Then they tried it again.
And this Watteau picture met the gaze of two persons on the terrace below.

The empurpling face of one threatened an explosion, but the smiling face of the other restrained this vocal thunder.

The old head vintner kicked a stone savagely, and at this rattling noise Gretchen and her lover turned.

They beheld the steward, and peering over his shoulder the amused countenance of the Princess Hildegarde.
"You--" began the steward, no longer able to contain himself.
"Patience, Hoffman!" warned her highness.

Then she laughed blithely.