THE PRINCESS. Nothing more! I must go! I feel that if I stay any
longer, something dreadful will happen!
THE KING. (_taking her hand and detaining her_) What do you fear?
THE PRINCESS. I feel like the maiden in the story who was told that if
she stayed till the clock struck, she would be changed into the shape
of an animal. Something tells me that if I stay here till the clock
strikes, we shall both be transformed into beasts. Oh, let me go!
THE KING. No, wait!
_The clock strikes noon_.
THE PRINCESS. (_staring at the door_) I am lost!
THE GYPSY. (_at the door, announcing_) The couriers of the King of
Basque!
_The couriers enter. They stare amazed at the girl seated beside the
King_.
FIRST COURIER. The Princess!
SECOND COURIER. Here!
_The King and the Princess look at each other. Then the King speaks_.
THE KING. (_challengingly_) Where should the Princess be, but beside
her affianced husband?
FIRST COURIER. We came to tell you that she was missing from the
caravan.
SECOND COURIER. We feared for her safety.
THE KING. Your fears were needless.