Chapter V: Act ONE

SCENE—_A pavilion in the garden which serves as a classroom
for the young princes. At left an open door through which
the garden can be seen, brilliant with sunlight. At right a
glass door which leads into the other rooms. It is a summer
afternoon. When the curtain rises DR. AGI is lecturing to GEORG
and ARSEN at a table. The boys are listening attentively._

AGI— ... After a series of humiliations and protracted physical sufferings he died on the island of St. Helena, on the fifth day of May, 1821, at the age of fifty-two. He was buried on a promontory of the island on which, in his lifetime, he had loved to sit and contemplate the sea. His faithful attendants wished to inscribe the word “NAPOLEON” on his grave-stone.... But his tormentor, Hudson Lowe, persecuting him even beyond the grave, forbade it. The contemptible Hudson Lowe permitted them to inscribe only the words, “LE GENERAL BUONAPARTE.” Later the body was conveyed to France in solemn state; and Paris honored the martyred emperor with magnificent funeral services. There, to this day, in the Dom des Invalides, raised high on a majestically simple bier of stone, he lies at rest. [_He has concluded the lecture. The boys are silent, impressed. AGI looks at his watch._] That finishes our lesson for to-day. [_Closes the book._] Have your highnesses any questions to ask?

ARSEN—Last night we had a dispute with mother. She hates Napoleon. She said he was a usurper.

AGI—That’s one point of view.

GEORG—How do you mean?

AGI—Your highnesses are free to form your own opinions. For my part, I consider him a genius who made his power felt throughout the world.

GEORG—Is that your point of view?

AGI—Yes.

GEORG—Then it’s mine too.

ARSEN—That’s what I call an independent opinion.

GEORG—So it is.... Not mine, but the professor’s.

ARSEN—Mother was very angry.

AGI—With Napoleon.

GEORG—And with you.

AGI—What for?

GEORG—For not teaching us to hate Napoleon.

AGI—I present his story without bias of any sort.

ARSEN—We told mother that, but she thinks you ought to teach us to hate him.

GEORG—She says Napoleon is largely to blame for the dethronement of our family.

AGI—With all deference to her royal highness, that is a somewhat exaggerated view of the historical facts. Napoleon himself never altered in the political status of your illustrious family. If anyone can be blamed for it, it was the King of Württemberg.

GEORG—But the King of Württemberg was one of Napoleon’s puppets.

AGI—Well, indirectly, there may be something in it. That is why I used the term exaggerated. And yet, if anyone can profit by a study of the courage, the initiative and the luck of Napoleon, certainly, in my opinion, a dethroned sovereign family can. Doesn’t his career teach us that thrones are not unattainable? He was only an obscure attorney’s son. Now what he could attain, surely someone, who by right of birth——

ARSEN—Mother——

GEORG—Mother is sensitive on the subject of thrones just now, because Prince Albert is staying with us.

ARSEN—Mother has always been sensitive about thrones.

GEORG—Prince Albert is heir-apparent to a real throne. And when mother lays eyes on an heir-apparent, she loses her appetite.

ARSEN—Poor mother! No wonder. Her great-grandmother was a ruling sovereign. Mother can’t be reconciled to the fact that that glory’s forever ended.

GEORG—Forever?

AGI—Yes ... probably.... Nowadays it is very difficult to——

ARSEN—But suppose the Heir-Apparent marries Alexandra.

GEORG—He won’t marry her.

ARSEN—How do you know he won’t? If he does marry her, Alexandra will be queen some day and we, as her family, will be attached to the Court. And if I know my mother, it won’t be Albert who’ll do the ruling.

GEORG—_If_ he marries her!

ARSEN—He’ll marry her.

GEORG—Why should he?

ARSEN—Because mother wants him to. And because we all want him to,—Aunt Symphorosa, Alexandra herself, I, you, the professor——

GEORG—I don’t want him to marry her. Do you, professor?

AGI—Indeed ... there is no station so exalted that her highness, the Princess Alexandra would not grace it.

GEORG—Just the same, you don’t want her to marry him.

AGI—I? Why do you say that?

GEORG—Because you spoke so coldly and formally.

AGI—I ... I was surprised ... that’s all. It isn’t easy to grasp ... so suddenly. You see, during the few months in which I have been attached to your illustrious family—if I may put it so—her highness, your sister ... great lady though she is ... has been very kind to me ... to us all. Among other things, it has been my privilege to instruct her in fencing ... and when I am suddenly called upon to think that my pupil is to wear the ermine ... that she is to wear a crown ... and sit upon a throne.... Well ... that’s not an easy thing to——

GEORG—I’d be sorry to leave this place ... it’s so pleasant here. The Hungarians have been so good to us. But, if we had to leave, you’d come with us, wouldn’t you?

AGI—If I were wanted.

ARSEN—I shouldn’t mind going. Life at Court might be tiresome; but politics, they say, are exciting. Keep you either trembling all the time ... or laughing. [_BEATRICE and ALEXANDRA enter from the garden. All rise._]

BEATRICE—Finished your lesson, I see.

AGI—Yes, your highness. [_ALEXANDRA stands silent and motionless down left._] We reached the death of Napoleon about ten minutes ago; and it seemed to me such an appropriate stopping place I didn’t think it worth while to start a new chapter to-day.

BEATRICE—[_Sharply._] An appropriate stopping place?

AGI—So I thought, your highness.

BEATRICE—A stopping place for the dead man, yes. But for us ... merely a comma in an unfinished sentence.... Arsen! Georg! Prince Albert is coming to visit you here. He has expressed the wish to talk with you about your studies. I infer from what he said that he is particularly interested in history. Count Luetzen, whom I consulted later, has confirmed that inference. Now go wash your hands and faces, comb your hair, and change your clothes.

ARSEN—When is he coming?

BEATRICE—As soon as he awakes.

GEORG—Is he asleep?

BEATRICE—I said, “As soon as he awakes.” Which should have conveyed to you the information that he is now asleep.

GEORG—It did, mother. That’s why I asked you.

BEATRICE—That remark is superfluous. Arsen, I hear you have been coughing.

ARSEN—No, mother; only once or twice.

BEATRICE—Symphorosa tells me you have been coughing. [_To AGI._] Why haven’t you reported it to me?

AGI—This morning his highness ate a green pepper and, despite my advice, neglected to remove the fibers. That is why he coughed. I didn’t consider it serious enough to report to you.

