Chapter VI: Act TWO

THE BALL.—_A magnificent, brilliantly illuminated room. Big
double doors at left and right. High arches in the back wall
give out into a corridor, and beyond each arch is a tall glass
door, curtained with some transparent material._

_Down right a table is laid for seven. Two tabourettes stand
between the table and the audience. Soft music can be heard off
stage. It is midnight._

_When the curtain rises CÆSAR is pouring wine into the glasses
and putting the finishing touches to the table arrangements.
Finished, he goes to the door at right and stands, immobile as
a statue._

_The glass door back left opens; SYMPHOROSA enters. For a
moment the music sounds louder, a glimpse of people dancing can
be seen; then the door is closed._

_SYMPHOROSA stops, looks back as if she is expecting someone to
follow her. After a brief pause the door is opened again and
BEATRICE enters._

BEATRICE—Did you beckon me to come out?

SYMPHOROSA—Yes.

BEATRICE—What do you want? Why do you act so mysteriously?

SYMPHOROSA—I didn’t want to whisper to you in there.

BEATRICE—Don’t be excited! What’s the matter? Tell me calmly.

SYMPHOROSA—Beatrice, I think that Alexandra has been sitting in that corner with the professor altogether too long.

BEATRICE—For the first time in my life, Symphorosa, I think you are right.

SYMPHOROSA—It seems to me she is going just a bit further than is strictly necessary.

BEATRICE—Apparently I have made a mistake in the size of the dose. But don’t worry, my dear.

SYMPHOROSA—She should be told that she has done enough for the present. Let her keep away from the professor a while.

BEATRICE—Very well, Symphorosa, go and tell her to keep away from the professor. Only how will you tell her?

SYMPHOROSA—I’ll signal to her. Like this. [_She indicates how._]

BEATRICE—That’s right, my dear. [_Embraces her affectionately._] You are a darling!

SYMPHOROSA—And you are the cleverest woman in the world.

BEATRICE—Only the cleverest in this room. [_SYMPHOROSA makes a gesture of protest._] For in the next room is a cleverer woman than I: my daughter. [_SYMPHOROSA sighs._] Don’t sigh. You’d do better to admire her poise and tact. And the effect it has had. Albert remarked to me twice that to-night for the first time he has begun to notice how beautiful she is. He won’t go away to-morrow. Wait and see. And the day after to-morrow his mother, Maria Dominica, will be here. [_Noticing SYMPHOROSA’S impatience._] You are impatient, my dear. Well, go and signal to her. [_SYMPHOROSA hurries off into the ballroom. BEATRICE watches her exit with a contented smile, then looks around the room, sees CÆSAR._] Cæsar!

CÆSAR—Your highness.

BEATRICE—Is everything ready?

CÆSAR—Yes, your highness.

BEATRICE—The table?

CÆSAR—Seven covers. For his royal highness, the family, the adjutant and the professor.

BEATRICE—You will be sure that the service is flawless.

CÆSAR—Your highness!

BEATRICE—What is the menu?

CÆSAR—Everything his royal highness likes. His excellency, Count Luetzen, was good enough to indicate to me the dishes his royal highness prefers for supper.

BEATRICE—What are they?

CÆSAR—Cold bouillon.

BEATRICE—Yes.

CÆSAR—Cold salmon.

BEATRICE—Yes.

CÆSAR—Cold beef.

BEATRICE—Yes.

CÆSAR—With his own mustard.

BEATRICE—His own mustard?

CÆSAR—With his royal highness’ own mustard.

BEATRICE—And what may that be?

CÆSAR—His royal highness carries his own mustard wherever he goes.

BEATRICE—That is a new custom!

CÆSAR—The chef says it is a very ancient custom. Eminent Greeks of olden times always brought their own spices to the table of their host.

BEATRICE—Is the chef such a learned man?

CÆSAR—Yes, your highness. He also told me that the Greek gourmands used to wear a protective shell over their tongues, which they only removed at meal-times.

BEATRICE—[_Gives him a look of stern reproof._] I didn’t ask you that.

CÆSAR—No, your highness. I took the liberty of mentioning it as a curiosity....

BEATRICE—You will only answer my questions.

CÆSAR—Yes, your highness. And cold chicken.

BEATRICE—What’s that?

CÆSAR—Cold chicken—after the beef.

BEATRICE—What time will supper be served?

CÆSAR—In twenty-four minutes, your highness. And an ice.

BEATRICE—The menu is too cold for me. In my cup you will serve hot tea, without sugar.

CÆSAR—I am afraid, your highness, that hot tea may be distinguishable from the cold bouillon ... by the vapor.

BEATRICE—You will see to it that the hot tea has no vapor.

CÆSAR—I don’t know just how that can be done, your highness, but it will be.

BEATRICE—I shall expect it to be. [_CÆSAR steps back as SYMPHOROSA re-enters._] Well?

SYMPHOROSA—I signaled to her.

BEATRICE—Yes.

SYMPHOROSA—And she stood up immediately.

BEATRICE—Good. Now go and see that Arsen puts those cold towels around his neck.

SYMPHOROSA—What a perfect mother you are!

BEATRICE—There is no other joy on earth. [_SYMPHOROSA exits at left. She addresses CÆSAR._] Where is supper to be served from?

CÆSAR—From here, your highness. [_He claps his hands twice. A procession of servants enters, slowly, single-file. ALFRED, platter in hand, comes first. After him come two lackeys, each carrying a platter, borne ceremonially aloft. In the rear are two Hussars with champagne buckets. ALFRED and the two lackeys go to the table and, their backs to the audience, lay the three platters on the table. Simultaneously the two Hussars deposit their buckets on the floor near the wall at right. Then the Hussars take their station to the left of the right hand arch while the two lackeys stand in profile between the arch and the doorway at right. ALFRED stands between them, bowing._]

CÆSAR—Voilà!

BEATRICE—Bravo, Cæsar! [_She hurries off into the ballroom. CÆSAR bows profoundly._]

CÆSAR—[_When the door has closed behind BEATRICE._] Hussars! [_The Hussars come forward. He inspects them from head to foot._] Right about, face! [_They obey the order. He adjusts their tunics._] Left face! [_They obey._] Very good. [_The Hussars step back._] Alfred! [_ALFRED comes forward slowly, and with dignity._] Son Altesse Royale Madame la Duchesse prendra au lieu du consommé froid du thé chaud. Mais du thé chaud _non fumant_. Le thé doit faire comme couleur absolument l’impression d’un consommé froid.

ALFRED—Javoll! Sie können sich bestimmt auf mich verlassen. Alles wird in Ordnung sein.

CÆSAR—Vabene mio caro, vabene, vabene, grazia, grazia. [_ALFRED exits, followed by the two lackeys. The Hussars occupy themselves with the wine buckets and bottles. CÆSAR supervises their activities and gives them whispered orders. Meantime ALEXANDRA has entered back left. Behind her, almost beside her, comes AGI. His demeanor is a curious mixture of deferential formality and blissful intimacy._]

ALEXANDRA—Cæsar!

CÆSAR—Your highness.

ALEXANDRA—Is supper to be served in here?

CÆSAR—Yes, your highness. The guests will be served at small tables in the yellow salon. His royal highness and the family in here. Her highness, your mother, was here just a moment ago.

ALEXANDRA—Oh, then everything has been looked after. How soon will supper be served?

CÆSAR—In seventeen minutes. Has your highness any orders?

ALEXANDRA—Nothing, thank you. [_CÆSAR returns to the wine buckets. At his signal the Hussars exit. During the following scene CÆSAR is very busy between the serving table and the supper table. But he is listening._]

AGI—May I escort you back to the ballroom?

