MARIANO passes through the conservatory at back bearing a coffee-tray.
LADY CREECH, in an evening gown of black velvet and lace, follows with
stately tread. HORACE, in evening clothes, follows, with MADAME DE
CHAMPIGNY on his arm; she is in a handsome, very Parisian, decollete
dress. They are deep in tender conversation.
ETHEL follows, on the arm of ALMERIC. She wears a pretty evening gown,
ALMERIC in evening clothes; her head is bent, her eyes cast down.
A valet de chambre enters the salon from the hall. He touches an
electric button on wall near door. RIBIERE comes quickly and noiselessly
from the room to the right. They stand bowing as VASILI enters through
the conservatory. Valet immediately closes the doors. VASILI wears an
overcoat trimmed with sables, a silk hat, evening clothes, and white
gloves; order ribbon in his button-hole.
PIKE [as VASILI enters]. I'm mighty glad you've come--I've been waiting.
VASILI [to RIBIERE, and speaking in undertone]. You have telegraphed for
the information?
RIBIERE. Yes, sir.
[Valet, with coat, hat, etc., goes out, followed by RIBIERE.]
VASILI. I have dined with an old tutor of mine. Once every year I come
here to do that.
[Valet returns with vodka and cigarettes, which he places on a table,
immediately withdrawing.
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