oughtfulness for the Prince of Wales in that? It is he who is to visit
His Majesty secretly in disguise. Eversmann, all our pro-Austrian plans
are in danger. [_There is a knock at the door._] Every noise startles me
these days.

EVERSMANN.

It is the court tailor most likely, pardon me. [_He goes to the door._]
Ha, ha! the white domino!

SECKENDORF.

The court tailor? What can the court tailor be doing here? And a white
domino? Vienna's interests are in danger. The King does favor England. I
must have certainty. This is the moment when I must show my whole power.

SCENE II

HOTHAM (_comes in, bows_).

His Majesty graciously consented to give me a farewell audience.

[EVERSMANN _returns with a little package which he opens, drawing
out a white domino._]

EVERSMANN (_to_ HOTHAM).

I will announce you at once, sir. [_To_ SECKENDORF, _smiling._] Now,
Count Seckendorf, if you wish to _see_ the Prince of Wales [_Pointing to
the domino_] here he is.

[_He goes out into the_ KING'S _room._]

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

That the Prince of Wales?

HOTHAM (_aside_).

A white domino the Prince of Wales?

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

What's the key to this new riddle?

HOTHAM (_aside_).

Can there be some secret doings here?

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

I will question Baronet Hotham cautiously.

HOTHAM (_aside_).

Mayhap this much-decorated gentleman can give me some information.

SECKENDORF (_clearing his throat_).

May I ask--how His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, is enjoying
himself in Berlin? I am Count Seckendorf.

HOTHAM. Most happy to meet you. As Your Excellency perceives, he is at
this moment in the very best hands. [_Points after_ EVERSMANN.]

SECKENDORF (_startled, aside_).

In the best hands? Is he mocking me or is he deceived himself? It looks
as though he too were in the conspiracy.

HOTHAM (_aside_).

This misunderstanding whets my curiosity.

SECKENDORF.

You are in error, Baronet, if you believe that we have opposed the suit
of the Prince of Wales. Procure me an opportunity to speak to the
Prince, and I will consider it an honor to be allowed to repeat this
assurance in his own presence.

HOTHAM (_pointing to the_ KING's _door_).

The door of His Majesty's Cabinet is, I am told, always open to the
Imperial Envoy.

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

The King's Cabinet! Where the Court tailor has just taken the white
domino [_Aloud_.] H'm! Baronet Hotham, do you happen to be acquaint