ABU: Ah—ma Rosa Persh—ma waf to be—to-morrow we marry, eh? (The
SHEIK carries eartrumpet.)
ROSE: (Running from him in alarm.) Oh, don't touch me—don't—don't! (They are both yelling at each other as MRS. SCHUYLER enters first arch and sees ROSE'S actions—she is flashy—an ex-chorus girl—married to the retiring consul.)
MRS. SCHUYLER: Say, tie a can to that duet. What's the matter?
ROSE: (Crossing to her.) Oh, Mrs. Schuyler, I won't marry him—I hate him!
MRS. SCHUYLER: Oh, the poor old prune. (Crossing to ABU, garrulously.) How are you, Sheik? Our little ward, Rose, is so young and foolish! But I was just that innocent when I was in the chorus. When I came out of it, believe me, I was a different woman. (Enter Persian servant.)
SERVANT: The new consul wants to know when we are going to move out—
MRS. SCHUYLER: Not till after Rose's wedding to-morrow. (ROSE utters exclamation of rage, slaps the SHEIK'S face and exits.) I was just that emotional until I'd been married a few times—Come, Sheik—my husband won't return from Tabris till this evening—join me in a cocktail. (She illustrates drink in pantomime.)
ABU: (Understanding pantomime.) Yes! Yes! (LETTY and BETTY go up to table and chair C.)
MRS. SCHUYLER: Mousta, two cocktails on my back porch. Come, Sheik—Sheik! (Business with girls.) This way to the dog house. (Takes hold of chain on his ear trumpet and passes him in. Girls have gone off.) Oh—and, Mousta—don't put any cherries in—they take up too much room in the glass. (She exits one way—Waiter, another.)
(MUSIC. Entrance of men.)