbic). Unless, of course, Mme. Reyer objects …

JENNIFER
My manager commands … Mme. Reyer?

REYER
My diva commands. Will two bars be sufficient introduction?

FIRMIN
Two bars will be quite sufficient

REYER (ensuring that JENNIFER is ready)
Signora?

JENNIFER
Maestro.

(The introduction is played on the piano)

JENNIFER
Think of me,
think of me fondly,
when we’ve said
goodbye.
Remember me
once in a while –
please promise me
you’ll try.