[As they go out, HELIOGABALUS takes another precautionary look at the peristyle. They go into one of the rooms at the rear. The door closes. RUFINIUS, to whom the business is an old story, heaves a sigh, pours out two goblets of wine, and places them on the small table near the door. He then goes to the door of the ostium, and calls out to an unseen guard]
RUFINIUS
[In bored tones] Better get the musicians ready, Sampinus. They'll probably be wanted presently. Are they all sober?
[The guard makes no reply, but the clank of his sword is heard. As RUFINIUS turns back, PAULA enters from the peristyle. She is somewhat dishevelled]
PAULA
The Emperor—where is the Emperor?
RUFINIUS
He has just stepped out, Majesty.
PAULA
Just stepped out? Where has he gone?