(Helena’s living room. Stage left, wallpapered door to music room, right, door to bedroom. Centre, window overlooking sea and harbour. Dressing table with sundry items, table, settee and armchair, chest o’drawers, desk with standard lamp, fireplace to the right, also with standard lamp. Whole room, in detail, of modern and purely feminine character)

(enter Domin, Fabry, Hallemeier from left on tiptoe carrying armfuls of plants and flowers)

Fabry: Where do you think we should put them?

Hallemeier: Ouf! (puts down load and gives blessing in a large cross at the door, stage right) She’s asleep, asleep! She who sleeps knows nothing.

Domin: She doesn’t know a thing.

Fabry: (puts flowers in vase) Let’s hope, at least, today’s not the day it happens …

Hallemeier: (likewise puts flowers in vase) Oh don’t keep on about it, for God’s sake! Look at this, Harry, this cyclamen is beautiful. A new species, my latest one — Cyclamen Helenae.

Domin: (looking out of window) No ships, no ships — it’s hopeless, lads, we’ve had it.

Hallemeier: Quiet! What if she hears you?

Domin: She doesn’t know a thing. (Yawns, as if ill) At least the Ultimus docked on time.

Fabry: (leaving the flowers) Do you think it might be today when … ?

Domin: I don’t know. These flowers are lovely.

Hallemeier: (approaching him) This primula is one of my new ones, and this is my new jasmine. In fact I’m right on the threshold of a whole new Garden of Paradise full of new flowers. I’ve found a wonderful new way to accelerate development, and all sorts of new species! Next year I’ll be performing real miracles with flowers!

Domin: (turning) Next year?

Fabry: Well, let’s see what happens, anyway. Any news from Le Havre?

Domin: Quiet!

(Helena’s voice off, r