Arrow-Bearer
I dared to raise my voice to give that order ——
Can I have displeased you?
Golden Lotus
Oh! no But I desire to ask your indulgence for the lovely dead flowers. Permit them to remain there as a carpet at the foot of our pavilion. Though broken from their stems, they are still beautiful and keep their perfume.
Arrow-Bearer
What glory for me to obey you! I envy those flowers which will be trod by your little feet.
[He makes a sign for the gardeners to with-draw.]
Tranquil Beauty
[Pulling at the sleeve of Golden Lotus]
Enough, Golden Lotus. It is not proper for us to listen to such remarks.
Arrow-Bearer
Have you nothing more to say to me?
Tranquil Beauty
Let us go. Come, we must return to the Pavilion.
Golden Lotus [to Tranquil Beauty]
No, stay a moment.
[to Arrow-Bearer]
My lord, you know news travels slowly to the
