CURTAIN
SCENE II
The COUNTESS'S Boudoir. A table R. slanting to the audience with ornamental mirror standing on it. A door at back, L.C. Door in R.H. corner, back labelled "Secret staircase to dungeon." The Countess sitting at the table looking at herself in the mirror. Melissa, her maid, standing, with a hat in her hand trimmed with flowers.
Countess. Now, Melissa, give me my garden hat, please. I feel inclined to go down to the farm.
Melissa [bringing the hat]. Your ladyship is so fond of the farm.
Countess. Indeed I am, and of the live stock there. I should like to direct it all myself, but I don't think the bailiff would like it. He is rather tiresome sometimes.
Melissa. Still, my lady, he is a most honest man, and his accounts, as your ladyship always says, are a marvel.
Countess. Oh yes, in many ways he is excellent, I know, and yet he is not popular with the poultry—no doubt of that.
Melissa. That is true. He doesn't seem to get on with the gander.