[RUFINIUS drops his voice so that his words are not audible. The purport of the dialogue must be revealed by HELIOGABALUS' answers and exclamations. While it is elaborately going on, with the backs of both turned to the bed, PAULA pokes out her head and listens intently. LUCIA, sitting up in bed, also tries hard to hear, but it is improbable that she catches more than an occasional word]
HELIOGABALUS
[Aloud] Make it short. I'm very busy. [RUFINIUS whispers, and HELIOGABALUS suddenly grows interested and somewhat alarmed] What do they want?... I thought they were all sound asleep over in the North Wing.... She isn't? What! A riot—and Paula not in it? Then where is she?... Go find her. I know she's behind it.... And get the rest to bed. Drunk or sober, get them to bed.... Tell them I absolutely order it.
[A noise outside, and a woman's scream]
LUCIA
[From the bed, in alarm] What was that?
HELIOGABALUS
[Over his shoulder, reassuringly] Nothing, my dear. Stay in bed like a nice girl.
LUCIA