Queen of Hearts. Seat you, seat you, good lady.
[The King and Queen of Spades are very much out of breath, and very warm. The King and Queen of Hearts arise in their entrance to greet them, but the King and Queen of Spades are so overcome with excitement that they forget the conventionalities, and the Queen of Spades flops into the third arm-chair without making any courtesy. The King of Spades takes his stand behind her, wiping his brow vigorously with his handkerchief, then suddenly remembers he has omitted to kiss the hand of his hostess. He hastens across the stage falling as he goes, and makes up for the omission. The Knave of Spades sits on the bench.]
Queen of Hearts. There, now, rest you easily, for there is small haste for the feast.
King of Spades (still mopping his face and puffing). I am much relieved that we were not late on the banquet, King of Hearts. The banquet should have waited on you, cousin.
King of Spades (pacing about the stage, nervously fanning himself; occasionally he stumbles and falls). Ay, but I might not so well have waited on the banquet.
Queen of Spades. True, he hungers mightily.
[Fans herself vigorously with her handkerchief.]
Queen of Hearts (to Joker). Sir Joker, the Queen of Spades suffereth of her exertions. I beg of you seek a fan.
[Joker bows, and exit R.]
Queen of Clubs (aside to Queen of Diamonds). I marvel at the rapacity of some folk.