GEORG—Why not?
ALEXANDRA—[_Coldly._] Because his highness particularly expresses his
interest in _your_ fencing. Are your costumes in proper condition?
AGI—Yes, your highness.
ALEXANDRA—How long will it take you and the boys to change?
AGI—Ten minutes will be plenty.
ALEXANDRA—I ask because the program has been rigidly fixed. When his
highness has finished in here, he is to inspect my little rose garden,
and from there he goes to the fencing exercises. The inspection of the
garden will take, I estimate, about fifteen minutes.
AGI—I deeply regret that your highness is not to show your skill in
fencing.
ALEXANDRA—I had expected to take part. But if I am to show him the garden
there won’t be time for me to change.
AGI—May I take the liberty to ask whether someone else mightn’t show his
highness the rose garden?
ALEXANDRA—Why do you ask that?
AGI—Then your highness could change your costume and take part in the
fencing instead.
ALEXANDRA—[_Coldly._] And why fencing instead?
AGI—I only ... thought ... your highness fences so well ... and
gracefully ... and——
ALEXANDRA—And?
AGI—And anyone can show him the garden.
ALEXANDRA—Thank you. I am quite aware of that.
AGI—I beg your pardon, your highness. It’s the pride of the teacher that
prompts me to speak.
ALEXANDRA—The program is not regulated to suit your pride. And, in any
case, I have no need of your advice on the subject. [_Raises her chin a
bit imperiously._]