Beatrice—Well, what time did you rise?
Dominica—At half-past two. While you were still dancing here. [Beatrice sighs.]
Symphorosa—What an energetic woman you are, Dominica! How youthful!
Dominica—[With spiritual fervor.] There is nothing I can't be . . . for my son. [Beatrice sighs.] That's the second time you have sighed.
Beatrice—I was thinking of my poor dear husband. How fond he was of you. Dominica—I was fond of him too . . . very.
Beatrice—Symphorosa, will you go and see that everything is ready? We hadn't expected you so early.
Dominica—I didn't telegraph the hour of my arrival because you never can be sure when you are motoring. But I don't mind waiting. [Sits.] What a joy it is to sit down again without having a landscape rushing past you!
Symphorosa—Excuse me, dear, while I see that everything has been made comfortable for you. [She exits at right.]
Beatrice—Will you have breakfast now?
Dominica—Later, thank you. We had some tea before we started. If you please, Countess, tell Luetzen he is not to awaken my son on my account, not before his accustomed hour. [The Countess
