The scene is that of a palace and courtyard centuries ago. The lord is escorting his two daughters and the swain follows at a distance, playing on a stringed instrument as he goes. Whenever the father turns, the player seems to look in another direction, and every opportunity he sets he steals up behind the party and kisses the outstretched hand of one of the maids. As they near the palace the father looks back frequently, and finally offers a few remarks uncomplimentary to the lover. He looks lovingly at the palace doors, as they close from view the object of his adoration. Lingering a trifle he notes that his attentions are not indifferently received by the maid, as she makes her way to a window and opens the lattice work to speak to him. Looking about he finds a length of two-inch tubing, one end of which he passes up to her, and, taking a seat under the window, the two proceed to talk to each other through the tube. Thus occupied the father comes upon his daughter and, securing a decanter of water, he takes from the dumbfounded maiden the tube and pours the water into it.