DOMINICA—Something has happened ... to Alexandra?
HYACINTH—No, but almost.
BEATRICE—[_Terrified._] Karl!
DOMINICA—Good heavens!
HYACINTH—I implore you, don’t you faint too.
DOMINICA—Karl! You terrify me.
HYACINTH—On the contrary. I am reassuring you.
DOMINICA—What happened, in heaven’s name?
HYACINTH—Simply this—that since Albert came here he has conducted himself
like a fish.
DOMINICA—Like a fish? [_DOMINICA is sitting at left, BEATRICE at right
and HYACINTH stands between them._]
BEATRICE—How can you say such a thing?
HYACINTH—It is true. He was cold and mute.
DOMINICA—Poor Albert! That was on my account. He wanted me to be here
before he——
HYACINTH—No one in the world could have suspected that. Least of all
Alexandra, who was quite attracted by him and who was deeply wounded by
his indifference.
DOMINICA—Did he make it as conspicuous as that?
HYACINTH—It couldn’t possibly have been more conspicuous. He is a very
good son, but a very bad marriage candidate. Just the same, your son is
idolized here. Both by the girl and by her good mother. [_His gesture
indicates BEATRICE._]