ALFRED—The professor reports to your highness that their young highnesses
have put on their fencing costumes and are awaiting your highness’ orders.
BEATRICE—The boys are to go to the gymnasium and wait there. The
professor is to come in here. [_ALFRED exits at right. With tears in her
eyes, BEATRICE turns to ALEXANDRA._] Be strong, my poor, dear child.
[_Kisses her, presses her hands warmly._] Be strong—— [_She exits quickly
into the garden. For a moment ALEXANDRA is alone, then AGI enters, in
fencing costume. In his left hand he holds a fencing mask, in his right a
sword. He stands stiff and formal at the door, awaiting orders. There is
a pause._]
ALEXANDRA—[_Stands down left; speaks without looking at him._] To-night,
... I understand there will be a rare astronomical spectacle.
AGI—Yes, your highness.
ALEXANDRA—What sort?
AGI—Vega and Capella may be seen to best advantage to-night.
ALEXANDRA—What is ... Vega?
AGI—The chief star of Lyra. A green star which is a thousand times
brighter than the sun.
ALEXANDRA—And the other?
AGI—Capella. A golden star, very beautiful.
ALEXANDRA—You intended to show them to the boys to-night.
AGI—Yes, your highness, in the tower.
ALEXANDRA—You love the stars.
AGI—Very much, your highness.
ALEXANDRA—And you know all about them?
AGI—I know very little about them, your highness. But even that little is
marvellously beautiful.
ALEXANDRA—There will be no star-gazing to-night.
AGI—As your highness commands.
ALEXANDRA—We are having a farewell reception to-night in honor of the
Crown Prince. He goes away to-morrow.
AGI—Too bad.
ALEXANDRA—The official personages of the neighborhood have been asked
to come. There won’t be many. I have expressed the desire that ... you
be invited too. [_AGI, wide-eyed with astonishment, comes a pace or two
nearer._] That is why I said you couldn’t look at the stars to-night.
AGI—[_Modestly._] I am very happy, your highness; and if anything could
make me happier, it is the privilege of receiving the invitation from
your highness’ own lips.
ALEXANDRA—The reception is likely to be stiff and formal. I hope you
won’t be bored.
AGI—I couldn’t be bored where your highness was.
ALEXANDRA—In case you do find the society of officials and councillors
tiresome, you may come to me.