Beatrice—Oh, you—man! Don't you understand that everything attractive in the setting adds luster to the girl?
Hyacinth—What does Alexandra think of the matter?
Beatrice—Just as I do.
Hyacinth—Has she said anything about it?
Beatrice—No, but she is worried. [Symphorosa enters quickly, her hand held agitatedly to her heart.] Well?
Symphorosa,—He is awake. [Beatrice makes a gesture of displeasure.] Count Luetzen coughed outside his door.
Beatrice—[Quickly aghast.] Accidentally?
Symphorosa—No, on purpose.
Beatrice—Wasn't the Colonel on guard?
Symphorosa—Certainly. Count Luetzen came to the door expressly to cough.
Beatrice—Why didn't the Colonel cough himself?
Symphorosa—Because his cough is too loud. Count Luetzen coughs delicately. He always coughs his highness awake.
Beatrice—What happened when he awoke?
Symphorosa—He asked for eau de Cologne.
Beatrice—Yes.
Symphorosa—And a cup of weak tea.
Beatrice—Yes.
