[COTHURNUS closes the prompt-book with a bang, arises
matter-of-factly, comes down stage, and places the table over
the two bodies, drawing down the cover so that they are hidden
from any actors on the stage, but visible to the audience,
pushing in their feet and hands with his boot. He then turns
his back to the audience, and claps his hands twice.]

COTHURNUS: Strike the scene! [Exit COTHURNUS.]

[Enter PIERROT and COLUMBINE.]

PIERROT: Don't puff so, Columbine!

COLUMBINE: Lord, what a mess
This set is in! If there's one thing I hate
Above everything else,--even more than getting my feet wet--
It's clutter!--He might at least have left the scene
The way he found it ... don't you say so, Pierrot?

[She picks up punch bowl. They arrange chairs as before at ends
of table.]

PIERROT: Well, I don't know. I think it rather diverting
The way it is.

[Yawns, picks up confetti bowl.]

Shall we begin?