HYACINTH—Does my sister Symphorosa keep watch over the Prince’s slumbers?
BEATRICE—Yes. She is in constant touch with the adjutant who, on his
part, peeps through the keyhole.
HYACINTH—And that goes on all day long?
BEATRICE—I have to keep informed about everything. He is my guest. That
is no light responsibility.
HYACINTH—And how long has he been here?
BEATRICE—Four days.
HYACINTH—How much longer is he staying?
BEATRICE—According to program, he goes to-morrow. That’s why I wanted you
here sooner. He arrived unexpectedly, and here we were without a man.
HYACINTH—I started immediately I got your telegram. Albert has changed,
hasn’t he? He has become quite an attractive young man. [_He sits._]
BEATRICE—He is very agreeable.
HYACINTH—He appeared genuinely glad to see me. He almost wept when we met.
BEATRICE—He was very fond of my lamented husband too. And he was only a
child then.
HYACINTH—He embraced me cordially and kissed me at least four times. And
he fairly beamed when he told me how much he loved you all.
BEATRICE—That’s just it.
HYACINTH—What’s “just it”?
BEATRICE—[_To ALEXANDRA._] Will you go out into the garden a while, my
dear?