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ALL—

HILARION—But who comes here? The Princess, as I live.

CYRIL—What is to be done?

HILARION—Why, brave heart, my boy. Remember that you are an Alton man, and be brave. (Enter Princess.) He bows low. Madam, accept my humblest reverence.

PRINCESS—Ladies, you are welcome. What might be your pleasure with me?

HILARION—(bowing.) We are three well-born maidens, ma’am! daughters of those who run the Alton line, who wish to join the University.

PRINCESS—You say you are the daughters of those who run the Alton Line. Well! You’ll find no comfort here. Your bed will be that of the humblest. No downy mattress, soft pillows, or the rock of a Pullman Palace Car to send you to sleep. Your fare will be plain and simple, your beverage nature’s stream. No dining-car lunches at seventy-five cents a meal, which ought to cost $2.00. No delicacies out of season, or fine wines iced, as you get on that line. Your service must be done by yourselves. No obsequious porters will brush your boots or carry about your bundle. And so, if you think well of this, there are here one hundred maidens fair who are prepared to love and welcome you. Will you try to give the fullness of your love to them?

ALL—Indeed we will.

PRINCESS—Then you are welcome.

(Exit Princess. The men burst out laughing and do a bit of a breakdown. Lady Psyche enters back and looks at them with amazement.)

LADY P.—These ladies are unseemly in their mirth.