AGI—[_With growing boldness._] What you said ... and did ... and looked
... bewildered me, upset my balance, broke down my self-control ... else
I should never have spoken. There is a sort of poetry in hopelessness.
Until to-night, at least I had that. It was beautiful in its way. But now
it’s gone, too. A pity!
ALEXANDRA—I don’t know what to say.... I wish I could give it back to you.
AGI—That’s beyond your power, little princess.
ALEXANDRA—Don’t call me that, if you please.
AGI—You see, I can’t speak to you the way I used to. I am confused, your
highness. But to-morrow ... to-morrow....
ALEXANDRA—No, no, ... it must be settled now. I don’t want any more
misunderstanding. I had better tell you ... everything ... though I’m
terribly ashamed....
AGI—Your highness?
ALEXANDRA—No, no, I can’t tell you....
AGI—I implore you, tell me. I—— [_Hopefully._] Tell me. Obey your heart.
Take courage, and tell me what above all things in the world I want to
hear....
ALEXANDRA—No, no; you are misunderstanding me again. But it’s my fault.
What I have to tell you is quite painful.
AGI—What is it, your highness?
ALEXANDRA—It’s about a deception that has been practiced on you.