xcellency! (_Bowing--exit door_ R.)

DUKE. (_Half sits on table_ L., _watches_ DOLORES _off_. _To_ ROBLEDO)
You've got work before you--Robledo.

ROBLEDO. (_Center_) I'm ready, Excellency.

DUKE. (_Rising, across to_ ROBLEDO) Yes, but this American may be
dangerous.

ROBLEDO. In what way?

DUKE. Unless he is stopped he will go into that castle tonight--and I
look upon you to stop him. He is coming here to solve the mystery and
to find the Prince. I shall endeavor to stop him, but if I fail,
Robledo, it rests with you.

ROBLEDO. I can assure your Excellency I will convince the American that
his presence in the castle tonight is quite unnecessary. Have you any
instructions?

DUKE. Any way you please, Robledo--means are of no consequence in this
world. What I want is results. Only don't underestimate your man. He
will shoot, and I think he will shoot quick.

ROBLEDO. Good! (_Enter_ PEDRO _door_ R. _with tray and bottles and two
glasses. Cross and put them on table up_ C.)

DUKE. (_Taking coin from pocket_) Here, take this and have them drink to
my health and that of her Highness! (ROBLEDO _bows and exits_ R.)

PEDRO. Is there anything else your Excellency desires?

DUKE. Yes, hot water, soap and towels. (_Looks at hands._)

PEDRO. This way, your Excellency. (_Exit_ DUKE _and_ PEDRO _upstairs and
off_ L.)

ROBLEDO. (_Heard off stage_ R.) To his Gracious Excellency, the Duke
D'Alva!

VILLAGERS. (_Off stage_) The Duke! The Duke! The Duke!

(_Enter_ DOLORES R., _crossing to window_ L.)

ROBLEDO. Louder, you beggars, louder, or I'll give you something to yell
for!

VILLAGERS. (_Much louder_) The Duke! The Duke! Long live the Duke! The
Duke! etc.

(_Lights seen of automobile approaching._)

DOLORES. Her Highness! (_Calls_) Father! Father!

PEDRO. (_Entering_) What is it, Dolores?

DOLORES. Quick! Her Highness is here!

PEDRO. Her Highness! (_He bustles downstairs._) Her Highness! (_Calls
off_ R.) Her Highness!

(VILLAGERS _enter door_ R. _Enter_ PRINCESS, NITA _and_ JOSE _in motor
clothes_. PRINCESS _comes_ C. JOSE _door_ L. NITA _left center up
stage_. DOLORES L.C. PEDRO _right center_, C. VILLAGERS _in door_ R.,
_bowing low_.)

PEDRO. Your Highness does my humble inn great honor---- (VILLAGERS
_bow_.)

PRINCESS. Thank you. (_She nods to_ VILLAGERS, _extends her hand to_
DOLORES, _who carries it to her lips, curtseying_.)

DOLORES. Your gracious Highness, we are ill prepared for this great
f