BEATRICE—You couldn’t possibly have known whether it was serious or not. You’re not a doctor.

GEORG—[_To ARSEN._] That’s what he gets for Napoleon.

BEATRICE—What did you say?

GEORG—Nothing, mother; I only coughed.

BEATRICE—And you, I hear, were riding like a wild man this morning.

GEORG—Did Symphorosa tell you that too?

BEATRICE—Unmannerly boy! What I asked you was, why have you been riding like a wild man?

GEORG—The horse was wild.

BEATRICE—[_To AGI._] Why didn’t you report to me that the horse was wild?

AGI—The horse was tame before his highness got in the saddle.

BEATRICE—You couldn’t possibly have known that. You are not the stable master.

GEORG—Then he couldn’t have reported it either.

BEATRICE—You are not to speak unless you are spoken to. Arsen will have his throat wrapped with wet towels to-night, and, beginning to-morrow, you will ride no other horse than Pretty.

GEORG—Pretty? Oh, mother!

BEATRICE—Silence! [_They are suddenly silent._] I have a surprise for you. You don’t deserve it.

ARSEN—What is it?

GEORG—What?

BEATRICE—Guess.

ARSEN—Alexandra is going to be a queen. [_Great embarrassment. Silence. ALEXANDRA makes a startled movement._]

BEATRICE—Ill-mannered boy! How _can_ you say such a thing? I forbid you even to think of such things. See here! I hope it isn’t you who puts such ideas into the boys’ heads.

AGI—Heaven forbid, your highness!

BEATRICE—Where then did you get that idea?

GEORG—Why, I told it to him.

BEATRICE—And where did you get it?

GEORG—I thought of it myself.

BEATRICE—What?

GEORG—Don’t be angry because I can see things for myself, mother. I have eyes in my head.

BEATRICE—If his highness, Prince Albert, weren’t coming here soon I’d punish you severely. But don’t suppose that you’ll get off so easily. [_To AGI._] And you might have reported to me that the boys occupy their minds with such things.

GEORG—He couldn’t possibly have known. He’s not a member of the family.

BEATRICE—You Robespierre! Out of my sight! [_Utter silence._] Now I’ll tell you the surprise. My brother Karl—that is—Father Hyacinth is here.

GEORG—Uncle Karl!

ARSEN—Oh, I’m so _glad_! [_Both are wild with joy; ARSEN embraces AGI._]

BEATRICE—Wild Indians!

ALEXANDRA—They’re very fond of him, mother. I am glad he has come, too.

ARSEN—Glad! Professor, Uncle Karl is the nicest man in the world.

GEORG—He used to be a prince, and now he is in Holy Orders. A monk. Wears a cowl and a hood. And a scapulary.

BEATRICE—Those are mere externals. The essential thing is that he has a heart of gold and a brain of steel.

GEORG—So he has.

ARSEN—He renounced the world to enter an educational order.

AGI—Yes, your highness, I heard about it.

GEORG—But you never met him.

AGI—I have never had the honor.

GEORG—Well, you’ll have the honor soon.... Mother, you couldn’t possibly have brought us better news. Not even if you had come to tell us that Alexandra——

ALEXANDRA—Georg!...

BEATRICE—I shan’t forget to have you punished.

HYACINTH—[_Calling from the garden._] Beatrice!

BEATRICE—Ssh! Wasn’t that someone calling?

HYACINTH—[_From the garden._] Beatrice!

BEATRICE—Just as I thought! It’s Hyacinth shrieking my name. His manners are appalling.

ARSEN—Uncle Hyacinth!

GEORG—Hyacinth! Hyacinth! [_They are about to rush out to meet him._]

BEATRICE—Stay where you are. [_Sudden silence._] Indians! I’ll meet him myself, else he’ll go on shouting until he awakens Prince Albert. [_BEATRICE goes out into the garden._]

ALEXANDRA—[_To AGI._] My mother forgot to tell you that his highness, the Prince, will later witness the fencing exercises.

AGI—As your highness commands.

ALEXANDRA—The necessary orders have been given at the gymnasium. First there is to be sword practice between you and the boys, then they are to have a bout with the foils.

AGI—May I ask whether your highness is to take part?

ALEXANDRA—No. [_There is a pause._]

GEORG—Why not?

ALEXANDRA—[_Coldly._] Because his highness particularly expresses his interest in _your_ fencing. Are your costumes in proper condition?

AGI—Yes, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—How long will it take you and the boys to change?

AGI—Ten minutes will be plenty.

ALEXANDRA—I ask because the program has been rigidly fixed. When his highness has finished in here, he is to inspect my little rose garden, and from there he goes to the fencing exercises. The inspection of the garden will take, I estimate, about fifteen minutes.

AGI—I deeply regret that your highness is not to show your skill in fencing.

ALEXANDRA—I had expected to take part. But if I am to show him the garden there won’t be time for me to change.

AGI—May I take the liberty to ask whether someone else mightn’t show his highness the rose garden?

ALEXANDRA—Why do you ask that?

AGI—Then your highness could change your costume and take part in the fencing instead.

ALEXANDRA—[_Coldly._] And why fencing instead?

AGI—I only ... thought ... your highness fences so well ... and gracefully ... and——

ALEXANDRA—And?

AGI—And anyone can show him the garden.

ALEXANDRA—Thank you. I am quite aware of that.

AGI—I beg your pardon, your highness. It’s the pride of the teacher that prompts me to speak.

ALEXANDRA—The program is not regulated to suit your pride. And, in any case, I have no need of your advice on the subject. [_Raises her chin a bit imperiously._]

AGI—As your highness commands. [_There is a brief pause._]

GEORG—May I say something?

ALEXANDRA—Well?

GEORG—The professor is right. [_He goes to the door as voices are heard outside. HYACINTH and BEATRICE enter._]

ARSEN _and_ GEORG—[_Rushing to greet HYACINTH._] Uncle Hyacinth! Hyacinth!

ARSEN—Welcome!

GEORG—How long are you going to stay?

HYACINTH—Now, now, now, not so boisterously. [_Draws back playfully._]

BEATRICE—Indians!

GEORG—How long are you going to stay?

HYACINTH—I’ve scarcely arrived, and here you are asking me when I depart.

GEORG—Because we want you to stay a long time.

HYACINTH—It’s a long time since I’ve seen you. [_Embraces each in turn._] Let me look at you. Splendid color! [_Feels their arms._] And muscle too, eh?

GEORG—How long are you going to stay?

