_Psyche._ I know how coldly men regard a girl, Whose beauty is her poorest excellence; But beauty goes for nothing in these walls. You’ll find yourselves appreciated here: If what you say is true, you’ll spend with us A happy, happy time!
_Cyril._ If, as you say, Five hundred lovely maidens wait within To welcome us with smiles and open arms, I think there’s very little doubt we shall! [_Exeunt into Castle._
_Scene Third._--_Grounds of Castle Adamant; Waterfall and Stream, crossed by rustic bridge; GIRL-STUDENTS discovered grouped about the stage, occupied with philosophical instruments, &c._
_Ada._ I shall be quite alone, dear, in my rooms, So come and spend a long, long evening--do! And bring your steam-engine!
_Chloe._ Oh, that I will! And you shall show me all your nice new things-- That quadrant--and the anemometer; And oh, that darling, darling dumpy-level I’ve heard so much about!
_Lydia._ My love, I see You’ve got another new theodolite. (_aside to CHLOE_) That’s the fifteenth this month! The one I use Went out of fashion half a year ago! Oh, I’ve a bit of scandal! What d’you think? Melissa found a _billet-doux_, concealed In that Egyptian mummy we unrolled Last night. Just think of that!
_Melissa._ I say, my dear, I have such news for you! I’ve just been shown The robe for doctors of divinity. Oh, it’s the sweetest thing!--Magenta silk, Trimmed with chinchilla, _bouillonné_ behind, Gored to the figure though; and on the skirt, Two rows of Cluny lace as deep as that!
_Melissa._ Then the trencher cap Is amber satin, trimmed with Cluny lace And rows of pearls; and round the outer edge The tiniest, tiniest rosebuds in the world!
_Ada._ (_to CHLOE_). It’s much more lovely than the legal gown-- Green grenadine, with rûchings down the front, That we shall wear.
_Chloe._ (_pouting_). I shall give up the law And go into the church! I’ve always felt A serious longing for a pastor’s life; Besides, I’m dark, and look a fright in green!
_Sacha._ Take care, here’s Lady Blanche. How stern she looks!
_Enter LADY BLANCHE, L., GIRLS study vigorously._
_Blanche._ Attention, ladies, while I read to you The Princess Ida’s list of punishments: The first is Sacharissa. She’s expelled.
_Blanche._ Expelled--because, although she knew No man of any kind may see these halls, She dared to bring a set of chessmen here!