Agnes (to Vedane, with a sly face). Midnight is approaching, and Herman is still not there?

Vedana (puzzled). Yeees… Looks like your friend took it. The winnings are rightfully on your side!

An intriguing incendiary musical theme sounds!

Friends together turn their heads to one side, open their mouths in admiration and surprise.

An intriguing pause.

Methodius enters, takes a couple of steps, stops. Lets you evaluate yourself. Dressed to the nines. With a charming smile, he looks at three friends, his eyes are burning. Holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates.

The musical accompaniment subsides, ends.

Agnes (surprised). Baaa..

Methodius (cheerfully, to everyone). I'm sorry, dear ones, that I made myself wait so long. Unforeseen circumstances have arisen!

Agnes (edifying, Vedane). Here!

Methodius (cheerfully, to everyone). But I tried to solve all the questions as quickly as possible, and here I am! I raced at full speed, fearing that you would not wait.

Vedana (to Methodius joyfully, glancing victoriously at Agnes in snatches). How could we not wait for such a man, well, really. Here we are all here. We are waiting, missing, hoping for a meeting.