HYACINTH—Not long, I’m sorry to say. [_Approaches AGI, who bows low._] And this is your tutor, Mr. Agi, of whom I have heard so much. [_Shakes hands with him._] Beatrice writes me excellent reports about you. I hear you are not only a good teacher but also an accomplished athlete. You row and fence....

ARSEN—And ride.

HYACINTH—That’s splendid! And are you very fond of him, boys?

GEORG—[_Earnestly._] Oh, yes, Uncle Hyacinth.

HYACINTH—Good! And you? Are you satisfied with your pupils?

AGI—Entirely, your royal highness.

HYACINTH—No, professor, not highness. Only an humble servant of Christ.

AGI—I beg your pardon, Father.

HYACINTH—Oh, you mustn’t blush about it. Else I shall reproach myself for having mentioned it. But then it’s so charming of a doctor of philosophy to blush. I feel we’re good friends already. [_Shakes his hand again._] I congratulate you on your method. Culture seasoned with athletics—that’s the ideal curriculum.

BEATRICE—Hyacinth is such a confirmed pedagogue, the teacher interests him more than the pupils.

HYACINTH—Quite so, my dear. Some day, when it’s raining hard and we have nothing better to do, I’ll explain to you why, for the good of the child, one should look first into the teacher’s head. Well, boys, what have you learned to-day?

ARSEN—We finished Napoleon to-day. [_Glances at BEATRICE. There is an awkward pause._]

HYACINTH—Mother doesn’t care much for Napoleon, eh?

BEATRICE—No.

GEORG—Last night we had a dispute about——

ALEXANDRA—Now, Georg, don’t begin that all over again.

HYACINTH—Why not? Tell me. What was the dispute about?

ARSEN—Mother thinks people should be taught to hate Napoleon.

GEORG—Especially our family.

HYACINTH—And what do you think?

AGI—I presented the story of Napoleon without bias of any sort.

HYACINTH—My dear fellow, then come with me and let me introduce you to the Historical Congress at London as one of the world’s wonders. There is no neutral ground where Napoleon is concerned. One either hates him or loves him.

GEORG—He loves him, but he won’t admit it.

HYACINTH—Why won’t he admit it?

AGI—I have tried to let their highnesses form their own opinions about him. Nevertheless, I _have_ pointed out to them Napoleon’s initiative, his courage ... and his luck.

HYACINTH—Quite right. If anyone can profit by studying Napoleon’s career, the young people of this family can.... My dear fellow, you’re blushing again.

GEORG—Because a little while ago he said the same thing, almost word for word.

HYACINTH—Ah, well, that doesn’t prove it. But if we are in error, my friend, at least there are two of us.

BEATRICE—Time for you to get ready. [_To HYACINTH._] Prince Albert will be here to visit them shortly.

HYACINTH—Then off with you. See you later, professor. [_AGI bows and exits with the boys._]

BEATRICE—No matter what you say, I insist that the man was a usurper.

HYACINTH—What man?

ALEXANDRA—Mother never utters his name.

HYACINTH—Sorry. I had forgotten. [_SYMPHOROSA enters from the garden._]

SYMPHOROSA—He is asleep.

HYACINTH—Who?

BEATRICE—The prince. [_To SYMPHOROSA._] On which side is he lying?

SYMPHOROSA—Wait a moment. [_Reflects._] On his right side.

BEATRICE—Then he is not lying on his heart.

SYMPHOROSA—No.... On his liver.

BEATRICE—That’s good. Now go back to your post, Symphorosa, keep careful watch and report everything to me.

SYMPHOROSA—Yes, dear. [_She exits into the garden._]

HYACINTH—Does my sister Symphorosa keep watch over the Prince’s slumbers?

BEATRICE—Yes. She is in constant touch with the adjutant who, on his part, peeps through the keyhole.

HYACINTH—And that goes on all day long?

BEATRICE—I have to keep informed about everything. He is my guest. That is no light responsibility.

HYACINTH—And how long has he been here?

BEATRICE—Four days.

HYACINTH—How much longer is he staying?

BEATRICE—According to program, he goes to-morrow. That’s why I wanted you here sooner. He arrived unexpectedly, and here we were without a man.

HYACINTH—I started immediately I got your telegram. Albert has changed, hasn’t he? He has become quite an attractive young man. [_He sits._]

BEATRICE—He is very agreeable.

HYACINTH—He appeared genuinely glad to see me. He almost wept when we met.

BEATRICE—He was very fond of my lamented husband too. And he was only a child then.

HYACINTH—He embraced me cordially and kissed me at least four times. And he fairly beamed when he told me how much he loved you all.

BEATRICE—That’s just it.

HYACINTH—What’s “just it”?

BEATRICE—[_To ALEXANDRA._] Will you go out into the garden a while, my dear?

ALEXANDRA—Yes, mother. [_She exits into the garden._]

BEATRICE—[_Dries her eyes._]

HYACINTH—What’s wrong, my dear? Has anything happened?

BEATRICE—[_Her glances follow ALEXANDRA through the door out to the garden._] I didn’t care to speak of it in her presence. But that’s just it. Nothing has happened.

HYACINTH—I don’t understand.

BEATRICE—Albert told you how much he loved us all.

HYACINTH—Yes.

BEATRICE—Well, he has fallen in love with everyone here ... except Alexandra.

HYACINTH—What did you expect in three days?

BEATRICE—Not love, perhaps ... but at least some sign of interest in the girl. But no. Not the slightest advance. Though we did everything we could.

HYACINTH—Perhaps ... there are ... political reasons....

BEATRICE—[_With a smile._] You underestimate me, Karl.

HYACINTH—Forgive me.... I know you are the best informed woman in Europe.

BEATRICE—I’ll show you my correspondence. Oh, I have no illusions on the subject. I know perfectly well that the only reason they are considering a marriage with us is because two or three royal families have made simultaneous advances and they can’t afford to offend any of them.

HYACINTH—I see.

BEATRICE—And that is what makes me so anxious, Karl. The Czar wants him for Olga—Constantine’s daughter. Edward would have liked to get him for England—for Patricia. Frederic has been telegraphing me every day from Vienna, and Amelie from St. Petersburg.

HYACINTH—So Albert must make up his mind quickly.

BEATRICE—Rome is out of the question for him. And so it is imperative for him to choose a wife immediately.

HYACINTH—Then he’ll go to Montenegro.

