Beatrice—[Hurries to the table.] God forbid, dear Albert.
Symphorosa—[As she, too, goes to the table.] We are lost!
Albert—I have always observed that my appetite is keenest at night.
Hyacinth—There you are like Louis XIV.
Beatrice—Shall we sit down? [Albert and Alexandra sit.] Sit here, Professor. [Indicates the place between Symphorosa and her. But Agi sits next to Alexandra.]
Agi—Thank you.
Beatrice—Not there, Professor . . . here!
Agi—[Does not stir.] This will do very well, thank you. [Painful silence. Shaking his head, Hyacinth sits.]
Symphorosa—[Whispers to Beatrice.] We are lost! I know there's going to be a scandal.
Albert—The Bourbons had healthy appetites by day as well. Louis XVIII. once consumed fifteen lamb chops at a public dinner. Imagine how much he must have eaten when no one was looking. That disgusts you, doesn't it, Beatrice? You are not listening.
Beatrice—[Nervously.] Indeed I am. Louis XV. consumed eighteen lamb chops.
Albert—No, it was the eighteenth Louis and the
