f the two
The Emperor left!

BOMBELLES.

Oh, is that all, my child?

TIBURTIUS.

Our people hated Bonaparte of old--

THERESA.

Yes--but to see--

BOMBELLES.

His widow?

THERESA.

And perhaps
His son?

BOMBELLES.

Assuredly.

THERESA.

Why, it would mean
I'd never thought or read, and was not French,
Nor born in recent years, if I could stand
Unmoved so near them. Is she lovely?

BOMBELLES.

Who?

THERESA.

Her Majesty of Parma?

BOMBELLES.

Why--

THERESA.

She's sad
And that itself is beauty.

BOMBELLES.

But I'm puzzled.
Surely you've seen her?

THERESA.

No.

TIBURTIUS.

We've just come in.

BOMBELLES.

Yes, but--

TIBURTIUS.

We feared we might disturb these ladies
Whose laughter sings new gamuts to the piano.

THERESA.

Here in my corner I await her notice.

BOMBELLES.

What? Why, it's she who's playing bass this moment!

THERESA.

The Emp--?

BOMBELLES.

I'll go and tell her.

[_He goes to the piano and whispers to one of the
ladies who are playing._]

MARIA LOUISA.

[_Turning._]
Ah! this child--
Quite a pathetic story--yes--you told me:
A brother--

BOMBELLES.

Father exiled. Son an exile.

TIBURTIUS.

The Austrian uniform is to my taste;
And then there's fox-hunting, which I adore.

MARIA LOUISA.

[_To_ THERESA.]

So that's the rascal whose extravagance
Eats up your little fortune?

THERESA.

Oh!--my brother--

MARIA LOUISA.

The wretch has ruined you, but you forgive him!
Theresa de Loget, I think you're charming!

[_She takes_ THERESA _by both hands and makes her
sit beside her on the couch._]

[BOMBELLES and TIBURTIUS _retire to the back._]

Now you're among my ladies. I may boast
I'm not unpleasant; rather sad at times
Since--

THERESA.

I am grieved beyond the power of words.

MARIA LOUISA.

Yes, to be sure. It was a grievous loss.
That lovely soul was little known!

THERESA.

Oh, surely!

MARIA LOUISA.

[_Turning to_ BOMBELLES.]

I've just been writing; they're to keep