BEATRICE—That is just what I am afraid of. He is a very obedient son. Dominica, his mother, dominates him utterly. And she has sent him everywhere. First to Dresden for Leopoldine Charlotte, but he didn’t like her. She tends to corpulence. From there he went to Portugal. The Infantin Silvina Gonzaga. A most admirable girl, but incredibly ugly. So on he went to Belgium, to Maria Hermine, who is two heads taller than he is—And he rightly decided that such an alliance would make him look ridiculous in his people’s eyes. And now he is here. And if we let him get away from us his next stop will undoubtedly be Montenegro. [_Dries her eyes. SYMPHOROSA enters from the garden._]

BEATRICE—Well?

SYMPHOROSA—He stretched his hand outside the bed.

BEATRICE—What for?

SYMPHOROSA—For his lemonade.

BEATRICE—Was the lemonade there?

SYMPHOROSA—Yes, he drank it.

BEATRICE—I was so afraid it mightn’t have been there! And then?

SYMPHOROSA—Then he turned over and went to sleep again.

BEATRICE—Thank you, dear.

SYMPHOROSA—Not at all, dear. [_SYMPHOROSA hurries off._]

BEATRICE—[_Unhappily._] These past three days have been a great trial to me, Karl. I am absolutely certain that he is here on account of Alexandra. And yet he has treated the girl as if she didn’t exist. And not a word, not a sign from his mother, Dominica. If he had serious intentions, she’d be here by this time. [_Weeps._]

HYACINTH—Beatrice!

BEATRICE—I am not myself. Think of it, we have only one day more. This afternoon, the ball to-night, and ... if nothing happens ... then our chances are gone, perhaps forever.

HYACINTH—And not a sign?

BEATRICE—Not one. I needn’t tell you how I have watched for one.

HYACINTH—Perhaps Alexandra is——

BEATRICE—She is perfectly beautiful and clever and self-possessed ... her poor father described her perfectly when he called her his swan. “My proud, white swan!” ... And she is just like that,—majestic, silent, earnest ... holds her head high ... conducts herself irreproachably. Yet Albert is utterly indifferent to her. It’s disheartening!

HYACINTH—Beatrice, it is not like you to lose control of yourself like this.

BEATRICE—[_Nervously._] I know, but I can’t help it. This is my last great battle, not mine alone but our family’s. Now or never. Well, I mean to win if I ruin myself in the attempt. [_SYMPHOROSA speaks in the doorway._]

SYMPHOROSA—He is sleeping peacefully.

BEATRICE—Thank you, dear. [_SYMPHOROSA vanishes._]

HYACINTH—You mustn’t agitate yourself like this. What will be, will be. And if it isn’t successful this time, it will be next time.

BEATRICE—When? Albert is thirty-five. And Alexandra isn’t getting younger.

HYACINTH—How old is she?

BEATRICE— ... and twenty.

HYACINTH—What ... and twenty?

BEATRICE—Nothing. Just “and twenty.”

HYACINTH—That is a new number.

BEATRICE—Yes, my dear. I invented it myself. A mother’s invention.

HYACINTH—I see. So she is just “and twenty.”

BEATRICE—But she can’t stay that way indefinitely. She is ripening. In a political family that wouldn’t matter. But our daughters must be beautiful. My conscience has troubled me for making the poor girl wait as long as she has.

HYACINTH—One can’t blame you for that. You are a devoted mother, my dear. But you are aware that our lives are ordered not for the individual’s but for the family’s good. The happiest royal family may be composed of unhappy individuals.

BEATRICE—Poor Xara.

HYACINTH—Who is that?

BEATRICE—Alexandra!

HYACINTH—Is that what you call her now?

BEATRICE—[_To SYMPHOROSA, who is entering._] Well?

SYMPHOROSA—The situation is unaltered. [_She exits._]

BEATRICE—Karl, I want you to help us.

HYACINTH—I? But, my angel, what can I do?

BEATRICE—You, with your charming personality——

HYACINTH—But, my dear child, it isn’t me you want him to marry.

BEATRICE—Oh, you—man! Don’t you understand that everything attractive in the setting adds luster to the girl?

HYACINTH—What does Alexandra think of the matter?

BEATRICE—Just as I do.

HYACINTH—Has she said anything about it?

BEATRICE—No, but she is worried. [_SYMPHOROSA enters quickly, her hand held agitatedly to her heart._] Well?

SYMPHOROSA—He is awake. [_BEATRICE makes a gesture of displeasure._] Count Luetzen coughed outside his door.

BEATRICE—[_Quickly aghast._] Accidentally?

SYMPHOROSA—No, on purpose.

BEATRICE—Wasn’t the Colonel on guard?

SYMPHOROSA—Certainly. Count Luetzen came to the door expressly to cough.

BEATRICE—Why didn’t the Colonel cough himself?

SYMPHOROSA—Because his cough is too loud. Count Luetzen coughs delicately. He always coughs his highness awake.

BEATRICE—What happened when he awoke?

SYMPHOROSA—He asked for eau de Cologne.

BEATRICE—Yes.

SYMPHOROSA—And a cup of weak tea.

BEATRICE—Yes.

SYMPHOROSA—Now don’t be alarmed, dear. He got everything he asked for.

BEATRICE—And when is he coming to see the boys?

SYMPHOROSA—I forgot to ask.

BEATRICE—[_Excitedly._] How could you? Hurry! Run! [_SYMPHOROSA goes out swiftly._] She had to forget the most important thing of all! Heavens, and I am sure the boys aren’t ready yet. [_Starts off at right._]

HYACINTH—[_Restraining her._] This won’t do, my dear. Calm yourself, don’t be over-anxious. Everything will be all right. The boys must have been ready long ago.... Really, dear ... this isn’t a bit like you. You always had such poise, such assurance——

BEATRICE—In times of peace, yes. But this is war! I’ll go to meet him. You call the boys. My God——

HYACINTH—Calm yourself!

BEATRICE—Now, Karl, you only make me more nervous, talking like that. Can’t you see I’m in the fever of the last hope ... the finish of the race?... Now I must summon my last reserves of strength.... To arms.... To arms.... To arms! [_SYMPHOROSA enters breathlessly._]

SYMPHOROSA—He’s coming!

BEATRICE—When?

SYMPHOROSA—Now.

BEATRICE—Immediately?

SYMPHOROSA—Immediately, immediately! He has started already. I ran on ahead.

