yourself? (STEWARD _lays bags and satchels on seat, back to
audience._) Rather inconvenient, those doors, till you get used to them,
but necessary to keep out the water in rough weather.

PRINCESS. (L., _paying very little attention to_ STEWARD, _only anxious
to get rid of him and_ NITA _so she may turn trunk over._) You don't
anticipate a bad passage, Steward?

STEWARD. (R., _fussing about_) Rather uncertain at this season, but your
location is good, Madam, and you'll find she's as steady as a church.

PRINCESS. (_Looking around as_ STEWARD _arranges things fussily_) This
is very pleasant. (NITA _arranges bags and grips on window seat._)

STEWARD. Quite the best suite on board, Madam. Here is the clothes
press, and the other rooms are off there. (_Opening door_ L. _and
closing it again._) If you want anything--(_Points_ L.)--there is the
telephone. (_Notices trunk in middle of room for first time. Takes
hold._) I'll place your trunk---- (_Starts to move trunk and drags it to
side._)

PRINCESS. (_Quickly stopping him_) Never mind now, Steward. You can
place it later. (STEWARD _releases trunk, but does not set it down._)
You might turn it right side up.

STEWARD. (_Noticing labels_) Oh, I'm sorry! (_Turns trunk._ PRINCESS
_sighs._) I hope the contents are not upset, madam.

PRINCESS. I hope not.

STEWARD. Anything more, Madam?

PRINCESS. (_Anxious to get him out of room_) Not now, thank you,
Steward. How soon do we sail?

STEWARD. Very soon now. (_Voices off calling, "All ashore!" four times;
voice approaches and dies away._) They're already calling "All ashore,"
Madam. (_Exit and closes door._)

Nita. (L.C.) Your Highness has the key to this trunk?

PRINCESS. (C.) Yes--yes--you may--leave this trunk as it is, Nita, till
later. (_Crosses to_ R.) Go to your room and get settled; then unpack
the other trunks. I'll call you when I want you.

NITA. (_Going toward door_ R.) Yes, your Highness. (_When_ R., _near
door, stops suddenly and timidly says_) Will your Highness pardon me if
I am mistaken in thinking I recognize the DUKE, your exalted cousin,
among the passengers?

PRINCESS. (_Without showing_ NITA _that she is startled, but audience
sees it_) My cousin, impossible. He is at Madrid.

NITA. (_In excellent servant style, yet knowing she is right_) Yes, your
Highness. (NITA _bows and exits_ R., _closing door._)

PRINCESS. (_Quickly fumbles with keys--selects right one, inserts in
lock, unlocks and ope