Oh! a veteran of the Empire!

FLAMBEAU.

[_To the_ DUKE.]

Well, there you are, you see! That's what they'll say.

MASKS.

Capital! Capital!

FLAMBEAU.

I take my ease.

A MASK.

[_To another._]

Come and admire the veteran!

THE OTHER.

First rate!

THIRD MASK.

Look at his earrings!

FOURTH MASK.

And his bushy eyebrows!

FLAMBEAU.

But how shall I get out without a cloak?

FANNY.

Here's Gentz's ticket: such a handsome mantle.

A MASK.

Hail, Veteran!

FLAMBEAU.

The honor's mine.

[_The_ USHER _enters, followed by_ SERVANTS _who
push on orange-trees, the boxes laid as tables._]

THE USHER.

Make room!

THE LACKEY.

[_Who took the_ DUKE'S _note._]

They understand, my Lord. The hunting-lodge.

FANNY.

What's that?

THE DUKE.

I had forgotten. I gave orders--
I was to spend the night there. Warn the Countess.
Run! Run and say 'tis thither she must go!

[FANNY _goes out quickly._]

[Illustration: The Duke de Reichstadt

Francesco Duc de Reichstadt]

A MASK.

[_To_ FLAMBEAU.]

Well, Sergeant? So you served--

FLAMBEAU.

The gr-reat--

SEVERAL MASKS.

[_Laughing._]

The gr-reat!

FLAMBEAU.

They didn't laugh when we were quartered on 'em!

EXCLAMATIONS.

A picture by Raffet!--Charlet!--Vernet!

SEVERAL MASKS.

How worn his coat is!--And how singed!--And dusty!--
Who's your costumier?--Tell us!

FLAMBEAU.

They are ladies:--
The ancient firm of War and Victory Sisters.

A MASK.

That's good.

FLAMBEAU.

It's not the firm you patronize.

FIRST MASK.

I'll swear it's Zichy.

_Offering his hand._]

Count, your hand.

FLAMBEAU.

[_Blowing a puff of smoke in his face._]

Get out.

FIRST MASK.

[_Going out, to the others._]

He's masked his language as he's masked his face.

FLAMBEAU.

[_Singing._]

When we marched to Krasnoi,
Cold and hungry, too, were we!

A MASK.

He's really excellent. In Russia, old 'un,
'Twas pretty cold?

FLAMBEAU.

Yes; till we gave 'em hell.

[_Sings._]

By Jingo, but it keeps you warm
Merely to see