TRANQUIL BEAUTY [Pulling at the sleeve of GOLDEN LOTUS]

Enough, Golden Lotus. It is not proper for us to listen to such remarks.

ARROW-BEARER

Have you nothing more to say to me?

TRANQUIL BEAUTY

Let us go. Come, we must return to the Pavilion.

GOLDEN LOTUS [to TRANQUIL BEAUTY]

No, stay a moment.

[to ARROW-BEARER]

My lord, you know news travels slowly to the quarters Of the Ladies-in-Waiting, and my curiosity is eager on this most solemn day, when our Empress is to restore the throne of the bright dynasty of the Mings and to take on her the regency of the Empire. At what precise hour will the festival begin? DO you know the order of the ceremonies?