ALEXANDRA—Please don’t.... I am afraid you misunderstood me. When I said I was going in to look at the table ... I ... I didn’t mean for you to come with me.

AGI—Your highness, I beg your pardon. [_Is about to withdraw._]

ALEXANDRA—Wait ... don’t go. [_Embarrassed._] Perhaps I put it a bit too strongly. I didn’t mean it that way.

AGI—Please, your highness. [_CÆSAR discreetly exits back right._]

ALEXANDRA—Forgive me. I am unpracticed in such things. I didn’t mean to be rude.

AGI—I know, your highness. The reason I misunderstood was because while I was in the midst of my description of the constellation of the Eagle, your highness suddenly stood up ... and so I thought I ought to stand up too, and finish the sentence on the way. I was saying that these seven stars represent a flying eagle and that the eagle’s head——

ALEXANDRA—That’s where I stood up.

AGI—Yes. And it never occurred to me that you were making your escape.

ALEXANDRA—Your stars _were_ beginning to get tiresome.

AGI—I am sorry, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—I had expected to hear about the mysteries and the miracles of the sky, and you spoke only of names and numbers. I never knew the subject was so tedious.

AGI—The stars have their emotional side, too. But I didn’t dare to speak of it.

ALEXANDRA—Perhaps ... that might have been more exciting.

AGI—I could have told you how across those vast distances and beyond the millions of stars one’s thoughts go on to God and His eternity ... to life and death ... to life—[_softly_] and love.

ALEXANDRA—[_Coldly._] Can your imagination bridge such vast distances as that?

AGI—When I look up to you, your highness,—yes. [_There is a pause._]

ALEXANDRA—[_More coldly._] And eternity, too?

AGI—When I look down upon myself, your highness. [_Another pause._]

ALEXANDRA—And you believe in such miracles?

AGI—If I didn’t believe in miracles, your highness, how could I endure my life?

ALEXANDRA—Is it so unendurable?

AGI—It would be, if——

ALEXANDRA—If?

AGI—If I hadn’t two—an outer and an inner life.

ALEXANDRA—Have you? I never noticed.

AGI—Because your highness believes in miracles, too.... You believe my cold and impassive face ... cold and impassive ... even when it is slapped.

ALEXANDRA—[_In surprise._] Is your face slapped?

AGI—Every day.

ALEXANDRA—Who slaps your face? [_He does not answer._] Who? Do we? Do I? [_He nods his head._] Without knowing it?

AGI—They are the worst slaps of all.

ALEXANDRA—I must say ... this is more mysterious than the stars. Do I hurt you?

AGI—Every day your highness looks upon a miracle. A man’s face, his voice, all his outward appearance remain calm and unruffled ... while inwardly he burns. And you never ask for the explanation of the miracle.

ALEXANDRA—The explanation?

AGI—[_With rising passion._] Why does your highness suppose I endure it all? Why do I go on teaching, humbly, silently and submissively? Why do I stifle my individuality? Why am I here at all? [_ALBERT enters at left with two ladies._]

ALEXANDRA—I never thought——

ALBERT—[_Good-humoredly interrupts._] An ideal daughter of the house! Before the concert she looks after the musicians, and before supper she looks after the table. Her watchful eye is everywhere.

FIRST LADY—Your highness ought to see her at the hospital among the poor sick people.

ALEXANDRA—You mustn’t flatter me, Countess. The praise is due to you and the other ladies. I am there because it is my duty to be.

SECOND LADY—Oh, your highness!

ALBERT—Delightfully modest, isn’t she? I know. You have the same noble character as your dear mother. Good evening, Professor. [_AGI bows profoundly. ALBERT addresses the two ladies._] A brilliant fellow, this young man. [_Starts up right with the two ladies._] He is not only a scientifically trained astronomer and teacher but also a swordsman of the first rank. I saw him fencing with the boys this afternoon; and I must say: C’était parfait, absolutement parfait! [_Exits with the ladies as he speaks._]

ALEXANDRA—Now you are more melancholy than ever.... Why?

AGI—Shall I say it, your highness?

ALEXANDRA—Is it anything I shouldn’t hear?

AGI—[_Looking toward the door through which ALBERT has vanished._] I am jealous, your highness. [_There is a pause._]

ALEXANDRA—I am grieved, Professor. Suddenly you have made me remember ... those vast distances you spoke of before.

AGI—To-night ... to-night they hadn’t seemed so vast.

ALEXANDRA—Yes ... to-night....

AGI—To-night, for the first time, you looked at me as if I were a human being ... a man.... Looked at me ... and said friendly ... intimate things to me——

ALEXANDRA—I said nothing that——

AGI—[_With growing boldness._] What you said ... and did ... and looked ... bewildered me, upset my balance, broke down my self-control ... else I should never have spoken. There is a sort of poetry in hopelessness. Until to-night, at least I had that. It was beautiful in its way. But now it’s gone, too. A pity!

ALEXANDRA—I don’t know what to say.... I wish I could give it back to you.

AGI—That’s beyond your power, little princess.

ALEXANDRA—Don’t call me that, if you please.

AGI—You see, I can’t speak to you the way I used to. I am confused, your highness. But to-morrow ... to-morrow....

ALEXANDRA—No, no, ... it must be settled now. I don’t want any more misunderstanding. I had better tell you ... everything ... though I’m terribly ashamed....

AGI—Your highness?

ALEXANDRA—No, no, I can’t tell you....

AGI—I implore you, tell me. I—— [_Hopefully._] Tell me. Obey your heart. Take courage, and tell me what above all things in the world I want to hear....

ALEXANDRA—No, no; you are misunderstanding me again. But it’s my fault. What I have to tell you is quite painful.

AGI—What is it, your highness?

ALEXANDRA—It’s about a deception that has been practiced on you.

AGI—A deception? [_There is a pause._]

ALEXANDRA—You are a gentleman, and you respect me.

AGI—Your highness....

ALEXANDRA—And I can rely on your discretion.

AGI—Yes.

ALEXANDRA—Absolutely?

AGI—Absolutely.

ALEXANDRA—Yes ... I know you to be a man of honor and a friend of the family ... and I feel that I shall never have peace of mind again until I tell you.... My family ... my mother has but one ambition in life,—to restore our family to its throne. And to that end she wants me to marry the Crown Prince.... You will understand ... it is not easy for me to tell you this.... Every word I speak is like blood ... flowing from a wound. ... Professor ... the Crown Prince showed no interest in me, and my mother decided ... that if someone else were here ... some man ... to whom I could be attentive ... Albert’s interest in me ... might be aroused.... I want you to believe, Professor, that I never meant to hurt you ... and that I am sorry, if I have. Before to-night ... when I was cold and formal with you ... it was because I knew that you were ... not at ease ... in my presence. My mother asked me to invite you to the ball to-night. I have never disobeyed her, but if I had known ... if I could have foreseen ... that a man’s eyes would light up like that when his heart was aflame ... that anyone would dare ... to look into my eyes ... as you have looked—— [_She pauses, walks slowly to the table, sits down._] Now I have told you, Professor. Now you know how you have been deceived. [_There is a pause._] Have you nothing to say?

AGI—[_His head is bowed._] You only obeyed orders.

ALEXANDRA—I don’t want to seem more blameless than I am. It is hateful of me to put all the blame on mother. [_After a pause, she continues earnestly, dreamily, almost sadly._] I want to be a queen. [_Lets her head sink on her arm. There is a pause._]

AGI—[_Softly._] That means ... I may go now.

ALEXANDRA—Why do you say that?

AGI—I have served my purpose.

ALEXANDRA—[_Rises._] I am afraid I shouldn’t have told you. How strangely you look at me! [_The music stops._]

AGI—Something is broken in me.... Why did you tell me?

