rticular moment, is engaged in lighting a huge
cigar_) At two.

VALET

And when is the carriage to be ready, Your Grace?

MIZZIE[1] (_appearing on the balcony with a palette and a bunch of
brushes in one hand, calls down to her father_) Good morning, papa.

[1] Diminutive of Maria.

COUNT

Morning, Mizzie.

MIZZIE

You left me all alone for breakfast again, papa. Where have you been
anyhow?

COUNT

Most everywhere. Rode out by way of Mauer and Rodaun.[2] Perfectly
splendid day. And what are you doing? At work already? Is there
anything new to be seen soon?

[2] Small towns south of Vienna. The subsequent reference to
the Tiergarten shows that the Pazmandy residence must be in
the little suburb of Lainz, at the extreme southwestern corner
of Vienna. Near the Tiergarten there is actually an imperial
hunting lodge, which the playwright seems to have appropriated
for his purpose.

MIZZIE

Yes, indeed, papa. Nothing but flowers though, as usual.

COUNT

Isn't the professor coming to see you to-day?

MIZZIE

Yes, but not until one.

COUNT

Well, don't let me interrupt you.

MIZZIE (_throws a kiss to him and disappears from the balcony_)

COUNT (_to the valet_)

What are you waiting for? Oh, the carriage. I'm not going out again
to-day. Joseph can take a holiday. Or wait a moment. (_He calls up to
the balcony_) Say, Mizzie....

MIZZIE (_reappears on the balcony_)

COUNT

Sorry to disturb you again. Do you think you'll want the carriage
to-day?

MIZZIE

No, thank you, papa. I can think of nothing.... No, thanks. (_She
disappears again_)

COUNT

So Joseph can do what he pleases this afternoon. That's--oh, see that
Franz gives the nag a good rubbing down. We got a little excited this
morning--both of us.

VALET (_goes out_)

COUNT (_sits down on the garden seat, picks up a newspaper from the
table and begins to read_)

GARDENER (_enters_)

Good morning, Your Grace.

COUNT

Morning, Peter. What's up?

GARDENER

With Your Grace's permission, I have just cut the tea roses.

COUNT

Why all that lot?

GARDENER

The bush is full up. It ain't wise, Your Grace, to leave 'em on the
stem much longer. If maybe Your Grace could find some use....

COUNT

Haven't got any. Why do you stand there looking at me? I'm not going to
the city. I won't need any flowers. Why don't you put them in some of
those vases and things that are standing