BEATRICE—Let’s go to meet him. [_Hurries into the garden. SYMPHOROSA follows her._]

HYACINTH—[_Calls through the doorway at right._] Well, aren’t you ready yet? [_The boys and AGI enter._]

GEORG—We’re ready. We’ve been waiting.

ARSEN—Is he coming?

HYACINTH—He’ll be here any minute. [_To AGI._] Tell me, my son, have you altered your opinion about Napoleon since our discussion?

AGI—No.

HYACINTH—And suppose my sister requests you to teach Napoleon according to her ideas.

AGI—Then I shall try to convince her highness——

HYACINTH—And if her highness still insists?

AGI—Then I shall regretfully take my leave.

HYACINTH—Shake hands. [_Shakes his hand._] Now I know you better than I did a half hour ago.

GEORG—[_Who has been standing at the garden door, looking out._] They’re coming!

HYACINTH—You stay here. I’ll go to meet them. [_Exits into the garden._]

AGI—[_At the table._] We will stand here ... around the table ... at the places where we always sit. Prince Arsen there, Prince Georg there, I here. And your highness, Georg, if you really meant what you said before about being fond of me——

GEORG—Don’t worry. I’ll be good.

AGI—Just this once. If you behave well, I’ll take you up to the observatory to-night.

ARSEN—[_Joyfully._] The observatory!

AGI—We’ll have a look at Capella and Vega, and I’ll explain the entire summer firmament to you.

GEORG—I’ll be gentle as a lamb. [_There is a brief pause during which voices are heard in the garden. PRINCE ALBERT appears first. He is young, elegant, gracious. He wears a general’s uniform. He enters, chatting with HYACINTH. After them come BEATRICE, SYMPHOROSA, ALEXANDRA, LUETZEN, WUNDERLICH. All take positions before the chairs where they will later sit._]

ALBERT—[_Very good-humoredly, continuing a speech begun outside._] ... and, being a soldier, his cough is so incisive, so intrepid, so abrupt that ... really, you know, it wakes one with a start. But Luetzen, on the other hand, Luetzen is a diplomat. He can cough delicately, and melodiously and suitably to every occasion. Luetzen can cough for you in such a discreet, persuasive crescendo that you wake gradually and without shock. Curious that personal peculiarities should extend even to such things. Keen observation, what? Human. C’est humain. [_Looks around._] Eh bien! Hello, you dear little boys. [_To AGI, who bows profoundly._] Good morning! This would be the brilliant young professor. What? [_A pause._] Why don’t you sit down? [_He sits. The others sit simultaneously._]

BEATRICE—[_Ingratiatingly._] Did you rest well?

ALBERT—It is really astonishing how well I sleep here. I don’t know whether it’s the fresh air, or that excellent bed, or the pleasant surroundings that soothe and refresh me so. A perfect balm to my nerves ... really I am quite happy here. You may laugh, but it’s true that I shall never forget the days I have spent with you here. Dear Beatrice ... who thinks of everything for my comfort ... this fine old castle, this gently rolling landscape, the peace, the harmony of the life you live here.... Oh, I.... All I can say is that I have fallen in love with you.

BEATRICE—[_Sweetly._] We are very happy, Albert, to know that you are enjoying your visit.

SYMPHOROSA—[_Sweetly._] We have no other aim, Albert.

ALBERT—At night, when I am alone, Beatrice, I think of my poor father and your sainted husband ... Henry.... How often they strolled together in this garden!

BEATRICE—Talking about their children.

ALBERT—They both were devoted fathers. They dedicated their lives to the welfare of their children.

BEATRICE—They never tired of discussing their children, you know. Always the children. The future of the children. What would become of them. How to direct them in the right path. [_Turns, chair and all, toward ALBERT; speaks with emphasis._] How some day the children would rear a family of their own.

ALBERT—[_To HYACINTH._] Sometimes at night I lean out of my window and fancy I see the two old men walking arm in arm along the path between those banks of beautiful roses——

BEATRICE—[_Edging her chair nearer ALBERT._] They are Alexandra’s roses. [_A pause._]

ALBERT—How? _Your_ roses?

ALEXANDRA—Mine, yes.

ALBERT—Did you plant them?

ALEXANDRA—Only some of them. But I tend them. [_A pause._]

ALBERT—And ... does that amuse you?

ALEXANDRA—Oh, yes. [_A pause._]

ALBERT—And ... don’t you ever prick yourself?

ALEXANDRA—Sometimes. [_A pause._]

ALBERT—Why don’t you wear gloves?

ALEXANDRA—I usually do.

ALBERT—And ... yet you prick yourself?

ALEXANDRA—Yes, through the gloves. [_A pause._]

ALBERT—You ought to wear thicker gloves.

ALEXANDRA—Yes, I must try thicker ones.

ALBERT—C’est ça! That’s life. One must be on one’s guard.

BEATRICE—That’s perfectly true! How good of you to be interested. Fancy! Such practical advice too!

ALBERT—[_Modestly._] Oh, not at all ... only ... you see ... one picks up a bit of experience here and there ... what? [_A pause, and then he rises suddenly. They all stand up too._] Well now, let’s have a look at the boys. Is this your classroom?

ARSEN—Yes.

ALBERT—You are sixteen, aren’t you?

ARSEN—Yes.

ALBERT—And you are seventeen?

GEORG—Yes.

ALBERT—Time flies. They are popping up fast, what?

BEATRICE—Indeed, yes, Albert.

ALBERT—You doubtless suppose that I shall examine you, like a school inspector.

GEORG—No, we don’t.

ALBERT—Have no fear.... I am a proper uncle. I shall only question your excellent young teacher.

BEATRICE—[_To SYMPHOROSA._] He is falling in love with him too.

HYACINTH—I commend him warmly to your notice. He is a man of culture and an athlete; an astronomer and a swordsman.

ALBERT—[_Notices that they all are standing._] Why don’t you keep your seats? [_HYACINTH, ALEXANDRA, BEATRICE and SYMPHOROSA sit; the others do not_.] Good. I like that. It’s the modern spirit. What are you working on now?

AGI—History, your highness.

ALBERT—Ah! That’s always interesting. What period?

AGI—The beginning of the Nineteenth Century.

ALBERT—Napoleon.

AGI—Yes, your highness. [_Embarrassment._]

ALBERT—You are interested in Pedagogy, aren’t you, Karl?

HYACINTH—Yes.

ALBERT—Did you know that Napoleon proposed to establish a school for kings at Meudon?

HYACINTH—A very practical idea.

