HYACINTH—[_While she embraces him, to AGI._] See that? I understand women.
AGI—[_Touched._] She’s beautiful ... and good ... I’ve forgiven her long
ago.
ALEXANDRA—But I can’t forgive myself. Never, never! [_With a start._]
What are we thinking? [_Suddenly._] And poor mother.... [_She is about to
rise._]
HYACINTH—Stay, my child, I wouldn’t go up to her now. Compose yourself
first, and then we shall go up together.
AGI—[_Crosses to the table._] Your mother was very cruel. [_Sits at the
place where HYACINTH had been sitting._]
ALEXANDRA—I’m sorry for that too. I’m sorry for everything now. And yet
I’m so happy here. [_Embraces HYACINTH._] And you are sweet ... and good
... and strong ... and you understand one so well.
HYACINTH—The curious thing about you two is that I ought to be severe
with you.... And I shall be severe with you. The moment you showed signs
of getting out of control your mother dropped the reins. And now I must
take them in hand. [_Very gravely; rises._] This affair must end here,
my dear children. It can’t go any further. I trust you both realize
that. Fortunately, you are both too clever not to realize it. I am very
sorry. Sorry for you too, my son. [_More severely, to AGI._] Your conduct
here to-day.... Oh, you needn’t be so depressed about it. How can I go
on when you look at me like that? Now, see here. [_Begins over again._]
Your conduct to-day was—— [_His tone changes._] I wish you wouldn’t
look at me so knowingly. It confuses me. You are just as bad as she is
... [_to ALEXANDRA_] and you needn’t look so pleased. You have no cause
to.... This is unheard of! [_Walks a few paces._] Unheard of! [_Comes
to a standstill; bursts out angrily._] You sit there. You don’t say a
word. You just look at me. And one can’t say what one means. [_To AGI,
beginning all over again._] Your conduct to-night was ... I must say——
[_Cannot look AGI in the eye._] I must say ... it was really ... quite
justifiable. There! I’ve said it. [_To ALEXANDRA, crossly._] Why do you
look at me so affectionately?
ALEXANDRA—[_Delighted._] You are looking at me affectionately, Hyacinth.
HYACINTH—[_Crossly._] That’s the worst of it. Yes, that’s the worst
of it. When I look at you, I ... when I look at you ... like this....
Unheard of! I look at you ... and my heart aches for you.... But you
... you children ... you are young ... unspoiled ... and I ... no, I
wasn’t born to be a judge. I try to be ... but I try in vain. I can’t
... judge you. There you sit ... two fine young people ... and in such a
desperate plight ... but so happy in spite of it ... you will never be
as happy again. Happiness flies past like the wind. You have scarcely
felt it before it is gone.... And then comes the reality, to which you
will awake to-morrow morning ... which will separate you, and which will
be for the best.... But it will hurt a little, my dear children. It will
hurt ... such things have happened before.... Even to me ... when I wore
a uniform. A long, long time ago. [_He turns away. There is a pause.
He goes to the table, picks up his glass. Softly._] To your happiness.
[_Raises the glass, sips the wine, sits at the place which AGI had
occupied during supper. There is a pause during which ALEXANDRA and AGI
sit motionless. CÆSAR enters quietly._]
HYACINTH—What is it, my friend?
CÆSAR—[_Quietly._] Her highness requests the reverend father to go and
see her.
HYACINTH—At once?
CÆSAR—Her highness used the word: “Immediately.”
HYACINTH—She would send for me now, just as I am beginning to enjoy my
supper!
CÆSAR—[_In consternation._] Didn’t the reverend father like the soup?
HYACINTH—Soup? [_Rises._] Bitter, hot tea is what you gave me.
CÆSAR—Oh! Oh! Your reverence! What an error! Oh, I could kill myself.
HYACINTH—I forbid you to kill yourself, though I’m sure you had no such
intention. And I’d forbid you to scold the unfortunate waiter who made
the error, if I didn’t know you’d do it anyhow. I’ll be back directly,
children.
ALEXANDRA—[_Rises._] But Hyacinth! We can’t stay here alone. Hadn’t I
better go with you?
CÆSAR—Her highness, the Princess Symphorosa, asked her highness, your
mother, whether she wanted to see your highness.
ALEXANDRA—What did she say?
CÆSAR—Her highness ... so to speak ... expressed herself ... to the
effect that——
ALEXANDRA—What did she say?
CÆSAR—Her highness said: “Let her keep out of my sight.” [_There is a
pause. CÆSAR steps back and whispers to ALFRED._]
HYACINTH—You see, my child! Just stay where you are while I speak to
your mother. You needn’t envy me the task. Then I shall come back and
fetch you. [_He exits at left. ALFRED exits. There is a pause._]
ALEXANDRA—[_After the pause, during which she has repeatedly looked at
AGI._] Please ... I don’t even know your first name. What is it?
AGI—Hans.
ALEXANDRA—How old are you?
AGI—Twenty-nine.
ALEXANDRA—Where were you born?
AGI—In Transylvania.
ALEXANDRA—What district?
AGI—[_In surprise._] Your highness ... at last we are left alone ... and
you ask me questions like a census taker.
ALEXANDRA—[_Embarrassed; helplessly._] I want to know you. I want to hear
all about you as quickly as possible. [_Almost in tears._] But I don’t
know how to go about it.
AGI—Have you thought of to-morrow morning?
ALEXANDRA—I don’t want to think about that yet. The few moments we have
together now ... mustn’t be spoiled ... for you or for me——
AGI—To-morrow they’ll sweep me out like rubbish.
ALEXANDRA—And what if I don’t let them, Hans?
AGI—Just the same, I shall go. Just the same.
ALEXANDRA—[_Notices CÆSAR._] What are you waiting for?
CÆSAR—For your orders, your highness.
ALEXANDRA—[_Comes toward him._] There is nothing. You may go.