ALEXANDRA—Shouldn’t I have told you?

AGI—Why did you tell me?

ALEXANDRA—Because I respect you. I want to be friends with you.

AGI—Do you? How touching!... Like the good princess in the fairy tale. But I am not a lad any more ... to believe in fairy tales.

ALEXANDRA—Are you going to ... punish me?

AGI—I adore you ... humbly and hopelessly again. [_Bitterly, earnestly, mockingly._] You needn’t be afraid of me. I know my place. I am still an obedient servant to your illustrious family. And what though I may be wounded a bit and bleeding, I cannot but be honored by the exalted rôle that has been entrusted to me. It is even beginning to amuse and interest me.

ALEXANDRA—You sound insincere.

AGI—Perhaps only bitter.

ALEXANDRA—[_Uneasily._] And I thought it was a kindness to tell you the whole truth.

AGI—You have no further need of me. The bridegroom has caught fire; the teacher cam be extinguished.

ALEXANDRA—I won’t have you think such things of me, or say such things to me.

AGI—Have no fear. I am silent and I serve. Don’t look at me so distrustfully. Let us smile and act as if nothing has happened. [_ALBERT appears at back._] Can’t you smile? See, I can. We were talking about the eagle. [_Louder._] And the head of the eagle—— [_ALBERT enters with BEATRICE and the two ladies._]

ALBERT—Still here?

ALEXANDRA—The professor has been telling me such interesting things. There is an uncommon astronomical spectacle to-night.

ALBERT—Where?

AGI—[_Uneasily._] In the sky, your highness.

ALBERT—I know that. But which stars?

AGI—It is not really anything uncommon. Only that a few so-called summer stars may be observed to particularly good advantage to-night. Capella, Arcturus, Vega and the constellation of the Eagle [_with significance_], which consists of seven stars, which seven stars form a flying eagle; and the head of the eagle....

ALBERT—[_Significantly._] I had no idea this was such an interesting night.

ALEXANDRA—[_Nervously._] And the head of the eagle——

ALBERT—You are very much interested in the stars, aren’t you, Alexandra?

ALEXANDRA—I never thought much about them until to-night.

ALBERT—Thought more about roses—what? But to-night the sky is illuminated—what? A beautiful summer night. [_Significantly._] The stars shine like eyes.

BEATRICE—If you are interested, we have a very good observatory in the tower.

ALBERT—Have you? I didn’t know.

ALEXANDRA—Oh, only an amateur’s observatory.

ALBERT—Doubtless the brilliant professor fitted it up. The young man of a thousand talents ... what?

AGI—No, your highness, it was here when I came.

ALBERT—I wonder you didn’t mention it before.

ALEXANDRA—You go to bed so early. And the stars have no regard for etiquette.

ALBERT—Bravo! That retort was so clever the Professor himself might have thought of it. What?

ALEXANDRA—No, Albert. I thought of it myself.

ALBERT—[_To HYACINTH, who has just entered with SYMPHOROSA._] Did you hear what she said?

HYACINTH—Who?

ALBERT—Xara. She said the stars have no regard for etiquette. [_A gong sounds. CÆSAR, the two HUSSARS and ALFRED enter. The COLONEL enters back left._]

BEATRICE—We dragged the doctor away from his beloved stars to-night.

HYACINTH—And also the poor boys.

SYMPHOROSA—Yes, the poor boys looked forward to it all day. They are delighted with any excuse for not going to bed early.

HYACINTH—Well, they can see them to-morrow. Fortunately the stars are eternal, eh? One can always put them off until to-morrow. [_The two ladies exit back left._]

ALBERT—I didn’t know you had an observatory.

HYACINTH—Oh, yes. Ever since my late brother-in-law, Henry, bought a big telescope. You have seen it often, colonel.

WUNDERLICH—Oh, yes. Once I burned my tongue up there.

ALBERT—With the telescope?

WUNDERLICH—No, your highness. There was some acid in a cup up there, and I tasted it.

SYMPHOROSA—I can imagine what an impression it must have made on you.

WUNDERLICH—I shall never forget it, your highness.

BEATRICE—I think, Albert, it is time to eat something.

ALBERT—I hope to eat a great deal. I always have a ravenous appetite at night. Haven’t I, Wunderlich?

WUNDERLICH—God be thanked, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—[_To AGI, low._] I shouldn’t like them to read in your face what we have been talking about. [_ALEXANDRA and AGI stand down stage left; HYACINTH and ALBERT at center, a trifle back; BEATRICE and SYMPHOROSA down right in front of the table._]

ALBERT—Xara is absorbed in the science of the stars.

AGI—[_To ALEXANDRA._] I’ll try, your highness, but I am afraid it’s too late.

BEATRICE—[_To ALBERT._] She takes a keen interest in the education of the boys. She supervises their studies.

ALEXANDRA—That sounds as if you are threatening me.

ALBERT—Xara will be an astronomer yet.

HYACINTH—Hardly a career to attract a woman.

ALEXANDRA—I have offended you deeply.

AGI—Yes, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—Won’t you forgive me?

AGI—No, your highness. [_ALBERT comes slowly toward ALEXANDRA._]

SYMPHOROSA—[_To BEATRICE, in an agitated whisper._] Something has happened between them.

BEATRICE—Don’t say such things to frighten me, or I shall faint on the spot. [_She moves toward AGI._]

ALBERT—[_As he joins ALEXANDRA._] Xara, will you leave the starry firmament, and come down to earth a while? May I offer my arm?

ALEXANDRA—[_Takes his arm; nervously._] What an _unexpected_ honor, your highness.

SYMPHOROSA—[_To BEATRICE._] See how excited he is. His ears are red. Better send him away at once.

BEATRICE—Leave him to me. I’ll send him away.

ALBERT—[_Escorting ALEXANDRA slowly to the table._] First you neglect me, and now you make fun of me.

ALEXANDRA—I neglect you? How can you say that? [_AGI has slowly followed ALEXANDRA._]

BEATRICE—[_Intercepting him at center._] You seem to be in bad humor, Professor.

AGI—No, your highness. If you will permit me to say so, this is the happiest night of my life.

BEATRICE—But you do seem nervous ... and agitated.

AGI—It’s the unaccustomed surroundings, your highness.

HYACINTH—[_At the table, to ALEXANDRA._] You seem agitated, my child. But no matter, you are all the prettier when your cheeks are flushed.

ALEXANDRA—[_At the table._] I always get flushed when I hear music.

BEATRICE—If you are tired, we will excuse you. Don’t forget you must be up early in the morning.

AGI—I am not tired, your highness. On the contrary I am only beginning to be awake.

ALBERT—[_To ALEXANDRA._] Do you love music?

BEATRICE—[_Calls to him._] She adores music. She sings, too!

ALBERT—And you never sang for me!

SYMPHOROSA—[_Who is standing with BEATRICE and AGI._] Don’t hesitate to go, Professor, if you are sleepy.

AGI—Sleepy, your highness? Why, I just woke up ... not five minutes ago.

ALEXANDRA—[_To ALBERT._] I hesitate to sing for you. You know so much about music.

ALBERT—I? About music? That’s capital! Did you hear that, Wunderlich?

WUNDERLICH—I heard, your highness.

BEATRICE—[_To AGI, again obstructing his way._] You _are_ in a bad humor, Professor. Suppose we send your supper up to your room.

AGI—I’ll eat my supper here. [_BEATRICE is startled by his tone._]

ALBERT—Well, Aunt Beatrice, are you studying astronomy, too? Do you want to starve us to death?

BEATRICE—[_Hurries to the table._] God forbid, dear Albert.