ALBERT—Yes, the pupils were to have been limited to boys in the line of succession to a throne. The program of study was very interesting. No details at all. General instruction along broad lines. No science, only orientation; no theory, only practice. La Cases writes about it in his memoirs.

HYACINTH—He was the only one who could have made it practical.

ALBERT—Yes, yes, he could have made many things practical. A capital idea, too! A school from which you graduated with a monarch’s diploma in hand. [_He laughs. The others respectfully echo his laugh. ALBERT looks around him._] Well!... I’m glad to find you such fine healthy boys. Nice, deep-set eyes this chap has, what?

BEATRICE—[_Rises._] Exactly like Alexandra’s. It is marvellous how alike their eyes are. He resembles her in many ways.

ALBERT—[_Taking no notice of her remark._] You oughtn’t read too much, my boy. That’s bad for the eyes. Sailors have the nicest eyes because they are accustomed to look upon vast distances. At the sea and sky.

HYACINTH—He’d like that. He wants to be a sailor.

ALBERT—And you?

ARSEN—I? An explorer.

ALBERT—Where?

ARSEN—The Pole.

ALBERT—Which Pole, my son?

ARSEN—The South Pole.

ALBERT—You are mistaken if you suppose it’s any warmer there than at the North Pole. [_He laughs._] And when do you start?

BEATRICE—[_Puts her arms about ARSEN._] He starts this very moment with Georg to put on his fencing things. Uncle Albert wants to see how well you fence.

ALBERT—Indeed, yes, I am very much interested. [_The boys bow._] See you later. [_To AGI._] You too, what?

AGI—Yes, your highness, in the gymnasium.

ALBERT—Do you teach them fencing too?

AGI—Yes, your highness.

ALBERT—Splendid! You _are_ versatile, aren’t you? See you later. [_AGI and the boys exit._]

ALBERT—[_Sits._] He has a very tactful and sympathetic manner, this tutor. I am charmed with him.

HYACINTH—I liked him the moment I laid eyes on him.

ALBERT—And such a handsome young fellow.

BEATRICE—[_To SYMPHOROSA._] I told you he’d fall in love with him.

SYMPHOROSA—Don’t be upset about it, I beg of you.

ALBERT—Hah! [_Rises suddenly._] And while we are waiting for the great fencing competition....

BEATRICE—We can show you a number of things worth seeing. Now if you are interested in beautiful roses, there is Alexandra’s own little rose-garden—— [_ALEXANDRA rises._]

ALBERT—Oh, yes.

BEATRICE—[_Sweetly._] The roses are her pride and joy ... and there are some rare specimens among them.

ALBERT—[_Without enthusiasm._] Splendid! [_His eyes seek out WUNDERLICH._]

WUNDERLICH—[_Comes forward._] Your highness may be interested in ... the new dairy I saw here yesterday. An absolutely modern innovation. They milk the cows by vacuum.

ALBERT—By vacuum?

WUNDERLICH—Yes, your highness.

ALBERT—Like sucking up dust from a carpet?

WUNDERLICH—Exactly. It is most interesting.

ALBERT—But that sounds quite fantastic. One really must look at it. I have never seen anything like that before. [_ALEXANDRA sits down._] And did you have it installed yourself, Aunt Beatrice?

BEATRICE—I installed it as an experiment.

ALBERT—You are really a remarkable woman.

BEATRICE—If I may say so, Albert, the dairy is quite far from here.

ALBERT—All the better. We need a little exercise.

BEATRICE—As you please. We’ll go to the dairy then.

ALBERT—Oh, no.... I shouldn’t think of troubling _you_ to come with me. I’ll go with Luetzen and the Colonel. We’ll make it a brisk walk.

HYACINTH—If you permit, I’ll join you.

ALBERT—No, I can’t have that. My sightseeing needn’t inconvenience any of you.

HYACINTH—But——

ALBERT—No, no—— [_Starts to go._] You mustn’t feel obliged to run about with me as though I were a stranger. Forward, march, Luetzen. Coming, Colonel. When they are ready at the gymnasium send someone after us. [_He is in the doorway at left._]

BEATRICE—I’ll telephone.

ALBERT—But we shall probably be among the cows.

BEATRICE—Yes, I know.

ALBERT—Is there a telephone there?

BEATRICE—In every stall.

ALBERT—You really are a wonderful woman. Incredible! [_There is a pause; then he says suddenly_] Adieu! [_Exits quickly into the garden with LUETZEN and WUNDERLICH. There it another painful and dejected silence. BEATRICE sits down, despairingly. ALEXANDRA, greatly offended, exits at right._]

HYACINTH—Well, he disposed of the rose-garden very neatly.

BEATRICE—[_Rises._] What did I tell you? Could anything have been more pointed? You heard that Colonel. I scarcely got the rose-garden out of my mouth when he came forward with the cows.

HYACINTH—A coincidence.

BEATRICE—[_Heatedly._] Was it? Well, I shan’t be beaten by such a coincidence.

HYACINTH—I observed that your first attempts in that direction were without conspicuous success.

BEATRICE—I shan’t give up as long as there is a ray of hope, an hour of time left.

SYMPHOROSA—What are you going to do now?

BEATRICE—There is only one way left.

SYMPHOROSA—What way?

BEATRICE—Only one. A terrible way.

SYMPHOROSA—You alarm me, Beatrice.

BEATRICE—Yes, you may well be alarmed. For what I propose to do is so reprehensible that, if anyone else did it, I’d despise her all my life.

HYACINTH—What in Heaven’s name are you thinking of?

BEATRICE—God will forgive a mother anything she does for her child. And a widow what she does for the welfare of her family. [_She faces HYACINTH with tears in her eyes._] You will forgive me.

HYACINTH—I have forgiven you already, but tell me what you mean to do.

SYMPHOROSA—I know you, Beatrice. When you start talking in that strain there is only one bit of advice I can give you. Don’t do it.

BEATRICE—You will be good enough to hold your tongue. The whole difficulty lies in the fact that Albert’s interest in the girl had not been aroused. His interest—as a man.

SYMPHOROSA—Merciful heaven!

BEATRICE—Why? Does it begin so shockingly?

HYACINTH—Rather disquietingly.

BEATRICE—Well, be prepared for worse. There are certain grounds beyond which Alexandra may not go. Alexandra can’t flirt with him, for instance.

SYMPHOROSA—I am beginning to be reassured.

BEATRICE—Alexandra can’t ... throw herself at him.

