_Mad. A._ The fact is, Doctor, I am subject to such continual chagrin, such cruel mortifications here. Dependent upon others for certain luxuries which I can't get for myself. _Des._ Why not? _Mad. A._ Things are so dear. Ah, Doctor, nothing will soothe me but death. _Des._ Well, _that's_ cheap! _Mad. A._ Brute! [_Aside._ _Mar._ [_at Piano._] Here they come again. _She plays. The waltzers appear on terrace. In the midst of this dancing, MANUEL comes up steps, as if from lawn below. They separate R. and L. and regard him with some astonishment. He has a portfolio under his arm._ _Mar._ Well, why don't you go on? _Des._ [_Aside._] At last, [_aloud._] Madame Laroque, permit me to present to you, M. Manuel, the new Steward. _MAD. LAROQUE rises and salutes MANUEL, at the same time ringing a bell. A servant enters and goes to MANUEL, taking from him a small portmanteau, which he carries off. MARGUERITE goes over to L. of MAD. LAROQUE._ _Bev._ Rather a stylish looking steward! _Mad. L._ Why, Doctor, what does this mean? You promised a quiet, simple, steady young man, and you bring me a fine gentleman like this. _As MANUEL comes down R. C., MAD'LLE HELOUIN sees him._ _Mlle. H._ [_Aside._] It is the Marquis de Champcey! [_Goes up to ladies._ MAD. AUBREY--MANUEL--DESMARETS--BEVANNES--MAD. LAROQUE--MADEMOISELLE HELOUIN--MARGUERITE. _Mad. L._ Pardon, sir, you are Monsieur-- _Man._ Manuel, Madame. _Mad. L._ The new Steward? _Man._ Yes, Madame. _Mad. L._ You are quite sure? _Des._ [_Aside._] That's not bad. _Man._ Madame! _Bev._ The lady wishes to know whether you are yourself. _Man._ I have always been under that impression, sir. [_BEVANNES goes up._ _Des._ [_Aside._] The conversation is becoming brilliant--I'll leave them to enjoy it. [_Exit at back--BEVANNES comes down to MARQUIS._ _Mad. L._ Sir, we are indebted to you for devoting your talents to our service; we really require them, for we have the misfortune to be immensely rich. _Mad. A._ Misfortune, dear? _Mad. L._ Yes, love; wealth is a heavy burthen. _Mad. A._ But a very pleasant one. _Mad. L._ You'd find it hard to bear, dear. _Mad. A._ I should like to _try_, darling. _Mad. L._ I feel that I was born for the devotion and self-sacrifice entailed by poverty. Ah! my dear Bevannes, should I not have made an excellent Sister of Charity? _Bev._ You are already the next thing to it, Madame? _Mad. L._ How so? _Bev._ [_Indicating MARGUERITE._] The mother of goodness. _Mar._ Oh, sir. _Mad. L._ But do you not agree with me? _Bev._ In what? _Mad. L._ That wealth is a heavy responsibility. _Bev._ Doubtless. But then you have the comfort of knowing that there are always some devoted friends willing to relieve you.