SYMPHOROSA—[_As she, too, goes to the table._] We are lost!

ALBERT—I have always observed that my appetite is keenest at night.

HYACINTH—There you are like Louis XIV.

BEATRICE—Shall we sit down? [_ALBERT and ALEXANDRA sit._] Sit here, Professor. [_Indicates the place between SYMPHOROSA and her. But AGI sits next to ALEXANDRA._]

AGI—Thank you.

BEATRICE—Not there, Professor ... here!

AGI—[_Does not stir._] This will do very well, thank you. [_Painful silence. Shaking his head, HYACINTH sits._]

SYMPHOROSA—[_Whispers to BEATRICE._] We are lost! I know there’s going to be a scandal.

ALBERT—The Bourbons had healthy appetites by day as well. Louis XVIII. once consumed fifteen lamb chops at a public dinner. Imagine how much he must have eaten when no one was looking. That disgusts you, doesn’t it, Beatrice? You are not listening.

BEATRICE—[_Nervously._] Indeed I am. Louis XV. consumed eighteen lamb chops.

ALBERT—No, it was the eighteenth Louis and the fifteenth lamb chop. [_The lackeys, at the serving table, are preparing to serve the soup._]

BEATRICE—[_Sweetly._] I hope you like cold bouillon, Albert.

ALBERT—My favorite summer beverage.

BEATRICE—I am so glad.

SYMPHOROSA—[_Sweetly._] What a fortunate coincidence!

HYACINTH—How long they are taking to serve it.

BEATRICE—Here it comes now, dear. [_CÆSAR, the two HUSSARS and ALFRED serve the soup._] You can’t keep it on the table, for it gets warm. [_Each is served, and tastes the soup. Ceremonial silence._]

AGI—[_Unexpectedly, though not loudly, breaks the silence._] And the head of the eagle—I really must finish that sentence—is a star called Altair or Alpha Aquilæ, the star whose brilliant green radiance illuminates the sky to-night. That is what I wanted to say.

ALEXANDRA—You had quite a difficult time reaching the end of that sentence.

ALBERT—Doubtless the professor speaks so beautifully because Xara likes to listen to him.

BEATRICE—It was beautiful, but I didn’t understand a word of it.

AGI—I don’t know how to speak beautifully. Her highness reproached me with it just a while ago.

ALBERT—[_To ALEXANDRA._] Did you?

ALEXANDRA—Yes.

BEATRICE—[_To change the subject._] Is the soup cold enough, Albert? [_Music begins._]

ALBERT—Just right.

WUNDERLICH—His highness likes his soup at eight degrees Celsius.

HYACINTH—Beautiful speech is not the most important thing. What counts is the fact that he has studied a great deal, and knows a great deal.

AGI—Perhaps the reason I can’t speak well is that I have never done anything but study.

HYACINTH—That never hurt you, my boy.

ALBERT—How many hours a day did you study?

AGI—Usually—ten.... And as many every night.

ALBERT—Ten and ten are twenty. [_He rises._]

BEATRICE—What are you looking for, my dear?

ALBERT—The salt.

WUNDERLICH—Here it is, your highness.

ALBERT—Thanks. [_Resumes his seat; takes the salt._] That left you four hours for sleep.

AGI—Not that many—sometimes.

ALBERT—That is very bad. I need fifteen hours’ sleep myself. [_A pause._]

SYMPHOROSA—I need eight. [_A pause._]

HYACINTH—I need six. [_A pause._]

SYMPHOROSA—[_To WUNDERLICH._] And you? [_A long pause._]

WUNDERLICH—Two.

AGI—It is a matter of individual habit. For instance, Napoleon—— [_Stops suddenly. A painful silence. Each sips his bouillon. The cups are put down simultaneously._]

BEATRICE—And so you can’t speak properly because you’ve studied too much?

AGI—The many things one takes in from books must first dissolve themselves in the blood, your highness. They must ferment like wine. Then only will they release that beautiful bouquet, that fine fragrance called poetry. There is a bit of poetry in every man, but many things must happen before it becomes articulate.

ALBERT—A pretty woman ... what?

AGI—Perhaps....

BEATRICE—But ... Albert....

HYACINTH—It depends on the woman.... I have met women who stifled the poetry in a man.

BEATRICE—They are quite right. I don’t like poets.

AGI—It depends on the man.... I have met men whom no woman can hurt. I envy them.

ALEXANDRA—Why? [_The bouillon cups are removed._]

AGI—Because I am so easily hurt myself.

ALBERT—By women?

AGI—By any intense emotion. I am supersensitive, I suppose. What another man would only laugh at—might do me irreparable injury.

ALBERT—But that is really unnecessary.

AGI—I know.

BEATRICE—And not very probable.

ALBERT—But I daresay you have had your experience with women.

AGI—No, your highness. Only with books. [_ALFRED serves from a platter. Only HYACINTH, ALBERT and WUNDERLICH help themselves._]

ALBERT—Oh, come now!

AGI—It is true, your highness. My first taste of the world was here. I came here straight from my books. And it would be a pity ... if anything happened ... to drive me back to them again.

HYACINTH—It _would_ be a pity!

AGI—Please, don’t misunderstand me. It is not myself I am thinking about ... but—I have a mother ... and you see ... I am the only son ... all she has. And I have a sister, too.... She isn’t pretty, poor girl, but I have educated her ... done all I could for her. I’d like to see her happily married ... and then—— [_Looks about him._] I beg your pardon, I didn’t realize I was the only one speaking.

ALEXANDRA—Go on. Go on.... I am very much interested in what you are saying.

AGI—And there is also my old teacher, Dr. Waldbrott.

HYACINTH—Of the University of Heidelberg?

AGI—Yes, father, he lectures there.

ALBERT—On what subject?

AGI—Astral Chemistry.

ALBERT—[_To HYACINTH._] Tell me what that is.

HYACINTH—The chemistry of the heavenly bodies.

ALBERT—Oh!

HYACINTH—I know the old gentleman. An admirable man and an eminent scholar.

AGI—Yes, isn’t he? He ... honors me with his confidence.

ALBERT—Chemistry of the heavenly bodies?

AGI—Yes.

ALBERT—Yes. [_There is a pause._]

AGI—Dr. Waldbrott used to say to me that he would die happy if he could be sure that I would continue his life’s work. He has entrusted his two great theories ... to me.

ALBERT—I beg your pardon, but how many great theories had he altogether?

AGI—Two.

ALBERT—And he entrusted them both to you?

AGI—Yes.

ALBERT—Good!

AGI—It is a very important, a very serious trust, your highness.

ALBERT—Certainly, certainly.

AGI—It carries a grave responsibility.... My teacher, my mother and my sister ... it is only on their account that I prize my insignificant life ... when it ... [_looks at ALEXANDRA_] when it’s in danger. [_Silence. He raises his glass._] I drink to the welfare of the beautiful young princess. [_Drains the glass in a single gulp. SYMPHOROSA nudges BEATRICE repeatedly with her elbow._]

ALBERT—Prosit! That was a mighty draught! [_Smiling, he nudges his neighbors._]

HYACINTH—That was the draught of a novice. One doesn’t drink heavy wine like this so quickly.

AGI—I didn’t know, father. I never had the pleasure of drinking it before.

HYACINTH—Then let me introduce you with appropriate ceremony. This is Tokay, my boy, and of the very oldest.

BEATRICE—And it is drunk with dessert, and not with the soup.

HYACINTH—A two-fold error: you drank too soon and you drank too much.

AGI—I didn’t know, father. I must own it was the first glass of wine I ever drank in my life.

HYACINTH—Not really?

AGI—Really, father.... There, you see, that, too, had to happen to-night. [_ALEXANDRA empties her own glass._]

BEATRICE—Alexandra!

