ALPH. I must get that ring off first. (_Business.--He tries to get ring off--can't._) I can't get it off--it's stuck! What am I to do? (_Scream inside._) There's Jane broke another button off her boots! AUGUSTUS. (_Calling from inside._) Latherum, are you coming? ALPH. I can't get it off! (_Very excited._) It won't come off! (_Business--trying to get ring off._) AUGUSTUS. (_Inside._) Are you coming? Her head's on fire! ALPH. Fetch a fire-escape! Try a cabbage-leaf! What am I to do? AUGUSTUS. (_Inside._) She's gone into hysterics. ALPH. (_To figure, in desperation._) There you are, do you hear that? She's gone into rheumatics. Will you give that ring up? VENUS. (_Moving for the first time._) No! ALPH. (_Terrified._) Great Scott, I could have sworn I heard it speak! Am I bewitched? Am I dreaming? My head reels--I feel like a balloon with the gas going out! (_Falls nearly under a seat._) VENUS. (_Pointing to Alphonzo._) Dream on! That ring gives me life! Awakened out of my long, long trance, this ring has made thee mine! I feel the love within me now I did for Adonis. I will follow thee through the world. This ring has given me life, awakened me from my trance. Venus is not dead or ne'er can die! Love rules the world. I will rule--(_to Alphonzo_)--aye, rule thy future destiny! Dream on--dream on! (_Front cloth falls in._) (_Music, forte.--Close in "Clouds" flats.--First grove.--This scene is only to give time for a double made up like Alphonzo, to take his place. The rest of this absurdity is supposed to be a nightmare.--Gong.--Scene Opens._) SCENE III.--_Same as Scene I.--Lights still down, no limelight. Alphonzo (double) laying on ground in exactly the same position._ _ALPHONZO (real one) standing by the figure trying to get the ring off._ ALPH. Curse the thing! I can't get it off nohow. (_Scream._) I must go and do something for her, or I shall lose all my chances of ever calling her my wife. I'll cover this figure up first. (_Throws cloth over figure._) Now, I'll go in and see what can be done! [_Exit into refreshment-room._ _Music.--Enter TWO ROBBERS, one with a sack. They enter very cautiously, L. U. E. HANDSAW just peeps on, R. 1 E._ HAND. Hallo, two more! These are the two I saw get over the fence! Now to watch their little game! [_Withdraws._ FIRST R. Now, Jim, just you place the sack over the statue's head, and then I'll get it across my shoulders. _During this last dialogue, enter ALPHONZO, from pavilion._ ALPH. She's all right now! She was just waltzing round and she trod on her ear and fell over! Now, I'll get that ring. Hallo, what are those two fellows up to? If they discover that ring they may keep it! FIRST R. Now, I'll take the cover off! HANDSAW. (_Looking on, R. 1 E._) Now's my time! FIRST R. Off with it! (_They throw the covering from off Venus, and she has vanished. (Trick chair.) Chord._) ALPH., SUPERS., and HAND. (_Speaking all at the same time._) It's gone!