_Phil._ The Princess has a candid enemy! I beg your pardon, but the furniture Has caught your dress.
_Azèma._ (_re-arranging her dress hastily_) Oh, I arranged it so, That you might see how truly beautiful My foot and ankle are (_as if much shocked at the exposé_).
_Phil._ I saw them well, They’re very neat.
_Azèma._ I now remove my glove That you may note the whiteness of my hand. I place it there in order that you may Be tempted to inclose it in your own.
_Phil._ To that temptation I at once succumb. (_Taking her hand--she affects to withdraw it angrily._)
_Azèma._ (_with affected indignation._) Go on! If you had any enterprise, You’d gently place your arm around my waist And kiss me. (_Struggling to release herself_)
_Azèma._ Oh, no! It’s true that I should start with every show Of indignation, just in order to Maintain my character for innocence-- But that is all.
_Phil._ (_puts his arm round her and kisses her_). There, then--’tis done!
_Azèma._ (_starting, with a great show of rage_). How, sir? I think it’s time that I should take my leave. (_Very indignantly_) I shall be in the Avenue of Palms At ten o’clock to-night. I mention this That you may take the hint and be there, too! (_going._)
_Phil._ One moment, pray. Let me assure you now, That such an unmistakable coquette, And one who shows her cards so candidly, Will not supplant the Princess Zeolide!
_Azèma._ (_surprised_). Supplant the Princess Zeolide? Why, sir, By what authority do you imply That I have cherished any such design?
_Azèma._ Oh, impossible! (_Indignantly_) But as it seems that I’ve no chance with you, I’ll try the gentleman who left us here. He comes!
Oh, sir, I crave a word with you! Are you a wealthy man? (_with extreme delicacy of manner._)
_Chrys._ A bachelor as yet, Betrothed to Palmis.
_Azèma._ (_shrinking_). Oh! (_Hopefully._) But possibly You do not love her much!
_Chrys._ (_with enthusiasm_). Oh, not at all!
_Azèma._ You’ll do--give me your arm. (_He does so--she shrinks._) Oh, sir, indeed-- (_Impatiently to CHRYSAL, who hesitates_) Do take my hand and put it through your arm. (_He does so_) That’s it! Oh, sir, indeed I know you not!
[_Exeunt CHRYSAL and AZÈMA,--AZÈMA affecting to try and release herself. PHILAMIR stands astounded for a moment._