HYACINTH—[_Takes ALEXANDRA’S glass._] And I had just finished saying that one doesn’t drink this wine so fast.

ALBERT—It’s plain to see why Xara did it.

HYACINTH—Why?

ALBERT—To keep the professor in countenance.

BEATRICE—It was quite unnecessary. You never take any wine.

ALEXANDRA—I do to-night, mother. [_To ALBERT._] Albert ... see that this old professor gets some appointment. Waldbrott—that was his name, wasn’t it?

HYACINTH—Waldbrott—yes.

ALBERT—If you wish it—I can write to Berlin. Please, Wunderlich, make a note of it.

WUNDERLICH—[_Writes in his notebook._] I am making a note of it, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—What sort of appointment can one get for a man like that?

AGI—That’s just it—none at all.

ALBERT—Surely the Emperor can do something for him.

AGI—Hardly, your highness. The man serves a greater lord.

ALBERT—A greater lord than the Emperor?

AGI—One much greater. [_Points upwards._] He is an astronomer.

ALEXANDRA—I should like to meet your sister.

AGI—She is in Dresden, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—Do you love her very much?

AGI—Very much, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—A stupid question to ask, wasn’t it?

BEATRICE—[_Uneasily._] Yes, my child, it was.

AGI—No, your highness, it was a clever question because it is a pleasure to answer it. I love my sister with all my heart. In my darkest hours I think of her. For she has the indomitable faith that I cannot be crushed, that I am a world unto myself.

ALBERT—[_Somewhat ironically._] A whole world?

AGI—Yes, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—How beautiful.

ALBERT—Isn’t that a great deal?

AGI—[_Courageously._] No, your highness. As an astronomer one learns that the tiniest speck is not to be despised. [_With significance._] Those little specks in the sky ... every single one ... is a great world.

ALBERT—Every one?

AGI—[_More bravely._] Every one!

ALBERT—[_A bit sharply._] Perhaps they only think so, these little specks.

AGI—[_Still more bravely, though not loudly._] Oh, I know it is difficult for the great lords to realize. They say: “Ten million inhabitants make an army of two millions.” ... Yet it is true that, among all these millions, each individual is a world in himself, a world which may not be destroyed.

BEATRICE—[_Uneasily._] But, Professor, who is trying to destroy any worlds?

AGI—Women, for example, do it with a smile. [_To ALEXANDRA._] Your highness, why do you look at me so fixedly?

ALEXANDRA—I like what you are saying.

AGI—[_To BEATRICE._] And your highness looks at me so uneasily. Perhaps you don’t like what I’m saying.

BEATRICE—[_Coldly._] That is not the tone in which you are accustomed to speak to me, Professor.

AGI—[_Bitterly._] I am in very good humor to-night.

BEATRICE—Better than we care for, Professor.

ALEXANDRA—[_Soothingly._] Mother, we are at a ball and are drinking champagne.... [_Raises her glass._]

BEATRICE—I am astonished, Professor.

SYMPHOROSA—[_In alarm, suddenly._] Albert, I commend the salmon to you. It is the pride of our chef.

ALBERT—I say, he does put it well. That’s why Xara is so interested. What’s that about the salmon? [_To SYMPHOROSA._] Did you say something about the salmon?

SYMPHOROSA—It’s the pride of our chef.

ALBERT—Oh, is it?... But what has that to do with it?

SYMPHOROSA—Nothing. I just mentioned it.

ALBERT—Oh! Yes! Well! Little specks in the sky. Astronomy. Romance. Empty phrases.

AGI—[_Heatedly._] No, not empty phrases, your highness.

ALBERT—Oh, yes, they are. Phrases for women. To impress them. Every star a world in itself!

AGI—[_Belligerently._] Not every star, your highness.

ALBERT—No?

AGI—No. The big white moon, for example, ... it makes a huge, pretentious, glittering show, yet it has no light of its own. It only reflects the light of the sun. On the other hand, there is the modest little star called Vega, which you seem to hold in such contempt ... its light is a thousand times stronger than the light of the sun. [_SYMPHOROSA nudges BEATRICE._]

ALBERT—Its modesty is charming, under the circumstances.

AGI—[_Sharply._] It isn’t modesty, your highness. It is only remoteness.

ALBERT—It is fitting for remote things to glimmer modestly.

AGI—[_Openly truculent._] It only seems so to your highness. To me, because I know what it is, it shines in its true value; and so I proudly proclaim that it is more brilliant than the sun, and that its brilliance is its own.... [_Puts his hand on his chest._] Its own!

ALBERT—[_Smiling._] Possibly, Professor. It seems I do not understand these things.

AGI—[_Decidedly._] No, your highness.

BEATRICE—[_To SYMPHOROSA in a harrowed whisper._] I can’t bear it any longer.

ALBERT—Charming! Charming! At last a man who tells me to my face that there is something I do not understand.

AGI—[_Stubbornly._] No, your highness doesn’t know anything about it.

ALBERT—[_Forcing himself to seem pleased._] In twenty years I haven’t heard anyone so outspoken. Professor, I admire you not only as an astronomer, but as a man. I am charmed with your candor.

AGI—[_As if offended._] It makes no difference to me whether you like it or not.

ALBERT—[_Jovially._] There’s candor for you! Charming! I’m really enjoying myself here.

BEATRICE—[_Weakly._] Oh! [_She rises suddenly, sways. General consternation._]

ALBERT—[_Puts down his glass._] What’s the matter, Aunt Beatrice? [_He rises._] Aunt Beatrice! Tu te trouves mal?

BEATRICE—[_Weakly._] My head ... all of a sudden.... Laisse moi ... je vous en prie—forgive me.... [_WUNDERLICH has gone to her assistance and is supporting her._] Merci, mon colonel.... Never mind.... [_The HUSSARS swiftly draw the portières across both big arches. WUNDERLICH leaves BEATRICE and crosses to left._]

ALBERT—Tu te trouves mal, Tante Béatrice?

BEATRICE—I am sorry ... a little weakness ... please don’t bother ... I’ll retire.

WUNDERLICH—[_To CÆSAR._] Have that music stopped. [_CÆSAR whispers to ALFRED, who hurries off. The music stops._]

ALBERT—[_Takes BEATRICE’S arm._] I don’t doubt that you exerted yourself too much to-day. Let me see you to your room.

HYACINTH—Don’t bother, Albert. I’ll take her up.

ALBERT—No, no. Stay here ... everybody. [_To SYMPHOROSA, who is about to accompany them._] Symphorosa, you stay here with the salmon. Please sit down, Xara. No excitement. I’ll look after her.

BEATRICE—[_In a faint voice._] No excitement ... with a houseful of strangers ... oh ... oh!

ALBERT—All right, my dear ... everything will be all right. [_To the others._] I wish you all to remain here, please. [_Goes toward left, supporting BEATRICE._] As if nothing had happened. [_As he passes CÆSAR._] Why has the music stopped?

WUNDERLICH—[_Answers for CÆSAR._] I thought your highness would prefer no music during this unfortunate——

ALBERT—[_Leading BEATRICE slowly off._] Let the music continue. The more the better! [_CÆSAR makes a sign to ALFRED, who exits._]

BEATRICE—Pardonnez moi ... merci, mon cher. ... [_ALBERT and BEATRICE exit._]

WUNDERLICH—[_As he follows them._] Music. [_He looks at CÆSAR. There is a brief pause, and the music begins again. Beaming with satisfaction, WUNDERLICH exits. All except SYMPHOROSA resume their seats._]

AGI—Is your highness ill, too?

SYMPHOROSA—No.

