[At the door] I—
HELIOGABALUS
[Peremptorily] Guards!
[PAULA runs out, and the others crowd after her. In the scuffle, one of the wives is pushed to one side, and finds herself inside after the door bangs. It is DACIA. HELIOGABALUS, turning back toward the entrance to the banquet-room, notices her. She hasn't said a word during the preceding scene, but has noticeably hung back. Now, facing the Emperor, she is suddenly confused, and turns toward the door in alarm. But he halts her]
HELIOGABALUS
What! Little Dacia! [She nods shyly] I didn't notice you. I didn't hear a word from you.
DACIA
[Ingenuously] I didn't say anything.
HELIOGABALUS
Not a word about duty?