BLUNTSCHLI.
I think I can shew you how to manage that.
SERGIUS.
Invaluable man! Come along! (Towering over Bluntschli, he puts his hand on his shoulder and takes him to the steps, Petkoff following. As Bluntschli puts his foot on the first step, Raina comes out of the house.)
RAINA.
(completely losing her presence of mind). Oh, the chocolate cream soldier!
(Bluntschli stands rigid. Sergius, amazed, looks at Raina, then at Petkoff, who looks back at him and then at his wife.)
CATHERINE.
(with commanding presence of mind). My dear Raina, don’t you see that we have a guest here—Captain Bluntschli, one of our new Servian friends?
(Raina bows; Bluntschli bows.)
RAINA.
How silly of me! (She comes down into the centre of the group, between Bluntschli and Petkoff) I made a beautiful ornament this morning for the ice pudding; and that stupid Nicola has just put down a pile of plates on it and spoiled it. (To Bluntschli, winningly.) I hope you didn’t think that you were the chocolate cream soldier, Captain Bluntschli.
BLUNTSCHLI.
(laughing). I assure you I did. (Stealing a whimsical glance at her.) Your explanation was a relief.
PETKOFF.
(suspiciously, to Raina). And since when, pray, have you taken to cooking?
CATHERINE.
Oh, whilst you were away. It is her latest fancy.