"The Reichstadt scent"!

GENTZ.

[_Smelling perfume._]

It smells of violets.

METTERNICH.

[_s.n.a.t.c.hes the bottle out of his hand and sc.r.a.pes the label off with a pair of scissors he takes from the table._]

If the Duke came he'd see that still at Paris--

A VOICE.

[_Among the group at the back of the stage._]

The Hydra lifts its head--

A LADY.

Our husbands talk Of Hydras!

LORD COWLEY.

And it must be stifled.

A LADY.

Yes; Volcanoes first, then hydras.

A MAID OF HONOR OF MARIA LOUISA.

[_Followed by a servant bringing a tray with large gla.s.ses of iced coffee._]

_Eis-Kaffee?_

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

[_Seated; to a young lady._]

Recite some verses, Olga.

GENTZ.

May we have Something of Heine's?

SEVERAL VOICES.

Yes!

OLGA.

[_Rising._]

The Grenadiers?

METTERNICH.

[_Quickly._]

Oh! No!

SCARAMPI.

[_Coming out of_ MARIA LOUISA'S _apartment._]

Her Majesty is on her way!

ALL.

Scarampi!

SANDOR.

We'll drive out to Krainerhutten, The ladies there can rest upon the green.

METTERNICH.

[_To_ GENTZ.]

What are you reading yonder?

GENTZ.

The "Debats."

LORD COWLEY.

The politics?

GENTZ.

The Theatres.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

How futile!

GENTZ.