sudden. . . . Laisse moi . . . je vous en prie—forgive me. . . . [Wunderlich has gone to her assistance and is supporting her.] Merci, mon colonel. . . . Never mind. . . . [The Hussars swiftly draw the portières across both big arches. Wunderlich leaves Beatrice and crosses to left.]
Albert—Tu te trouves mal, Tante Béatrice?
Beatrice—I am sorry . . . a little weakness . . . please don't bother . . . I'll retire.
Wunderlich—[To Cæsar.] Have that music stopped. [Cæsar whispers to Alfred, who hurries off. The music stops.]
Albert—[Takes Beatrice's arm.] I don't doubt that you exerted yourself too much to-day. Let me see you to your room.
Hyacinth—Don't bother, Albert. I'll take her up.
Albert—No, no. Stay here . . . everybody. [To Sypmhorosa, who is about to accompany them.] Symphorosa, you stay here with the salmon. Please sit down, Xara. No excitement. I'll look after her.
Beatrice—[In a faint voice.] No excitement . . . with a houseful of strangers . . . oh . . . oh!
Albert—All right, my dear . . . everything will be all right. [To the others.] I wish you all to remain here, please. [Goes toward left, supporting
