All: Then jump for joy and gaily bound, The truth is found, the truth is found! Set bells a-ringing through the air, Ring here and there and ev'rywhere. 3 Men: And echo forth the joyous sound, All: The truth is found — the truth is found! 3 Men: And echo forth the joyous sound, All: The truth is found — the truth is found! And echo forth the joyous sound, The truth is found — the truth is found! (Exeunt Psyche, Hilarion, Cyril and Florian, Melissa going.) (Enter Lady Blanche. Blanche: Melissa! Melissa: (Returning) Mother! Blanche: Here — a word with you. Those are the three new students? Melissa: (Confused) Yes, they are. They're charming girls. Blanche: Particularly so. So graceful, and so very womanly! So skilled in all a girl's accomplishments! Melissa: (Confused) Yes — very skilled. Blanche: They sing so nicely too! Melissa: They do sing nicely! Blanche: Humph! It's very odd. Two are tenors, one is a baritone! Melissa: (Much agitated) They've all got colds! Blanche: Colds! Bah! D'ye think I'm blind? These "girls" are men disguised! Melissa: Oh no — indeed! You wrong these gentlemen — I mean — why, see, Here is an etui dropped by one of them (picking up an etui). Containing scissors, needles, and — Blanche: (Opening it) Cigars! Why, these are men! And you knew this, you minx! Melissa: Oh, spare them — they are gentlemen indeed. The Prince Hilarion (married years ago To Princess Ida) with two trusted friends! Consider, mother, he's her husband now, And has been, twenty years! Consider, too, You're only second here — you should be first. Assist the Prince's plan, and when he gains The Princess Ida, why, you will be first. You will design the fashions — think of that— And always serve out all the punishments! The scheme is harmless, mother — wink at it! Blanche: (Aside) The prospect's tempting! Well, well, well, I'll try — Though I've not winked at anything for years! 'Tis but one step towards my destiny— The mighty Must! the inevitable Shall!