Caramel. At last, after a week’s weary tossing in an open boat on a rough sea, we have arrived at our destination.

Doro. Yes, this is no doubt the island which was indicated to us as that to which the ship sailed that conveyed the beautiful Toto from her unhappy husband’s arms.

Caramel. My kind friend.

Doro. My devoted ally.

Jelly. (crying.) My poor mistress! She was very kind to me.

Caramel. Oh, she was a lovely woman!

Doro. Lovely indeed; to this moment the tears come into my eyes when I think of her.

Caramel. My dear friend! (aside to JELLY.) This man’s sympathy for my loss is inexplicable. He could not have regretted her more if he had been married to her himself. (Retires up stage.)

Doro. (aside to JELLY.) Jelly, this good fellows interest in my bereavement touches me here – here, Jelly. Such single-hearted sorrow for the misfortunes of a comparative stranger is simply phenomenal. My, more than a brother!

Jelly. Now, this is very affecting. Each of these young men thinks that the other is helping him to discover his wife. They’ve been too sea-sick to compare notes, and when the truth comes out that Toto has married both of them, there’ll be a row. (exits.)

Doro. (suddenly.) Caramel, I will never desist until I have discovered Toto.

Caramel. I am afraid you are giving yourself a great deal of trouble.

Doro. Trouble! What is trouble when such an end is in view?

Caramel. Well, you are the kindest-hearted fellow I ever met.

Doro. Kindest-hearted? No, it is upon you that the epithet should be conferred. I can not tell you how I honour you for you efforts to discover her. (Exit.)

Re-enter TOTO.

Toto. Why, whom in the world have we here?

Caramel. At last, at last I’ve found her (clasping her in his arms). Toto, Toto, where have you been all this time, and what have you been doing?

Toto. (in his arms.) I know your face somewhere.

Caramel. To quit me as you did, within an hour of your marriage, and then to give me this hunt after you – oh, Toto, it’s too bad.

Toto. Stop a bit; let us understand each other. You are – let me see –

Caramel. I am Prince Caramel, known to you as Barberini.

Toto. Barberini! I know that name. (suddenly.) It’s the brigand.

Caramel. (hurt.) Yes, it’s the brigand.

Toto. Let me see – didn’t I marry you?

Caramel. Yes, you did marry me, and you left me immediately afterwards with a parcel of Red Indians, and I’ve followed you ever since! And now I’ve found you, what have you got to say for yourself?

Toto. That I’m very, very sorry. I remember it all now. The Indians came, and they amused me, and when they asked me to join them I forgot all about you, and I went. But I’m very sorry, and I love you very dearly, and I won’t run away anymore. Oh dear, oh dear! If you only knew how I loved you, you’d forgive me directly.

Caramel. (annoyed.) Well – I – now don’t cry, I can’t bear to see anyone cry. If you’ll promise to return with me and never forget you’ve been married any more, why I’ll try and forgive you.

Toto. And never tease me about it again?

Caramel. No, the matter shall be buried and forgotten.

Toto. Then I’m forgiven?

Caramel. Yes. (Kisses her.)

Toto. (in his arms.) Quite?

Caramel. Quite.

Page modified 8 January 2010