d gentlemen--I beg your pardon--please be quiet--I
drink--permit me to drink--for this is the birthday party of our
amiable hostess--(_taking Lulu's arm_) of Countess Adelaide
d'Oubra--damned and done for!--I drink therefore----and so forth, go
to it, ladies! (_All surround Lulu and clink with her. Alva presses
Rodrigo's hand._)

ALVA. I congratulate you.

RODRIGO. I'm sweating like a roast pig.

ALVA. (_To Lulu._) Let's see if everything's in order in the
card-room. (_Alva and Lulu exeunt, rear. Bianetta speaks to
Rodrigo._)

BIANETTA. They were telling me just now you were the strongest man in
the world.

RODRIGO. That I am. May I put my strength at your disposal?

MAGELONE. I love sharp-shooters better. Three months ago a
sharp-shooter stepped into the casino and every time he went "bang!"
I felt like this. (_She wriggles her hips._)

CASTI-PIANI. (_Who speaks thruout the act in a bored and weary tone,
to Magelone._) Say, dearie, how does it happen we see your nice
little princess here for the first time to-night? (_Meaning
Kadidia._)

MAGELONE. Do you really find her so delightful?--She is still in the
convent. She must be back in school again on Monday.

KADIDIA. What did you say, mama?

MAGELONE. I was just telling the gentleman that you got the highest
mark in geometry last week.

HEILMANN. Some pretty hair she's got!

CASTI-PIANI. Just look at her feet: the way she walks!

PUNTSCHU. By god, she's got breeding!

MAGELONE. (_Smiling._) But my dear sirs, take pity on her! She's
nothing but a child still!

PUNTSCHU. That'd trouble me damned little! (_To Heilmann._) I'd give
ten years of my life if I could initiate the young lady into the
ceremonies of our secret society!

MAGELONE. But you won't get me to consent to that for a million. I
won't have the child's youth ruined, the way mine was!

CASTI-PIANI. Confessions of a lovely soul! (_To Magelone._) Would you
not agree, either, for a set of real diamonds?

MAGELONE. Don't brag! You'll give as few real diamonds to me as to my
child. You know that quite the best yourself. (_Kadidia goes into the
rear room._)

GESCHWITZ. But is nobody at all going to play, this evening?

LUDMILLA. Why, of course, comtesse. I'm counting on it very much, for
one!

BIANETTA. Then let's take our places right away. The gentlemen will
soon come then.

GESCHWITZ. May I ask you to excuse me just a second. I must say a
word to my friend.

CASTI-PIANI. (_Offer