Franz!

[_He turns._]

Now I'm going to amuse you.

THE DUKE.

Really?

[SCARAMPI _carefully closes all the doors._]

MARIA LOUISA.

Hush!--I've conspired!

THE DUKE.

Mother! You!--Conspired!

MARIA LOUISA.

Hush! They've forbidden whatever comes from France--
But I have ordered secretly from Paris,
From the best houses--Oh! my fop shall smile!--
For you, a tailor,

[_Pointing to_ SCARAMPI.]

and for us, a fitter.
I really think the notion--

THE DUKE.

Exquisite!

SCARAMPI.

[_Opening the door of_ MARIA LOUISA'S _apartment._]

Come in!

[_Enter a young lady, dressed with the elegance of
a milliner's dummy, and carrying two great
card-board dress-boxes, and a young man
dressed like a fashion plate, who also carries
two big boxes._]

THE TAILOR.

[_Coming down to the_ DUKE, _while the young lady unpacks
the dresses on a sofa at the back._]

If you will favor me, my Lord--
I've here some charming novelties. My clients
Are good enough to trust my taste: I guide them.
The neck-cloths first. A languid violet;
A serious brown. Bandannas are much worn.
I note with pleasure that your Highness knows
The delicate art of building up a stock.
Here's a check pattern makes an elegant knot.
How does this waistcoat strike your Lordship's fancy,
Down which meander wreaths of blossoms?

THE DUKE.

Hideous!

THE TAILOR.

Will these, I wonder, leave your Highness cold?
Here's doeskin. Here a genuine Scottish tweed.
Bottle-green riding-coat with narrow cuffs;
Extremely gentlemanly. Here's a waistcoat:
Six-buttoned. Three left open. Very tasty.
Now, what about this blue frock-coat? We've rubbed
The newness off artistically. Worn
With salt and pepper trousers, what a picture!
We'll throw aside this heavy yellow stuff--
Can Hamlet wear the clumsy clouts of Falstaff?--
We'll pass to mantles, Prince. A splendid plaid,
Demi-collar with simili-sleeves behind.
Eccentric? Granted.--This, called the _Rouliere_:
Sober, a large, Hidalgo-like effect;
The very thing to woo a Dona Sol in.
Excellent workmanship; a silver chain; the collar
Of finest sable; made in our own workshops;
Simple, but what a cut! The cut is everything.

MARIA LOUISA.

The Duke is weary of your chatter.

THE DUKE.