eps under
the table._]

But from whom?

[_The_ DUKE _enters in the uniform of an Austrian
officer, followed by his Staff. The_ LACKEYS
_hurriedly range themselves._]

THE DUKE.

[_Seeing_ SEDLINZKY'S _legs protruding from under the
table; very simply._]

Why, how are _you_, Sedlinzky?

SEDLINZKY.

[_Emerging amazed on all fours._]

Highness!

THE DUKE.

An accident. Excuse me. Just come in.

SEDLINZKY.

[_Standing._]

You knew me? Yet I was--

THE DUKE.

Flat on your stomach?
Oh yes, I knew you.

[_He sees the_ ARCHDUCHESS, _who enters hurriedly
carrying a large album._]

Ah, I feared as much!
They've frightened you.

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

They told me--

THE DUKE.

It was nothing.

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

But yet--

THE DUKE.

[_Seeing_ DOCTOR MALFATTI _enter._]

The doctor! But I am not ill!

[_To the_ ARCHDUCHESS.]

Nothing. A choking. So I left parade.
I had been shouting.

[_To the_ DOCTOR, _who is feeling his pulse._]

Doctor, you're a nuisance!

[_To_ SEDLINZKY, _who is sidling toward the door._]

'Twas very kind of you to sort my papers.
You're spoiling me. Indeed you are. You've chosen
Even my lackeys from among your friends.

SEDLINZKY.

Your Highness does not think--!

THE DUKE.

I shouldn't mind
If only they performed their duties better.
But I am villainously groomed. My stock
Rides up. In short, since this is your department,
I wish you'd black my boots a little better.

[_A_ LACKEY _brings a tray with refreshments, which
the_ DOCTOR _takes._]

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

[_Anxious to help the_ DUKE _from the tray._]

Franz--

THE DUKE.

[_To_ SEDLINZKY, _who is again making for the door._]

You take nothing--?

SEDLINZKY.

I have taken--

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

A Tartar!

THE DUKE.

Orders, Foresti!

FORESTI.

Colonel!

THE DUKE.

We'll manoeuvre
At early dawn the day after to-morrow;
Assemble at Grosshofen.

FORESTI.

Good, my Colonel!

THE DUKE.

[_To the_ OFFICERS.]

I'll not detain you, g