Only Gelsomino sits aside. The Man of the World goes to him to ask what book so absorbs him, friendly, faux bonhomme. Gelsomino responds at once. Books are important. And, as he lifts his up, the rose drops out. The Man of the World picks it up and--"May he keep such a trifle?" "By all means" nods Gelsomino, wondering. And Columbine, there with the dish in her hands, sees it, and--there's very nearly no macaroni for lunch. But some one else sees it, too--sees it and sees all. This is Harlequin, who has sprung somehow from behind the trees. There's Harlequin ... with his wand and his mask. He's watching. Now you watch. UNCLE EDWARD. What are you laughing at? The many times you've seen this! ALICE. I never can help it. This is where Clown tries to steal the breakfast, and he never remembers that Harlequin's close behind. [And, indeed, while the others most ostentatiously don't see, Clown and Pantaloon do steal bread and sausages and beer--and into the basket they all go. Not the beer; that goes down the neck of Clown. Then Columbine calls them to breakfast. Harlequin is presented to the company. Gelsomino has greeted him even more coldly. He is weary of her relations. [But, behold, they discover there is no breakfast. Clown discovers it, and is more amazed and innocent than any. Columbine is in desp But Harlequin rises and waves his wand and strikes on the table, and breakfast appears. Clown, in a panic, turns to his basket. But, behold, that is empty now. Then they have breakfast. And Clown gets a lot and Pantaloon very little. Gelsomino hasn't come to the table at all, so Columbine goes to fetch him. But he isn't hungry, he won't come. And, turning, disappointed, she sees the Man of the World lifting, not his glass to toast her, but the rose. Harlequin sees, too. And he rises to wave his wand again. Gelsomino starts to move away. He's getting so cross. And he says ... "Do, for Heaven's sake, let me read in peace." You know! [But, with a flash of his wand, Harlequin strikes the book. There! He has magicked the book all empty. [And, sure enough, we see Gelsomino turn the empty pages in despair. It is the simplest of tricks. Then Harlequin points to where the Man of the World woos Columbine with those eyes of his, those greedy eyes. But Gelsomino will not see. He's out of temper now, so he pretends he doesn't care. [Harlequin points to the rose that Gelsomino so lightly let fall. The Man of the World is pressing it to his lips. He points to the rose because that's a--that's a...! Oh, what's the word, Uncle? UNCLE EDWARD. Symbol. ALICE. Thank you ... Symbol of Columbine's true wifely love for him. And what the pointing says is: Are you going to throw that away, too? Don't be a silly fool! [The Man of the World is taking his leave. The rose is at her lips now.