Count—Why did you smile then? Just making fun of the old man?
Paula—Old man?. . . Oh!
Count—Well, not exactly old.
Paula—I smiled because your excellency has such an aversion for waterproof coats. But I never thought of you as old.
Adele—You may go, Miss Paula. [Paula bows to the count and exits through the archway.]
Counts—[His glance follows her.] Why are you so severe with that nice young girl?
Adele—She is a bit forward.
Count—Not at all.
Adele—She is deceitful. I can't bear her. Ordinarily she is very glum and serious, but when your excellency puts your foot in the door she suddenly becomes brisk and cheerful.
Count—Really? I am flattered.
Juhasz—[Comes through the archway, carrying a jockey suit of brown silk striped in green.] I can't get the cap-maker on the wire. Oscar is trying again. But here is the jockey suit.
Count—[Adjusts his glass.] Yes, this will do very well. Will you wrap it up for me, Juhasz? [Returns the suit to him.]
Oscar—[Rushes in through the archway, speaks rapidly, officiously.] Your excellency, good evening! We are in luck, your excellency. The caps are fin-