SYMPHOROSA—Thank God for that.

BEATRICE—She wouldn’t be capable of such a thing, and if she were, my pride wouldn’t permit it.

HYACINTH—Well, then?

BEATRICE—A man’s interest in a woman ... can best be aroused ... through the attentions of another man.

SYMPHOROSA—How shocking!

HYACINTH—Not yet. But it begins most curiously. Go on.

BEATRICE—Once Albert is made to see the woman in Alexandra, the rest will be easy for us. We have no time to lose. He goes to-morrow.... And he seems to have taken a fancy to the tutor.

HYACINTH—Ah!

SYMPHOROSA—Beatrice!

BEATRICE—[_Greatly excited._] Be still! Do you think I am in the mood to consider your petty prejudices now?

HYACINTH—And what is it you propose to do with the professor?

BEATRICE—Invite him to the ball to-night.

SYMPHOROSA—The world will come to an end.

BEATRICE—And Alexandra will show him marked attention.

SYMPHOROSA—That ... that ... is worthy of Machiavelli’s brain.

BEATRICE—It would never have occurred to me if Albert hadn’t praised the professor. It was he who put the plan in my head. And it can’t fail. A rival of his own rank might leave him quite indifferent ... but a mere tutor ... that is irresistible.

SYMPHOROSA—I shan’t live through it.

BEATRICE—I command you to live through it. Alexandra will be attentive to the tutor ... and ... and Alexandra will dance a quadrille with the tutor. And God will forgive me, and God will forgive Alexandra. And I shall never forgive the tutor.

HYACINTH—For what?

BEATRICE—For putting me under obligation to him.

SYMPHOROSA—[_Indignantly._] Alexandra mayn’t flirt with the Crown Prince, but she may flirt with a tutor.

BEATRICE—[_Dryly._] That is quite different. It’s like flirting with your horse.

SYMPHOROSA—Karl, how can you listen to such dreadful proposals and be silent?

HYACINTH—They are not dreadful proposals. They are mere feminine maneuvers which are not as considerable as you suppose. There is something else I am considering.

BEATRICE—What?

HYACINTH—The poor tutor.

BEATRICE—What has the tutor got to do with it? No one’s harming him.

HYACINTH—Tell me, my dear, has Alexandra ever taken particular notice of the tutor before?

BEATRICE—How can you ask such a thing?

HYACINTH—That means she hasn’t. And what do you suppose will happen, my dear, if she suddenly takes notice of him now——

BEATRICE—Oh, you needn’t be afraid it will inspire the fellow with any false hopes. I’ll see to that.

HYACINTH—I’m not so sure. The tutor is young and temperamental. I admit I have no eye for such things any more, but just now, when I saw them together, it seemed to me that the young man looked at Alexandra respectfully, yet adoringly. As a cat might look at a canary in its cage, respecting it, yet ... longing to devour it.

BEATRICE—You are not trying to suggest that he is in love with her?

HYACINTH—No. But certainly his interest is aroused.

BEATRICE—What of it?

HYACINTH—Only that it seems unjust to play with the young fellow in that fashion, and then cast him aside.

BEATRICE—Am I to understand that your sympathies are on the side of the tutor?

HYACINTH—My sympathies are on the side of the humanities.

BEATRICE—The possible disappointment of a mere tutor concerns you more than the happiness of your sister and your niece, and the historical destiny of your family.

HYACINTH—My dear sister, you have looked upon this robe of mine so often that you have ceased to notice it. It is true, I am more concerned with rectitude and fair dealing than with all your schemes about Albert’s throne and Alexandra’s crown.... I regard my fellow man not as a tool, but as a creature of God. In my younger days, when I maintained a racing stable, I sometimes found it necessary to enter one horse merely to lead and set the pace for another horse, and at the finish to lag behind and let him win the race. But that was a horse, my dear sister. And whoever seeks to use a man in that fashion; whoever holds the tranquillity of a human soul so cheaply—she, my dear sister, she has great need of the excuse that maternal love impels her. That is my opinion, dear; and now I, too, am going to look at that vacuum. [_He exits quickly into the garden._]

BEATRICE—[_With determination._] Nothing shall hinder me! Stop crying! I command you to put that handkerchief away. I am desperate now. You needn’t pay any attention to him. He always had opinions, but never manners. If it had been left to the men of our family we’d have been dethroned as early as the eighteenth century. Go, and send Alexandra in to me. [_SYMPHOROSA exits at right. There is a brief pause before ALEXANDRA enters._]

ALEXANDRA—You sent for me, mother?

BEATRICE—Yes, my child. You are dearest to me in all the world. My blood flows in your veins. You will understand me.

ALEXANDRA—Yes, mother.

BEATRICE—Your will is as strong as my own.

ALEXANDRA—Oh, yes, mother.

BEATRICE—And if it falters you must lean on my will for support, and make yourself as steadfast and determined as I am.

ALEXANDRA—Yes, mother.

BEATRICE—You know what I am referring to, and what it is I want. Do you want it as much as I do?

ALEXANDRA—[_Calmly, earnestly._] Yes, mother.

BEATRICE—Wounded vanity heals quickly. After all, roses _are_ more beautiful than cows.

ALEXANDRA—Oh, mother——

BEATRICE—And there is no weapon more powerful than will. You understand me, my child?

ALEXANDRA—I understand, but I don’t know what you want me to do.

BEATRICE—We mean to ask the professor to the ball to-night. You will invite him.

ALEXANDRA—[_Astonished._] I, mother?

BEATRICE—Yes, you.

ALEXANDRA—The professor?

BEATRICE—Yes. [_There are tears in her eyes._] I know it is a dreadful thing to ask of you, my child ... but desperate necessity compels me to. Don’t hate your mother for it, my poor, dear child ... love me, for I love you so....

ALEXANDRA—[_Calm and self-contained._] Mother!

BEATRICE—[_Dries her eyes._] Must I explain any further? You understand, don’t you?

ALEXANDRA—I understand you, mother.

BEATRICE—I wanted to send to Vienna for a Duke, but there wasn’t time. And that wouldn’t have served as well, anyway——

ALEXANDRA—[_Coolly._] As you wish. I shall invite the professor to the ball to-night.

BEATRICE—But not with that expression.

ALEXANDRA—I know, mother. With another expression.

BEATRICE—And you will promise him that [_bursts into tears_]—that he may dance a quadrille with you. [_ALEXANDRA is silent._] Well? Why don’t you speak?

