Liddy.
Listen, mother. If the carriage has almost reached the top the princess
can't be far off. Wouldn't it be best, then, to watch for them on the
road?
Frau v. Halldorf.
Certainly, if you think that would be best, dear Liddy.
Struebel.
This is not only an old screw, but it's a regular perverted old screw!
Frau v. Halldorf.
Ah, really?--(_Aside to her daughters._) And if she should actually
speak to us at this accidental meeting--and if we could present
ourselves as the subjects of her noble fiance, and tell her that we
live at her future home--just imagine what an advantage that would give
us over the other women of the court!
Struebel.
There, ladies! We have now rescued the useful instrument to which the
far-sightedness of mankind is indebted.
Frau V. Halldorf.
Thanks, so much.--Pardon me, sir, but have you heard anything about the
report that the princess is going to make the journey up here to-day?
Struebel.
The princess? The Princess of the Springs? The Princess of the lonely
villa? The Princess who is expected at the iron spring every morning,
but who has never been seen by a living soul? Why, I am enormously
interested. You wouldn't believe how much interested I am!
Liddy (_who has looked out, back_).
There--there--there--it is!
Frau v. Halldorf.
The carriage?
Liddy.
It's reached the top already. It is stopping over there at the edge of
the woods.
Frau v. Halldorf.
She will surely enter it there, then. Come quickly, my dear children,
so that it will look quite accidental.--Here is your money. (_She
throws a coin to_ Rosa _and unwraps a small package done up in tissue
paper which she has brought with her._) Here is a bouquet for you and
here's one for you. You are to present these to the princess.
Milly.