[She downs the goblet]

[A commotion inside. A hand on the knob of the door]

RUFINIUS

[In alarm] Your Majesty had better—

PAULA

Yes, yes. [Starting off] Let me know what happens.

[She sneaks out just as HELIOGABALUS enters with the girl on his arm]

HELIOGABALUS

[To RUFINIUS] Kick these vermin out [indicating the musicians] They play bawdy music.

[RUFINIUS kicks them out]