ALEXANDRA—This comes very suddenly, mother.

BEATRICE—But our time is so short! Oh, if we only had more time! Well! Speak!

ALEXANDRA—Don’t misunderstand me, mother. I only want a moment to get used to the thought. The professor is a plain farmer’s son.

BEATRICE—Alas!

ALEXANDRA—And when I think that my arm will rest in his.

BEATRICE—You will wear long gloves, my child.

ALEXANDRA—It isn’t touching him that matters, mother ... but the thought of it.

BEATRICE—He is one of God’s creatures, just as we are.

ALEXANDRA—I’ll try to remember that, mother.

BEATRICE—Do you ask the flowers and the beasts of the field who their ancestors were?

ALEXANDRA—No, mother.

BEATRICE—[_Reassuringly._] Of course not! You are friendly with horses and squirrels and all sorts of common animals, aren’t you?

ALEXANDRA—Yes, mother, from that point of view it is a bit easier.

BEATRICE—There, you see, my dear.

ALEXANDRA—But ... there is something else to consider.

BEATRICE—Speak freely. I will guide you.

ALEXANDRA—He is a human being, isn’t he?

BEATRICE—[_Without conviction._] Oh, certainly, certainly.

ALEXANDRA—He is likely to _think_ about it. And that is the great difference between him and a squirrel.

BEATRICE—That is his affair.

ALEXANDRA—But it is possible that he may misunderstand me.

BEATRICE—You will do nothing that he can possibly misunderstand. My mind is easy on that score.

ALEXANDRA—Of course not, mother. And yet he can’t help but notice my sudden change of manner toward him.

BEATRICE—That need give us no concern.

ALEXANDRA—But I must know what I am to do if ... of course ... I only mentioned it because one ought to think of everything ... if he should feel attracted to me.

BEATRICE—[_In alarm._] You haven’t noticed anything of the kind?

ALEXANDRA—That must be thought of too.

BEATRICE—Have you ever noticed anything of the kind in him?

ALEXANDRA—[_Coldly._] I never notice what I don’t want to notice.

BEATRICE—That means you have?

ALEXANDRA—I can’t say that, but ... he is not at ease when he speaks to me. He is not at ease.

BEATRICE—That signifies nothing, my child. Don’t let it concern you. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. It happens so often. Underlings of all sorts may be infatuated with a lady of high rank ... officers, even physicians——

ALEXANDRA—But one mustn’t—notice such things.

BEATRICE—Heaven forbid! But then the underling never dares to speak of his infatuation. Generally he works out his own salvation. Often in a most noble manner.

ALEXANDRA—But then——

BEATRICE—Don’t trouble yourself about anyone else. Leave that to us. You need only keep your eyes on the future, looking neither to the left nor to the right, but always ahead of you.

ALEXANDRA—Yes, mother. [_ALFRED enters at right._]

ALFRED—The professor reports to your highness that their young highnesses have put on their fencing costumes and are awaiting your highness’ orders.

BEATRICE—The boys are to go to the gymnasium and wait there. The professor is to come in here. [_ALFRED exits at right. With tears in her eyes, BEATRICE turns to ALEXANDRA._] Be strong, my poor, dear child. [_Kisses her, presses her hands warmly._] Be strong—— [_She exits quickly into the garden. For a moment ALEXANDRA is alone, then AGI enters, in fencing costume. In his left hand he holds a fencing mask, in his right a sword. He stands stiff and formal at the door, awaiting orders. There is a pause._]

ALEXANDRA—[_Stands down left; speaks without looking at him._] To-night, ... I understand there will be a rare astronomical spectacle.

AGI—Yes, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—What sort?

AGI—Vega and Capella may be seen to best advantage to-night.

ALEXANDRA—What is ... Vega?

AGI—The chief star of Lyra. A green star which is a thousand times brighter than the sun.

ALEXANDRA—And the other?

AGI—Capella. A golden star, very beautiful.

ALEXANDRA—You intended to show them to the boys to-night.

AGI—Yes, your highness, in the tower.

ALEXANDRA—You love the stars.

AGI—Very much, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—And you know all about them?

AGI—I know very little about them, your highness. But even that little is marvellously beautiful.

ALEXANDRA—There will be no star-gazing to-night.

AGI—As your highness commands.

ALEXANDRA—We are having a farewell reception to-night in honor of the Crown Prince. He goes away to-morrow.

AGI—Too bad.

ALEXANDRA—The official personages of the neighborhood have been asked to come. There won’t be many. I have expressed the desire that ... you be invited too. [_AGI, wide-eyed with astonishment, comes a pace or two nearer._] That is why I said you couldn’t look at the stars to-night.

AGI—[_Modestly._] I am very happy, your highness; and if anything could make me happier, it is the privilege of receiving the invitation from your highness’ own lips.

ALEXANDRA—The reception is likely to be stiff and formal. I hope you won’t be bored.

AGI—I couldn’t be bored where your highness was.

ALEXANDRA—In case you do find the society of officials and councillors tiresome, you may come to me.

AGI—[_Astonished._] If your highness will allow me——

ALEXANDRA—Then, for once, perhaps you may speak to me about something else than fencing tricks. That’s all you have ever spoken to me about.

AGI—It wasn’t for me to choose, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—You will talk to me about the stars ... about the green star and the golden star.

AGI—I shall esteem it a privilege, your highness. [_There is a pause._]

ALEXANDRA—Curious. I am a bit afraid of you now.

AGI—Why, your highness?

ALEXANDRA—You look so martial in that costume and with that sword in your hand.

AGI—Your highness has often seen me like this ... in the gymnasium.

ALEXANDRA—That was different. There I had a sword in my hand too. But here I feel so defenseless.

AGI—Do I look so terrifying?

ALEXANDRA—I shouldn’t say—terrifying.

AGI—What then?

ALEXANDRA—Rather aggressive.

AGI—[_Astonished._] It is curious, your highness ... but I have the unaccountable feeling that I am wholly on the defensive ... now....

ALEXANDRA—Well, then, you’ll come, won’t you.

AGI—Yes, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—And won’t you regret the green star?

AGI—No, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—At nine, then.

AGI—Thank you ... your highness.

ALEXANDRA—Not at all ... Professor. [_She nods curtly and exits at left into the garden. AGI’S puzzled, thoughtful glance follows her until she has vanished. Then he stands a moment, head high, eyes blazing, before_

THE CURTAIN FALLS

ACT TWO