AGI—Well, then——

SYMPHOROSA—I don’t know what to do.

AGI—Why not follow their highnesses? And let the music continue. The more the better!

SYMPHOROSA—[_Crosses to left; looks at ALEXANDRA._] What are you going to do? [_ALEXANDRA rises, undecided._]

HYACINTH—Stay here. Your mother forbade you to leave.

SYMPHOROSA—[_To HYACINTH._] And you?

HYACINTH—See here, my dear; I love Beatrice very much, but she has been having these delicate attacks for thirty years. And I have seen too many of them to be alarmed. If they strike her standing, she sits down ... and if they strike her sitting, she rises.

SYMPHOROSA—Karl!

HYACINTH—[_Earnestly._] The situation here is much more serious. I warned you this afternoon.

SYMPHOROSA—What a misfortune! [_She exits at left. CÆSAR withdraws. HYACINTH, AGI and ALEXANDRA are left alone. There is a pause. ALEXANDRA sits on the tabouret, down right._]

HYACINTH—[_Severely._] Well, my son, you see what mischief you have done.

ALEXANDRA—[_Greatly agitated._] It was my fault, Hyacinth. I am entirely to blame. That is why I stayed ... to....

HYACINTH—Don’t excite yourself, my child. Let us talk it over calmly. That is why I stayed. You have nothing to fear while I am here. [_To AGI._] But you have.

AGI—[_Sits._] No, father, I’m not afraid.

ALEXANDRA—It wasn’t his fault. How deeply hurt he must have been, to do such a thing! I am so unhappy, Hyacinth! [_She buries her face in the robe of HYACINTH, who it standing beside her._]

HYACINTH—Calm yourself, dear.

AGI—[_Rises; vehemently._] I couldn’t endure it any longer, father, I couldn’t.... God is my witness, I tried. But I am only human, father, and ... in love ... I hardly knew what I was saying....

HYACINTH—Tell me, my son, are you angry with me, too?

AGI—How could I be, father?

HYACINTH—Then don’t shout like that. I can hear you. And I understand you too, my son.

AGI—[_Grandiosely; excitedly._] I am done for, but I shan’t sell my life cheaply. Not even to this beautiful daughter of a king. Yesterday—no, this very afternoon, I would have given it for her handkerchief. But now that blood has been let, I hold it dearly.

HYACINTH—What you have done——

AGI—I am ready to face the consequences.

HYACINTH—I knew you would be, my son.

AGI—[_Very grandiosely._] I am ready to answer for it: to anybody—to the family, to the prince, or to his adjutant with swords or any weapons they choose. But what I did I had to do. And there is more I have to do.

HYACINTH—More?

AGI—Yes, more.

HYACINTH—And this is our serious young scientist! [_To ALEXANDRA._] Well, my girl, see what we have come to. Here we are. [_Reproachfully._] How do you like it?

ALEXANDRA—Come here.

HYACINTH—[_Goes to her._] Well?

ALEXANDRA—Sit down here. [_He does so._]

HYACINTH—Well?

ALEXANDRA—Now ask me again how I like it.

HYACINTH—How do you like it?

ALEXANDRA—[_On his shoulder, low._] Hyacinth ... I like it very much.

HYACINTH—[_Astonished._] Upon my soul! The thing is worse than I thought. [_Moves nearer to her._]

ALEXANDRA—[_Still on his shoulder._] Hyacinth ... dear Hyacinth ... I ... I....

HYACINTH—Well, my child? What is it? Out with it!

ALEXANDRA—Hyacinth ... that glass of wine ... it was the first I ever drank in my life, too.

HYACINTH—For a first drink it was a hearty one.

ALEXANDRA—[_With a glance at AGI._] For his sake, Hyacinth. So that they wouldn’t laugh at him.

HYACINTH—Fancy that! You amaze me. And how did it taste?

ALEXANDRA—[_Delighted._] Made me ... fuddled ... and warm.... I wish I could die like this ... but first I want the professor to forgive me.

AGI—How _can_ I forgive you?

HYACINTH—Silence! There, there, I forgive you for him, my dear. [_ALEXANDRA dries her tears._] Have your cry out, and don’t worry about it.

ALEXANDRA—That’s not why I am crying, Hyacinth.

HYACINTH—Why, then?

ALEXANDRA—Because I ... am sorry ... for him.

AGI—You needn’t be sorry for me.

HYACINTH—[_Mildly._] You are not to speak now, my son.

ALEXANDRA—I have never been as sorry for anyone....

HYACINTH—And when he looks at you, you are sorrier for him than ever.

ALEXANDRA—[_Looks at AGI._] When he looks at me, his eyes scorch my face ... just as when you open the door of a stove——

HYACINTH—Yes, yes. The door of a stove. And what then?

ALEXANDRA—[_In child-like surprise._] And then ... then ... his glance seems to enter my breast ... and touch ... my heart ... just as you touch a key of the piano with one finger ... very softly.

HYACINTH—A key of the piano. Yes, yes ... and what else?...

ALEXANDRA—When he speaks ... since I hurt him ... when he speaks, his voice rings in my consciousness for a long time after.... Like a bell. And that hurts. I pity him so.

HYACINTH—[_Concerned._] I see, my dear. Only I am afraid it is neither remorse nor pity.

ALEXANDRA—What then?

HYACINTH—A bit of internal disorder ... the lungs ... the heart.... [_Puts his ear to her chest._] Take a deep breath. Now sigh. [_ALEXANDRA sighs._] Say, “Professor.”

ALEXANDRA—[_Looks at AGI._] Professor....

HYACINTH—[_Dryly._] The heart.

ALEXANDRA—[_Sorrowfully, reproachfully._] You are making fun of me, Hyacinth.

HYACINTH—Not at all, my child. The matter is very serious. Tell me, dear. When ... did you begin ... er ... to pity him so?

ALEXANDRA—Before. Here in this room.... Quite suddenly.... He said something——

HYACINTH—What did he say?

ALEXANDRA—[_Looks at AGI._] He will remember the word.

HYACINTH—What was it, my son?

AGI—I know, father. It was when I said that I, too, was a world in myself.

ALEXANDRA—No.

AGI—No? Well, then it was before that ... when I spoke of the poetry of hopelessness.

ALEXANDRA—No.

HYACINTH—Well, what was it he said that touched you so?

ALEXANDRA—[_To HYACINTH._] He said: “Lad.”

HYACINTH—Lad? [_She nods._] What did he say “lad” for?

ALEXANDRA—He said he wasn’t a lad any more to believe in fairy tales.

HYACINTH—Oh, that was it?

ALEXANDRA—[_Smiles happily as if in a dream._] You know ... I had always known the word, but I had never heard it spoken before. We say “boy,” don’t we?... And he, poor fellow, said “lad,” with such a quaint lilt to it ... so sweetly ... I knew at once it was what they used to call him at home ... what his family calls him to this very day.... And ... I don’t know why ... but suddenly it seemed as if I, too, had been there ... in the village where they called him “lad” ... I saw the tiny, spotless cottages with acacia trees around them ... and his mother ... and his sister ... who called him “lad” ... and loved him, and were proud of him.... That was why. [_There is a brief pause._]

HYACINTH—Well, my boy—what do you say to that?

ALEXANDRA—Hyacinth, what did you call him?

HYACINTH—My lad ... of course, that’s what I meant.

ALEXANDRA—You dear! [_Embraces him delightedly._]

HYACINTH—[_While she embraces him, to AGI._] See that? I understand women.

AGI—[_Touched._] She’s beautiful ... and good ... I’ve forgiven her long ago.

