[Sits down at the writing-table and begins to write again.
LIEUTENANT. [Enters from the background, with a melancholy face, but without being ridiculous. Without noticing ALICE he makes straight for ALLAN] I say, Cadet—[ALLAN rises and stands at attention] Please be seated.
ALICE watches them.
The LIEUTENANT goes up to ALLAN and sits down beside him. Sighs, takes out a lace handkerchief just like the other one, and wipes his forehead with it.
ALLAN stares greedily at the handkerchief.
The LIEUTENANT looks sadly at ALLAN.
ALICE. coughs.
The LIEUTENANT jumps up and stands at attention.
ALICE. Please be seated.
LIEUTENANT. I beg your pardon, madam——
ALICE. Never mind! Please sit down and keep the Cadet company—he is feeling a little lonely here on the island. [Writes.
LIEUTENANT. [Conversing with ALLAN in low tone and uneasily] It is awfully hot.
ALLAN. Rather.
LIEUTENANT. Have you finished the sixth book yet?
ALLAN. I have just got to the last proposition.