[Exit laughingly and hurriedly into the hotel.]

[MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY goes to stool behind table and gets her parasol, as HAWCASTLE resumes his seat.]

MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY

Ah! that is good. Listen!

[A piano sounds from the room ETHEL has just entered, breaking loudly and gayly into Chaminade's "Elevation." ETHEL'S voice is heard for a moment, also, singing.]

She has flown to her piano. It looks well, indeed—our little enterprise.

HAWCASTLE

[grimly]

It's time. If Almeric had been anything but a clumsy oof he'd have made her settle it weeks ago!

MADAME DE CHAMPIGNY