gard for etiquette. [A gong sounds. Cæsar, the two Hussars and Alfred enter. The Colonel enters back left.]
Beatrice—We dragged the doctor away from his beloved stars to-night.
Hyacinth—And also the poor boys.
Symphorosa—Yes, the poor boys looked forward to it all day. They are delighted with any excuse for not going to bed early.
Hyacinth—Well, they can see them to-morrow. Fortunately the stars are eternal, eh? One can always put them off until to-morrow. [The two ladies exit back left.]
Albert—I didn't know you had an observatory.
Hyacinth—Oh, yes. Ever since my late brother-in-law, Henry, bought a big telescope. You have seen it often, colonel.
Wunderlich—Oh, yes. Once I burned my tongue up there.
Albert—With the telescope?
Wunderlich—No, your highness. There was some acid in a cup up there, and I tasted it.
Symphorosa—I can imagine what an impression it must have made on you.
Wunderlich—I shall never forget it, your highness.
Beatrice—I think, Albert, it is time to eat something.
