SCHWARZ. (Opening an engagement announcement.) See. (Gives it to Lulu.)
LULU. (Reads.) Sir Henry von Zarnikow has the honor to announce the engagement of his daughter, Charlotte Marie Adelaide, to Doctor Ludwig Schön.
SCHWARZ. (As he opens another letter.) At last! He's been an eternal while evading a public engagement. I can't understand it—a man of his standing and influence. What can be in the way of his marriage?
LULU. What is that that you're reading?
SCHWARZ. An invitation to take part in the international exhibition at St. Petersburg. I have no idea what to paint for it.
LULU. Some entrancing girl or other, of course.
SCHWARZ. Will you be willing to pose for it?
LULU. God knows there are other pretty girls enough in existence!
SCHWARZ. But with any other model—tho she be as racy as hell—I can't get such a full display of my powers.
LULU. Then I must, I suppose. Wouldn't it go as well lying down?