Emperor. Oh, nothing in particular. Little girl picked up my handkerchief, and a little boy asked me for a kite. Was obliged to give them each a bundle of tenners. It would have been so mean if I had given them less. But there, I told you you wouldn't find the book at all interesting. If you will pass it to me, I will lock it up.
Empress. Oh, certainly, dear. (Gives up volume.) And now, darling, I am going to ask you a favour. You never saw such a pet of a coronet as they have at Von ——'s. Now I want you to buy it for me particularly.
Emperor (embarrassed). Certainly, dear—but you know, we are not too well off.
Empress. Oh, but it is simply charming. Rubies round the edge, and a cross of brilliants and emeralds. And, really, so cheap. They only want £100,000 for it!
Emperor. Very nice indeed; but just at this moment it would be a little inconvenient to produce so large a sum.
Empress. Large sum! Why, the rubies alone are worth all the money.
Emperor. Yes, I know, dear. And now I must hurry away; duty, my love, comes before pleasure. See you soon.
[Exit hurriedly, to attend a review. In the meanwhile, Coronet remains in the jeweller's shop-window. Curtain.