THE SWAN A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS

By FRANZ MOLNAR

English text by Benjamin Glazer

COSTUME NOTES

Hyacinth: A dark brown robe, like that of the Carmelites. Snow-white hair.

Albert: In the first and third acts the uniform of an Austrian general. In the second act an Austrian general’s full dress uniform, with many decorations, but without any insignia of rank.

Wunderlich: The uniform of a colonel of the Uhlans. Conspicuous shoulder straps on his tunic.

Cæsar: Full evening dress, black bow tie, white gloves. In the third act a Redingot, with a big, white cravat.

Luetzen: A light-colored sack suit in the first act. In the second act, evening dress, with decorations.

Alfred: Evening dress, black tie, white gloves.

Hussars: Short black boots; red trousers; dark blue tunics, richly trimmed; white gloves.

PERSONS

Princess Beatrice

Symphorosa, her sister

Hyacinth, her brother

Alexandra, her daughter

Georg } sons of Princess Beatrice

Arsen }

Dr. Hans Agi

Prince Albert

Princess Maria Dominica

Count Luetzen

Colonel Wunderlich

Countess Sibensteyn

Cæsar

Alfred

Chambermaid

The Governor’s Wife

A Lady

Hussars, lackeys

The action takes place in the castle of the Princess Beatrice.

ACT ONE

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

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.