Flink. In every way? What do you mean by that?

The King. Kept house like an ordinary citizen--were married like an
ordinary citizen--were to be found in his office at regular hours like
any other official?

Gran. And had no court, I suppose?

The King. No. (KOLL and GRAN exchange glances.)

Flink (shrugging his shoulders). It would be the last sensation left for
him to try.

The King (who did not observe his shrug, eagerly). That is so, isn't it?
You agree with me as to that? I am delighted to have had this talk with
you, Mr. Flink.

Flink. The same to you, Mr.--Mr.--. (In an undertone, to KOLL.) Is he a
republican?

The King (who has overheard him). Am I a republican? I have had too
much experience not to be! Ha, ha! (Takes up his glass.) Devilish good
champagne, this!

Flink (drinking). But, you know, Mr.--Mr. Republican--ha, ha!--(smiles
and whispers)--the King simply would not be allowed to do what you
suggest. Ha, ha!

The King. What do you mean?

Gran (aside to KOLL, who gets up). Are you sure this is right?

Koll. It will do him good, anyway, to hear all sides.

Flink (who has got up and gone to the table on the other side to get a
pipe). He simply would not be allowed to, poor chap! What is monarchy,
I ask you? Nothing more or less than an insurance business in which
a whole crew of priests, officials, noblemen, landed proprietors,
merchants and military men hold shares? And, goodness knows, _they_ are
not going to give their director leave to commit any such folly! Ha, ha,
ha!

The King (getting up). Ha, ha, ha!

Flink (vociferously, to him). Don't you think that is true?

The King. Good Lord!--perfectly true! Ha, ha ha!

Flink (who has cleaned and filled a pipe, but forgotten to light it,
going up to the KING). And what do they insure themselves again,
these beauties? (More seriously.) Against the great mass of the
people--against _his_ people! (The KING looks at him and makes a
movement of dislike.)

Gran. Look here, Flink; suppose we go out into the garden for a little?
These spring evenings are so lovely.

Flink. Compared to a political talk, the loveliest spring evenings have
no attraction for me--no more than warm water, offered me in place of
fine cooling wine, would have. No, let us stay where we are. What is the
matter with this pipe? (ANNA signs that she will put it right for him,
but he does not understand.)

Gran. Give her your pipe; she will put it right.

Koll. Wha