Please put them down.

BOMBELLES.

What are they?

THE DOCTOR.

b.u.t.terflies.

THERESA.

b.u.t.terflies?

MARIA LOUISA.

Yes; when I was visiting This amiable old man, the local doctor, I saw his boy arranging these collections.

I sighed aloud, Alas! would but my son, Whom nothing moves, take interest in these!

THE DOCTOR.

So then I answered, Well, your Majesty, One never knows. Why not? We can but try; I'll bring my b.u.t.terflies!

THERESA.

His b.u.t.terflies!

MARIA LOUISA.

Could he but leave his solitary musings To occupy his mind with--

THE DOCTOR.

Lepidoptera.

MARIA LOUISA.

Leave them; come back; he's out at present.

[_To_ THERESA.] You Come, I'll present you to Scarampi. She's The Mistress of the Robes.

[_She sees_ METTERNICH, _who enters L._]

Ah, Metternich!

Dear Prince, we leave you the saloon.

METTERNICH.

Indeed, I had to come here to receive the Envoy--

MARIA LOUISA.

I know--

METTERNICH.

Of General Belliard, French Amba.s.sador; And Councillor Gentz, and several Estafets.

With your permission-- [_To a lackey._] First, Baron von Gentz.

MARIA LOUISA.

The room is yours.

[_She goes out with_ THERESA. TIBURTIUS _and_ BOMBELLES _follow her_. GENTZ _enters_.]

METTERNICH.

Good-morning, Gentz. You know The Emperor recalls me to Vienna?

I'm going back to-day.

GENTZ.

Ah?

METTERNICH.

Yes; it's tiresome-- The town in summer!

GENTZ.

Empty as my pocket.

METTERNICH.

Oh, come now! No offence, you know, but--eh?

Surely the Russian Government has--

GENTZ.

_Me!_

METTERNICH.

Be frank. Who's bought you? Eh?

GENTZ.

[_Munching sweetmeats._]

The highest bidder.

METTERNICH.