ming Princess of
Europe that--

WILHELMINE.

You have nothing to tell me--nothing at all.

PRINCE (_throws himself at her feet_).

I would tell her that there is one Prince who, although he will one day
reign over no more than a tiny plot of German earth, still can gather
from the spell of her beauty, the kindness of her heart, the courage to
say to her--I love you--I worship you.

WILHELMINE.

Prince, what are you doing--please arise--some one is coming!

PRINCE.

Not until you promise me you will meet me there.

WILHELMINE.

Oh--if we should be surprised like this! Please get up!

PRINCE.

You will promise? You will meet me?

WILHELMINE.

Where? [_He points to the window._] There? But I am not alone even
there.

PRINCE.

Those simple people are overjoyed when their Princess consents to linger
an hour with them in their poverty. I have much to say to you, Princess,
very much. I will tell you of the plans concerning England or Austria of
which you are the central figure. And you must tell me again--in the
very best style of Versailles, which I know thoroughly--that you hate
me--that you detest me--

WILHELMINE.

Prince, you torture me--I hear voices. Some one is approaching--Please
get up.

PRINCE.

Will you promise?

WILHELMINE.

Cruel one! You won't get up--

PRINCE.

Not until you promise--

WILHELMINE.

If you promise to talk only about the plans that concern me--and about
French grammar--

PRINCE (_springing up_).

You promise? You will come? By every star in the firmament I swear I
will begin with the verb _J'aime_--I love--and you shall see how, in
comparison with the language of a devoted heart, in comparison with the
art which unadorned nature can practise, even Voltaire is only--a
wigmaker. [_He goes out._]

SCENE IX

_The noise of drums in the distance is no longer heard._ WILHELMINE
_left alone, starts as if to follow the_ PRINCE. _Then she turns back
hesitating, and walks with uncertain steps to the table. She rings the
bell._ SONNSFELD _comes in, looks at the Princess as if surprised,
speaks after a pause._

SONNSFELD.

Your Highness commands?

WILHELMINE (_as if awakening from a dream_).

I? Nothing.

SONNSFELD.

Your Highness rang?

WILHELMINE.

Yes, I did. My mantilla--my fan--the veil.

SONNSFELD.

Your Highness is going out?

WILHELMINE.

I am going out.

SONNSFELD.

Has Your Highness permission?

WILHELMINE.

Permission? A