Volume 7 / Act 5 — SCENE I

KAMKE stands on a step-ladder fastening a large curtain over the window. Two lackeys are assisting him.

KAMKE (on the ladder).

There! And now be ready to receive the ladies at the little side stairway. They will arrive in sedan chairs. No noise, do you hear—softly—softly. [The lackeys go out.]

SONNSFELD (comes in from the left).

Ah, at last a festival of which the Prussian Court need not be ashamed. Kamke, why are you draping that window?

KAMKE.

So that our festival may not be observed. [Coming down off the ladder.] Then you too are concerned in this conspiracy?

SONNSFELD.

The Queen has taken all responsibility. She risks her own freedom for that of her daughter, and will receive the Prince of Wales tonight in strictest incognito. Is everything in readiness?

KAMKE.

You're planning to free the Princess from her imprisonment? That is high treason, remember.

SONNSFELD.

It must succeed, at whatever cost. The Queen wishes to see the Princess amid the circle of friends whom she has invited this evening for a secret purpose. The Princess has been instructed. She knows that I will come to her room and remain there in her place to deceive the sentry. She will meet you in the Blue Room.

KAMKE.

The Blue Room—where—for the last few nights the White Lady has been seen?

SONNSFELD.

She will meet you there—

KAMKE (horrified).

Me?

SONNSFELD.

She will speak to you—

KAMKE.

Me?

SONNSFELD (pulling him to the door at the right).

Yes, me—I mean you—and you will lead her from the Blue Room—you will take her hand and bring her safely hither by the surest and quickest route.

KAMKE.

My lady—whom—whom? The Princess Wilhelmine?

SONNSFELD (going out).

No, no, Kamke, the White Lady—but come quickly now, quickly.

[They both go out.]