ALEXANDRA—But I can’t forgive myself. Never, never! [_With a start._] What are we thinking? [_Suddenly._] And poor mother.... [_She is about to rise._]

HYACINTH—Stay, my child, I wouldn’t go up to her now. Compose yourself first, and then we shall go up together.

AGI—[_Crosses to the table._] Your mother was very cruel. [_Sits at the place where HYACINTH had been sitting._]

ALEXANDRA—I’m sorry for that too. I’m sorry for everything now. And yet I’m so happy here. [_Embraces HYACINTH._] And you are sweet ... and good ... and strong ... and you understand one so well.

HYACINTH—The curious thing about you two is that I ought to be severe with you.... And I shall be severe with you. The moment you showed signs of getting out of control your mother dropped the reins. And now I must take them in hand. [_Very gravely; rises._] This affair must end here, my dear children. It can’t go any further. I trust you both realize that. Fortunately, you are both too clever not to realize it. I am very sorry. Sorry for you too, my son. [_More severely, to AGI._] Your conduct here to-day.... Oh, you needn’t be so depressed about it. How can I go on when you look at me like that? Now, see here. [_Begins over again._] Your conduct to-day was—— [_His tone changes._] I wish you wouldn’t look at me so knowingly. It confuses me. You are just as bad as she is ... [_to ALEXANDRA_] and you needn’t look so pleased. You have no cause to.... This is unheard of! [_Walks a few paces._] Unheard of! [_Comes to a standstill; bursts out angrily._] You sit there. You don’t say a word. You just look at me. And one can’t say what one means. [_To AGI, beginning all over again._] Your conduct to-night was ... I must say—— [_Cannot look AGI in the eye._] I must say ... it was really ... quite justifiable. There! I’ve said it. [_To ALEXANDRA, crossly._] Why do you look at me so affectionately?

ALEXANDRA—[_Delighted._] You are looking at me affectionately, Hyacinth.

HYACINTH—[_Crossly._] That’s the worst of it. Yes, that’s the worst of it. When I look at you, I ... when I look at you ... like this.... Unheard of! I look at you ... and my heart aches for you.... But you ... you children ... you are young ... unspoiled ... and I ... no, I wasn’t born to be a judge. I try to be ... but I try in vain. I can’t ... judge you. There you sit ... two fine young people ... and in such a desperate plight ... but so happy in spite of it ... you will never be as happy again. Happiness flies past like the wind. You have scarcely felt it before it is gone.... And then comes the reality, to which you will awake to-morrow morning ... which will separate you, and which will be for the best.... But it will hurt a little, my dear children. It will hurt ... such things have happened before.... Even to me ... when I wore a uniform. A long, long time ago. [_He turns away. There is a pause. He goes to the table, picks up his glass. Softly._] To your happiness. [_Raises the glass, sips the wine, sits at the place which AGI had occupied during supper. There is a pause during which ALEXANDRA and AGI sit motionless. CÆSAR enters quietly._]

HYACINTH—What is it, my friend?

CÆSAR—[_Quietly._] Her highness requests the reverend father to go and see her.

HYACINTH—At once?

CÆSAR—Her highness used the word: “Immediately.”

HYACINTH—She would send for me now, just as I am beginning to enjoy my supper!

CÆSAR—[_In consternation._] Didn’t the reverend father like the soup?

HYACINTH—Soup? [_Rises._] Bitter, hot tea is what you gave me.

CÆSAR—Oh! Oh! Your reverence! What an error! Oh, I could kill myself.

HYACINTH—I forbid you to kill yourself, though I’m sure you had no such intention. And I’d forbid you to scold the unfortunate waiter who made the error, if I didn’t know you’d do it anyhow. I’ll be back directly, children.

ALEXANDRA—[_Rises._] But Hyacinth! We can’t stay here alone. Hadn’t I better go with you?

CÆSAR—Her highness, the Princess Symphorosa, asked her highness, your mother, whether she wanted to see your highness.

ALEXANDRA—What did she say?

CÆSAR—Her highness ... so to speak ... expressed herself ... to the effect that——

ALEXANDRA—What did she say?

CÆSAR—Her highness said: “Let her keep out of my sight.” [_There is a pause. CÆSAR steps back and whispers to ALFRED._]

HYACINTH—You see, my child! Just stay where you are while I speak to your mother. You needn’t envy me the task. Then I shall come back and fetch you. [_He exits at left. ALFRED exits. There is a pause._]

ALEXANDRA—[_After the pause, during which she has repeatedly looked at AGI._] Please ... I don’t even know your first name. What is it?

AGI—Hans.

ALEXANDRA—How old are you?

AGI—Twenty-nine.

ALEXANDRA—Where were you born?

AGI—In Transylvania.

ALEXANDRA—What district?

AGI—[_In surprise._] Your highness ... at last we are left alone ... and you ask me questions like a census taker.

ALEXANDRA—[_Embarrassed; helplessly._] I want to know you. I want to hear all about you as quickly as possible. [_Almost in tears._] But I don’t know how to go about it.

AGI—Have you thought of to-morrow morning?

ALEXANDRA—I don’t want to think about that yet. The few moments we have together now ... mustn’t be spoiled ... for you or for me——

AGI—To-morrow they’ll sweep me out like rubbish.

ALEXANDRA—And what if I don’t let them, Hans?

AGI—Just the same, I shall go. Just the same.

ALEXANDRA—[_Notices CÆSAR._] What are you waiting for?

CÆSAR—For your orders, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—[_Comes toward him._] There is nothing. You may go.

CÆSAR—Yes, your highness. [_But he does not move._]

ALEXANDRA—You may go.

CÆSAR—Leave the room, your highness?

ALEXANDRA—At once, Cæsar.

CÆSAR—Your highness.

ALEXANDRA—Yes?

CÆSAR—It appears that I myself served Father Hyacinth the tea instead of soup. But then so many extraordinary things have happened to-night, it is no wonder——

ALEXANDRA—You may go, Cæsar.

CÆSAR—Yes, your highness. I am certain the world is coming to an end, your highness. [_He sobs and exits weeping at left. AGI goes to door through which CÆSAR made his exit, and remains standing there, looking at ALEXANDRA. There is a pause._]

AGI—[_After a glance into the ballroom._] The ballroom is empty. The guests are leaving. [_Speaks softly with passionate warmth._] And now we are quite alone, princess. Perhaps only for a few minutes ... and then all that was beautiful in my life ... will be gone.

ALEXANDRA—[_Trembling._] I have never before ... been alone with a man.

AGI—[_Comes toward her._] Are you afraid of me?

ALEXANDRA—I don’t know. But if it’s fear ... then I want always to be afraid.

AGI—The last time ... perhaps the last moment I shall see you. Do you love me?

ALEXANDRA—[_Almost stammering; like a child._] If it’s love ... then ... it’s just the same as ... when I was a little girl ... and the Emperor came. [_He regards her in astonishment._] Yes ... I had seen many portraits of the Emperor ... with a golden crown on his head ... in all his glitter and glory ... and then once, when he visited us, in civilian clothes—— [_Regretfully._] I didn’t recognize him.

AGI—My beautiful princess! [_Comes nearer to her._]

ALEXANDRA—[_Trembling._] Don’t come too near, Hans.

AGI—Are you so afraid of me? [_Takes her hand._]

ALEXANDRA—[_Draws back._] I don’t like ... you to touch me.... How cold your hand is!

AGI—No. It’s yours that’s hot. What are you thinking that makes your hand tremble in mine?

ALEXANDRA—Of something reckless, and——

AGI—And of what?

ALEXANDRA—And of my rank, Hans. [_There is a pause. ALEXANDRA glances toward the table._] Won’t you have something to eat?

AGI—No.

ALEXANDRA—Why won’t you eat?

