DONNA MATILDA (_irritated, nervous_). You would do well to go away, you know. BELCREDI (_slowly, spitefully_). How upset you seem!... DONNA MATILDA (_proudly_). I am as I am. Leave me alone! (_Berthold comes in with the costumes_). LANDOLPH (_seeing him enter_). Ah, the costumes: here they are. This mantle is for the Marchioness.... DONNA MATILDA. Wait a minute! I'll take off my hat. (_Does so and gives it to Berthold_). LANDOLPH. Put it down there! (_Then to the Marchioness, while he offers to put the ducal crown on her head_). Allow me! DONNA MATILDA. Dear, dear! Isn't there a mirror here? LANDOLPH. Yes, there's one there (_points to the door on the Left_). If the Marchioness would rather put it on herself.... DONNA MATILDA. Yes, yes, that will be better. Give it to me! (_Takes up her hat and goes off with Berthold, who carries the cloak and the crown_). BELCREDI. Well, I must say, I never thought I should be a Benedictine monk! By the way, this business must cost an awful lot of money. THE DOCTOR. Like any other fantasy, naturally! BELCREDI. Well, there's a fortune to go upon. LANDOLPH. We have got there a whole wardrobe of costumes of the period, copied to perfection from old models. This is my special job. I get them from the best theatrical costumers. They cost lots of money. (_Donna Matilda re-enters, wearing mantle and crown_). BELCREDI (_at once, in admiration_). Oh magnificent! Oh, truly regal! DONNA MATILDA (_looking at Belcredi and bursting out into laughter_). Oh no, no! Take it off! You're impossible. You look like an ostrich dressed up as a monk. BELCREDI. Well, how about the doctor? THE DOCTOR. I don't think I look so bad, do I? DONNA MATILDA. No; the doctor's all right ... but you are too funny for words. THE DOCTOR. Do you have many receptions here then? LANDOLPH. It depends. He often gives orders that such and such a person appear before him. Then we have to find someone who will take the part. Women too.... DONNA MATILDA (_hurt, but trying to hide the fact_). Ah, women too? LANDOLPH. Oh, yes; many at first. BELCREDI (_laughing_). Oh, that's great! In costume, like the Marchioness? LANDOLPH. Oh well, you know, women of the kind that lend themselves to.... BELCREDI. Ah, I see! (_Perfidiously to the Marchioness_) Look out, you know he's becoming dangerous for you. (_The second door on the right opens, and Harold appears, making first of all a discreet sign that all conversation should cease_). HAROLD. His Majesty, the Emperor! (_The two valets enter first, and go and stand on either side of the throne. Then Henry IV. comes in between Ordulph and Harold, who keep a little in the rear respectfully._