Grosvenor appears in turn, followed by the maidens of whom he is heartily tired. Finally, in desperation he announces that he can never be theirs, and begs a respite in the following words : " Ladies, I am sorry to appear ungallant, but you have been following me about ever since Monday and this is Saturday. I should like the usual half-holiday and if you will kindly allow me to close early today, I shall take it as a personal favor." In the next scene the Dragoons come attired as aesthet ics and struggling manfully with their " angular attitudes," having reached the decision that it is the only way to gain favor with the ladies. Bunthorne and Grosvenor have an important interview, in which the former accuses the latter of monopolizing the feminine attention. Grosvenor declares that he would be only too glad of any suggestion whereby his fatal attractiveness might be lessened. Bun thorne tells him that he must cut his hair and become absolutely commonplace. He cringes under the awfulness of this decision but Bunthorne threatens him with his curse and he yields. When the maidens find that Archibald, the
All Right, has discarded aestheticism, they conclude that it proves that aestheticism ought to be discarded. Patience sees that she could be perfectly unselfish in loving such a commonplace fellow, and flies to his arms. The maidens find lovers among the Dragoons and Bunthorne is left alone with his lily, for even Jane is wrested from his side by the Duke, who chooses her as a recompense for her plainness.
Among many sparkling and melodious numbers are the Colonel's song " If you want a recipe for that popular mystery; " Bunthorne's " Oh, Hollow! Hollow ! Hollow! " and " If you are eager for to shine; " the duet of Patience and Grosvenor, " Prithee, pretty maiden; " the Duke's plea, "Your maiden hearts, ah, do not steel;" the lovely sextet, " I hear the soft note of the echoing voice ; " Jane's song, " Silvered is the raven hair; " Grosvenor's song of the magnet and the churn; the ballad of Patience, "Love is a plaintive song; " and the duet of Bunthorne and Grosvenor, " When I go out of door."