AGI—I am not hungry. [_Turns to her ardently._] I’m thirsty.

ALEXANDRA—[_Trembling._] Will you drink something?

AGI—No. I am thirsty for you, for your mouth and your eyes ... and your voice....

ALEXANDRA—[_Terrified._] You mustn’t look at me like that!

AGI—[_Passionately._] When I look into your eyes ... deep into your eyes ... we seem to be mounting together on the crest of a flame——

ALEXANDRA—[_In alarm._] What do you mean?

AGI—Upward ... ever upward ... higher ... along the path....

ALEXANDRA—[_Alarmed, child-like._] What path are you talking about?

AGI—[_Coming nearer to her._] The path you pointed out to me.... Before, I lacked the courage to realize ... that I am the rival of a king. But now I know it. And now I know I have won. Before, I only stammered, but now, now I want to sing ... because I have triumphed, triumphed over every obstacle.... And now——

ALEXANDRA—[_Stares at him in terror._] And now?

AGI—I know that to-morrow my triumph will be over. [_Takes her hands._] But to-night, your highness, we shall see who is king, he or I!

ALEXANDRA—[_Faint with terror._] You frighten me!

AGI—My silence should have frightened you more.

ALEXANDRA—[_Terrified._] Now ... you want to take your revenge....

AGI—I love you.

ALEXANDRA—[_Looks terror-stricken into his eyes._] How you hate me now——

AGI—And I won’t have you pity me! Soon they will all come back. Another minute and I’ll be a servant again. A dismissed servant! Must it end like that? Can’t I even make you arrogant again? Can’t I make you insult me ... so that in my rage I may take you in my arms and carry you off ... out into the night ... among your roses ... and kiss that haughty mouth.... [_He is about to embrace her._]

ALEXANDRA—[_Terrified, but resisting him affectionately rather than resentfully._] Hans! Hans! [_There is a noise off left. They separate slowly._] [_There is a pause. CÆSAR enters at left, leaving the double doors open behind him._]

ALEXANDRA—[_Goes slowly towards him._] What do you want?

CÆSAR—His highness, the Crown Prince, is preparing to retire. He has received a telegram. His mother, the Royal Princess Maria Dominica, is coming to-morrow morning.

ALEXANDRA—His mother? Coming here?

CÆSAR—Yes, your highness! [_There is a long pause._]

CÆSAR—I take the liberty to report that his highness, the Crown Prince, will shortly pass through this room.

ALEXANDRA—[_Nervously._] Hyacinth isn’t back yet ... and we are here ... like this ... we two....

CÆSAR—If your highness should desire to go through the yellow room ... there is still time. [_He indicates the doors back left._]

ALEXANDRA—[_Proudly._] How dare you, Cæsar? Are you drunk?

CÆSAR—[_Tragically._] No, your highness, I beg pardon, I’m sure. I’ve only gone out of my mind.

ALEXANDRA—That will do, Cæsar. [_He bows and crosses to left. There is a pause. Through the door at left come two lackeys bearing lighted candelabra. Behind them come ALBERT, WUNDERLICH and LUETZEN. The procession passes slowly across the stage. When ALBERT comes abreast of the table he stops, smiling. The two lackeys with the candelabra reach the door at right, open it and take their places on either side. WUNDERLICH and LUETZEN pause on the threshold._]

ALBERT—[_Unaffectedly pleasant._] My dear Xara, how fortunate still to find you here and bid you good night. [_Extends his hand._] I was to have gone to-morrow. But now I am happy to tell you that my mother arrives in the morning. Or did you know it?

ALEXANDRA—They told me, Albert. I am very glad.

ALBERT—She is extremely fond of you.

ALEXANDRA—I am fond of her too, Albert, very.

ALBERT—Your mother has gone to bed. But she feels much better. She did a bit too much to-day. I warned her not to. But she is such a charming hostess, she wouldn’t heed my advice. [_HYACINTH enters at left, followed, a few moments later, by SYMPHOROSA. HYACINTH comes slowly into the room. SYMPHOROSA lingers in the doorway._]

ALEXANDRA—Mother is never happier than when she is making her guests comfortable.

ALBERT—But one shouldn’t overdo it. I have really reproached myself on her account. My mother will scold me for it too. But, happily, it’s nothing serious. Good night, Xara. [_Extends his hand to her. ALEXANDRA courtesies low._]

ALBERT—[_As if he had just noticed AGI._] Ah, the professor! Good night, Professor. Your discourse was very interesting ... particularly the manner of delivery.... Very original, yes ... a bit belligerent, but original. As her highness was taken ill so suddenly, I hadn’t the opportunity to offer my very humble comment. I would never have supposed that you could be such an insubordinate young fool.

ALEXANDRA—[_Uneasily, forcing a smile._] Albert, you are mistaken——

ALBERT—No, no, these astronomical impertinences are very interesting. [_To HYACINTH._] He sat down with us quite unassumingly and then with a flourish he lifted us up to the sky ... and he stayed up there ... and dropped me with a thud.... [_To AGI._] But you spoke with spirit. Very smart.... Always higher, higher——

ALEXANDRA—Pardon me, but your sarcastic criticism is unjust, Albert. He is not like us.

ALBERT—I noticed that.

ALEXANDRA—[_More and more excitedly._] He is a scientist; he is a free spirit.... He has the right to speak more freely than we....

ALBERT—You defend his bad manners just as graciously as you suffered them a while ago. You are a brave and clever girl—a perfect martyr. I have just learned from your mother that you ... [_sarcastically_] were the innocent target of certain unwelcome attentions ... and that you have endured them with such patience, such goodness....

ALEXANDRA—[_Very agitated; looks from ALBERT to AGI in fear that they will quarrel._] Mother is mistaken, Albert. And you judge him wrongly. You don’t understand him.

ALBERT—[_Ironically._] It is not easy to understand him.

ALEXANDRA—[_Excitedly._] You can’t possibly understand him. [_ALBERT laughs mockingly._] Don’t laugh at him, Albert. He is a scientist and a poet.... He is an astronomer.

ALBERT—An ill-bred little astronomer.

AGI—[_With a threatening movement._] Your highness!

ALEXANDRA—[_Trembling with excitement; passionately._] Albert, you are going too far. You must not say that.

ALBERT—But he is.

ALEXANDRA—I won’t have him insulted ... like this——

AGI—[_To ALBERT._] Your highness, I——

ALBERT—[_Quite composed._] You are an impertinent little upstart. [_With a little shriek of dismay ALEXANDRA throws herself in front of AGI. She is highly excited._] Don’t answer him, Hans. [_Looks at him._] I forbid it. [_Raises her voice._] Hans! [_For a moment she hesitates, looks at ALBERT, then throws herself on AGI, embraces him passionately, kisses him and rests a moment against his chest. On the thresholds of the four doors the people stand as follows: At left, SYMPHOROSA; at right, two lackeys with candles, and LUETZEN; back right, WUNDERLICH alone. At the moment of the kiss they all withdraw slowly. HYACINTH does not go. He only takes a few steps backwards. ALEXANDRA releases AGI, stands a moment stiff and staring, then leans half fainting against the edge of the table._]

ALBERT—[_Lightly, softly, ironically._] Oh! That’s different. Quite different. In that case ... I beg your pardon, Professor. [_Makes a military bow to ALEXANDRA and AGI._] Good night. [_He exits at right. There is a pause. SYMPHOROSA enters at left and leads the half swooning ALEXANDRA gently, tenderly off back left. When they both have gone, HYACINTH approaches AGI gravely, almost threateningly, stops in front of him and kisses him suddenly. Smiling graciously, HYACINTH hurries off at left. AGI stares after him._]

THE CURTAIN FALLS

ACT THREE