(_Exit R. calling NOODLE. Enter MONA at centre, she hesitates, looks round._) MONA. I wonder what’s become of darling Doodle. (_Comes down. G. King, and the others follow in stealthily; the G. King has a veil._) We’re playing hide and seek. It’s charming play. We play for kisses, and he always makes me pay. I wonder where he’s gone! (_G. KING throws veil over her, she shrieks_.) We’ll hide you, miss; Can’t you afford to give a King a kiss? (_She struggles._) Unless you get my golden key so shiny, You may as well say ta, ta, to the briny. (_Scene closes in with view of the Cottage of the Maid of the Mill._) SCENE II. COQUETTINA’S COTTAGE. _COQUETTINA discovered looking at herself in a glass on L. wall. Arm chair with cover on, R. Cupboard, R. Door, L. Barrel against wall, L. Table with cover, C., candle burning on table._ COQ. There, that will do, that’s quite enough my dear. Oh, Coquettina, you’re a flirt, I fear. You naughty, naughty girl to act this way. Ah! you’ll be very sorry, Miss, some day. (_Comes down._) I’m sure it’s not my fault. What can one do? I dote on officers, and I’ve now got two. The Captain’s not amiss; a handsome face! And such a uniform! Oh, I love gold lace. His pay’s so small—it’s not a bit of use. But then the General’s such a dear—old goose. He’s rather short and fat, and slightly lazy, His conversation’s small; style, lackadaisy. Still, who for _general_ conversation cares? Ah, stay, I hear him puffing up the stairs. (_Seats herself hurriedly in chair, L., at back, and pretends to be asleep. Rap heard at door, L., repeated twice. GENERAL BOUNCE puts his head carefully into room_.) G. B. What, not at home! (_Comes down._) These parlours in the sky Are much like houses in Soho, _so high_. I’m out of breath, and she’s out too, it’s clear, I’ve had my climb for nothing. (_Sees COQUETTINA._) (_Approaching her_) Ah, she’s here! My dainty duck! my lamb, my tender chicken! The cherries on those lips are worth the pickin’. I must take one, though she may fume and flounce, She’ll not object as Mrs. General Bounce. (_is about to kiss her, she starts up._) COQ. Ah, General! It’s you? G. B. (_confused_) I’m looking for— COQ. your _gout_? A _taste_ of something good and nice, Ah, _stout?_ I see it’s _up_, (_Looking at him meaningly._) You’d better take it down,