_The veranda of an inn. The right side of the stage and half of the
background represent a framework of glass enclosing the veranda. The
left side and the other half of the background represent the stone
walls of the house. To the left, in the foreground, a door; another
door in the background, at the left. On the left, back, a buffet and
serving-table. Neat little tables and small iron chairs for visitors
are placed about the veranda. On the right, in the centre, a large
telescope, standing on a tripod, is directed through an open window_.
Rosa, _dressed in the costume of the country, is arranging flowers on
the small tables_. Frau Lindemann, _a handsome, stoutish woman in the
thirties, hurries in excitedly from the left_.
Frau Lindemann.
There! Now she can come--curtains, bedding--everything fresh and clean
as new! No, this honour, this unexpected honour--! Barons and counts
have been here often enough. Even the Russian princes sometimes come
up from the Springs. I don't bother my head about them--they're just
like--that!--But a princess--a real princess!
Rosa.
Perhaps it isn't a real princess after all.
Frau Lindemann (_indignantly_).
What? What do you mean by that!
Rosa.
I was only thinking that a real princess wouldn't be coming to an inn
like this. Real princesses won't lie on anything but silks and velvets.
You just wait and see; it's a trick!
Frau Lindemann.
Are you going to pretend that the letter isn't genuine;--that the
letter is a forgery?
Rosa.
Maybe one of the regular customers is playing a joke. That student,
Herr Struebel, he's always joking. (_Giggles._)
Frau Lindemann.
When Herr Struebel makes a joke, he makes a decent joke, a real, genuine
joke. Oh, of course one has to pretend to be angry sometimes--but as
for writing a forged letter--My land!--a letter with a gold crown on
it--there! (_She takes a letter from her waist, and reads._) "This
afternoon, Her Highness, the Princess von Geldern, will stop at the
Fairview Inn, to rest an hour or so before making the descent to the
Springs. You are requested to have ready a quiet and comfortable room,
to guard Her Highness from any annoying advances, and, above all, to
maintain the strictest secrecy regarding this event, as otherwise the
royal visit will not be repeated. Baroness von Brook, maid of honour to
Her Highness." Now, what have you got to say?
Rosa.
Herr Struebel lent me a book once. A maid of honour came into that, too.
I'm sure it's a trick!
Frau Lindemann (_looking out toward the back_).
Dear, dear, isn't that Herr Struebel now, coming up the hill? To-day of
all days! What on earth does he always want up here?
Rosa (_pointedly_).
He's in such favour at the Inn.--He won't be leaving here all day.
Frau Lindemann.
That won't do at all. He's got to be sent off. If I only knew how I
could--Oh, ho! I'll be disagreeable to him--that's the only way to
manage it!
(Struebel _enters. He is a handsome young fellow without much polish,
but cheerful, unaffected, entirely at his ease, and invariably
good-natured._)
Struebel.
Good day, everybody.
Frau Lindemann (_sarcastically_).
Charming day.
Struebel (_surprised at her coolness_).
I say! What's up? Who's been rubbing you the wrong way? May I have a
glass of beer any way? Glass of beer, if you please!--Several glasses
of beer, if you please.--(_Sits down._) Pestiferously hot this
afternoon.
Frau Lindemann (_after a pause_).
H'm, H'm!
Struebel.
Landlady Linda, dear, why so quiet to-day?
Frau Lindemann.
In the first place, Herr Struebel, I would have you know that my name is
Frau Lindemann.
Struebel.
Just so.
Frau Lindemann.