The Princess (_smiling_).
Don't say any more about it, dear friend! I like you that way.
Struebel (_feeling oppressed by her superiority_).
Really you are an awfully strange person! There's something about you
that--that--
The Princess.
Well?
Struebel.
I can't exactly define it.--Tell me, weren't you wanting to go into the
woods before? It's so--so oppressive in here.
The Princess.
Oppressive? I don't find it so at all--quite the contrary.
Struebel.
No, no--I'm restless. I don't know what--at all events, may I not
escort you--? One can chat more freely, one can express himself more
openly--if one-- (_Takes a deep breath._)
The Princess (_smiling_).
And you are leaving your far-away princess with such a light heart?
Struebel (_carelessly_).
Oh, she! She won't run away. She'll be sitting there tomorrow
again--and the day after, too!
The Princess.
And so that is your great, undying love?
Struebel.