s wedding-contract?

KING.

Do not interrupt me. _You_ may not be conscious of it--but I am fully
aware of how much this solemn moment imports.

HOTHAM.

Please Your Majesty--I have already written "In God's name."

KING (_looks surprised and pleased_).

Did you really write that?

HOTHAM.

It is customary to print it at the head of these and similar contracts.

KING.

Printing is not as good--the letter killeth, saith the Scriptures; but
you may begin now.

HOTHAM.

We are concerned here with an affiliation between two nations which,
although differing in language, manners, and customs, still have so many
points of contact that they should seize every opportunity to come
closer to each other.

KING.

Couldn't you weave in something there about the English being really
descended from the Germans?

HOTHAM.

That would lead us too far afield.

KING.

Oh, very well, as you say. It was a good beginning.

HOTHAM.

Such an opportunity now offers in the mutually expressed wish of the
dynasties of England and Prussia, to unite in the bonds of holy
matrimony two of their illustrious scions. The Prince of Wales sues for
the hand of Princess Wilhelmine.

WILHELMINE.

The Prince of Wales?

HOTHAM.

His suit is accepted attendant upon the conditions here following.

WILHELMINE. _Accepted?_

KING.

Hush! Do not disturb this solemn procedure by idle chatter.

WILHELMINE.

But--but how is this possible--

PRINCE (_to the_ PRINCESS).

Your Highness, the conditions are but just being drawn up.

QUEEN (_aside to the_ PRINCESS).

Do not interrupt. What must the envoy of the elegant court of St. James
think of the manners of our Prussian Princesses!

KING.

These chattering women! Very good, Baronet Hotham; the beginning was
excellent. Don't you think so, Prince?

PRINCE.

Certainly, Your Majesty. [_Aside_] It was odious.

QUEEN.

And the conditions? [_Aside_] I am eager to hear about the dowry.

HOTHAM.

First paragraph--

KING.

Pardon me, I can tell you that in fewer words. I give my daughter as
dowry, forty thousand thalers, and a yearly pin-money of two thousand
thalers. I will bear the expense of the wedding. But that is all.

QUEEN (_rising_).

I trust that this is not Your Majesty's real intention. Baronet Hotham,
I beg you will not include such a declaration in the protocol.

KING (_seated_).

Not include it in the protocol? H'm--h'm--forty thousand thalers in