[He is duly cut short by a loud knocking on the door. He tries to get out of his tunic quickly, and then, thinking better of it, decides to let it down again]

HELIOGABALUS

[Wrathfully] What is it now? [An unintelligible answer from without] Hey? [Another mumble] I can't hear you. Come in.

[Enter RUFINIUS. He stops near the door and glances at LUCIA dubiously]

RUFINIUS

I came in, Majesty, to report—

[He stops]

HELIOGABALUS

[Coming down toward RUFINIUS] What! I'm good and damn sick of this "I came in to report, Majesty," just as I'm about to—What's up? More trouble?