ALVA. (_To Lulu._) Let's see if everything's in order in the card-room. (_Alva and Lulu exeunt, rear. Bianetta speaks to Rodrigo._)
BIANETTA. They were telling me just now you were the strongest man in the world.
RODRIGO. That I am. May I put my strength at your disposal?
MAGELONE. I love sharp-shooters better. Three months ago a sharp-shooter stepped into the casino and every time he went "bang!" I felt like this. (_She wriggles her hips._)
CASTI-PIANI. (_Who speaks thruout the act in a bored and weary tone, to Magelone._) Say, dearie, how does it happen we see your nice little princess here for the first time to-night? (_Meaning Kadidia._)
MAGELONE. Do you really find her so delightful?--She is still in the convent. She must be back in school again on Monday.
MAGELONE. I was just telling the gentleman that you got the highest mark in geometry last week.
CASTI-PIANI. Just look at her feet: the way she walks!
MAGELONE. (_Smiling._) But my dear sirs, take pity on her! She's nothing but a child still!
PUNTSCHU. That'd trouble me damned little! (_To Heilmann._) I'd give ten years of my life if I could initiate the young lady into the ceremonies of our secret society!
MAGELONE. But you won't get me to consent to that for a million. I won't have the child's youth ruined, the way mine was!
CASTI-PIANI. Confessions of a lovely soul! (_To Magelone._) Would you not agree, either, for a set of real diamonds?
MAGELONE. Don't brag! You'll give as few real diamonds to me as to my child. You know that quite the best yourself. (_Kadidia goes into the rear room._)
GESCHWITZ. But is nobody at all going to play, this evening?
LUDMILLA. Why, of course, comtesse. I'm counting on it very much, for one!
BIANETTA. Then let's take our places right away. The gentlemen will soon come then.
GESCHWITZ. May I ask you to excuse me just a second. I must say a word to my friend.
CASTI-PIANI. (_Offering his arm to Bianetta._) May I have the honor to be your partner? You always hold such a lucky hand!
LUDMILLA. Now just give me your other arm and then lead us into the gambling-hell. (_The three go off so, rear._)
MAGELONE. Say, Mr. Puntschu, have you still got a few Jungfrau shares for me, maybe?
PUNTSCHU. Jungfrau-shares? (_To Heilmann._) The lady means the stock of the funicular railway on the Jungfrau. The Jungfrau, you know,--the Virgin--is a mountain up which they want to build a wire railway. (_To Magelone._) You know, just so there may be no confusion;--and how easy that would be in this select circle!--Yes, I still have some four thousand Jungfrau-shares, but I should like to keep those for myself. There won't be such another chance soon of making a little fortune out of hand.