s rung through the listening sky:
Courage! Oh, fallen child of godlike race--"

THE DUKE.

[_Who has entered unnoticed._]

Forgive the interruption, Lamartine!

MARIA LOUISA.

Well, Franz? A pleasant ride?

THE DUKE.

Delightful, mother.
But, Mademoiselle, where did my entrance stop you?

THERESA.

[_Looking at him with emotion._]

"Courage! Oh, fallen child of godlike race,
The glory of your birth is in your face!
All men who look on you--"

MARIA LOUISA.

That's quite sufficient.

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

[_To the children._]

Go, bid good morrow to your cousin.

[_The children run up to the_ DUKE, _who is seated,
and surround him._]

SCARAMPI.

[_To_ THERESA.]

Fie!

THERESA.

Why, what?

A LADY.

[_Looking at the_ DUKE.]

How pale he is!

ANOTHER LADY.

He looks half dead!

SCARAMPI.

[_To_ THERESA.]

You chose such awkward passages.

THERESA.

The book
Fell open by itself. I did not choose.

GENTZ.

[_Who has overheard._]

Books always open where most often read.

THERESA.

[_Looking at the_ DUKE.]

Archdukes upon his knees!

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

[_Leaning over the back of the_ DUKE'S _chair._]

I am delighted
To see you, Franz. I am your friend.

[_She holds out her hand to him._]

THE DUKE.

[_Kissing her hand._]

I know it.

GENTZ.

[_To_ THERESA.]

What do you think of him? I say he's like
A cherub who had secretly read "Werther."

THE LITTLE GIRL.

[_To the_ DUKE.]

How nice your collar is!

THE DUKE.

Your Highness flatters.

THERESA.

His collars!

THE LITTLE BOY.

No one has such sticks!

THE DUKE.

No. No one.

THERESA.

His sticks!

THE OTHER LITTLE BOY.

Oh! and your gloves!

THE DUKE.

Superb, my dear.

THE LITTLE GIRL.

What is your waistcoat made of?

THE DUKE.

That's cashmere.

THERESA.

Oh!

THE ARCHDUCHESS.

And you wear your nosegay--?

THE DUKE.

Latest fashion:
In the third buttonhole. So glad you noticed.

[_At this moment_ THERESA _bursts into s