GIOCONDA. And I a lover so much overcome
By deep emotion that it leaves him dumb.
HILDA. No poetry? Then, so far as I can tell,
The Twentieth Century ought to suit you well....
I've an idea!
GIOCONDA. What is it?
HILDA.This: that you
Show me how best you'd like a man to woo.
GIOCONDA. I will, I will!
HILDA.Imagine, then, that I
Am she for whom you say you'd gladly die.
This is my room at Baystead: that's the street:
You must come in from there.... (Leading her left.)
and then we meet.
GIOCONDA. By Holy Church, a pretty sport to play!
God shield you, Signorina Hilda Gray!(Exit left.)
HILDA. Now—what's the time? It must be half-past four.
It is. I'll give him just one minute more.
(Looking at herself in a pocket-mirror, and making a toilet.)
Goodness! I do look horrid.... Will he bring
An emerald or a pearl engagement-ring?
He comes! I'll take pearls as a last resort.