DOM. Alone?

BELLA. (half coquettishly.) I was hoping to be.

DOM. You were waiting for me,—wondering why I hadn’t come. Now, confess.

BELLA. (seriously.) I was prayerfully glad you hadn’t come.

DOM. What!—Let me tell you something:—you haven’t kissed me once.

BELLA. What kept you? (enter unperceived, Manuel.)

DOM. I see. You want me to kiss you first. (kisses her in spite of Bella’s attempted defense; Manuel coughs; Dominique turns; Manuel exits.)

BELLA. Now, you see.

DOM. A very disagreeable fellow. Is he the suitor?