The Princess.
Otherwise?
Frau v. Brook.
She will be a lonely and an unloved woman.
The Princess (_with a little smile of resignation_).
Ah!
Frau v. Brook.
What is it, dear? (The Princess _shakes her head._) And then think of
the strain of those formal presentations awaiting you in the autumn!
You must grow strong. Remember that you must be equal to the most
exacting demands of life.
The Princess.
Of life? Whose life?
Frau v. Brook.
What do you mean by that?
The Princess.
Ah, what good does it do to talk about it?
Frau v. Brook.
Yes, you are right. In my soul, too, there are unhappy and unholy
thoughts that I would rather not utter. From my own experience I know
that it is best to keep strictly within the narrow path of Duty.
The Princess.
And to go to sleep.
Frau v. Brook.
Ah, it isn't only that.
The Princess.
Look out there! See the woods!--Ah, to lie down on the moss, to cover
oneself with leaves, to watch the clouds pass by high above----
Frau v. Brook (_softening_).
We can do that, too, sometime.
The Princess (_laughing aloud_).
Sometime!
(The Lackey _appears at the door_).
Frau v. Brook.