John. Oh, Clara! You women are always envious of each other. I’ve been out with her and seen her ride, and then how she dances!

Christine. I say, John, won’t you dance with me when I’m ready?

John. Of course I will.

Christine. Promise me?

John. Promise? If I say I’ll do a thing, then I always do it. Anyway, thanks very much for the food, it was damned good. [He puts the cork back into the bottle. The young lady, at the glass door, speaks to people outside.] I’ll be back in a minute. [He conceals the bottle of wine in a napkin, and stands up respectfully.]

Julie. [Enters and goes to CHRISTINE by the fireplace.] Well, is it ready?

Christine. [Intimates to her by signs that JOHN is present.]

John. [Gallantly.] Do the ladies want to talk secrets?

Julie. [Strikes hint in the face with her handkerchief.] Is he inquisitive?

John. Ah! what a nice smell of violets.

Julie. [Coquettishly.] Impudent person! Is the fellow then an expert in perfumes? [She goes behind the table.]

John. [With gentle affectation.] Have you ladies then been brewing a magic potion this Midsummer Night? Something so as to be able to read one’s fortunes in the stars, so that you get a sight of the future?

Julie. [Sharply.] Yes, if he manages to see that, he must have very good eyes. [To CHRISTINE.] Pour it into a half bottle and cork it securely. Let the man come now and dance the schottische with me. John? [She lets her handkerchief fall on the tafrle.]

John. [Hesitating.] I don’t want to be disobliging to anybody, but I promised Christine this dance.