HOTHAM_.]

SCENE IV

HOTHAM (_alone_).

Excellent! We adapt ourselves to circumstances and circumstances adapt
themselves to us. Now for my letter to the Queen. [_He sits down, takes
a partly written letter from his portfolio and reads it_.] "Exalted
Lady: Your wish to see the Prince of Wales is a command for your devoted
servant. Unless all plans should go awry I will have the honor to lead
the Prince of Wales this very night into the presence of his Royal Aunt.
He hopes not only for the happiness of pressing a kiss on Your Majesty's
hand, but desires, with all the longing of an ardent heart, finally to
look upon his dear affianced, the Princess Wilhelmine. Use all your
power to free the Princess from her imprisonment for this evening." [_He
begins to write_.] "I would suggest that you advise the Princess to wrap
herself in a white domino. This disguise will carry her safely past the
palace sentries." There--the young people can see each other again, can
storm the fortress of the mother's heart, and can win for themselves the
support of public opinion, as represented by the invited guests. [_He
seals the letter_.] Now if I could find the Prince--Ah, there he is!

PRINCE (_looking in cautiously_).

Hotham, I've been looking for you everywhere. What do you think has just
happened to me?

HOTHAM.

Another Royal mission?

PRINCE.

I can scarce believe it myself. Disconsolate, I was preparing for the
journey, and stopped to cast one last look up to the windows behind
which my beloved sits captive--a lackey of the King's suite approached
me. I anticipated some new humiliation. But imagine my astonishment at
the surprise in store for me. You know the value the King sets on his
nightly smoking-bouts. He invites to these gatherings only persons for
whom he has especial plans. Now picture my amazement when I learned that
His Majesty begs me, before my departure tonight, to do him the pleasure
to attend his Smoker!

HOTHAM.

You have an invitation?

PRINCE.

You're--you're laughing. [_HOTHAM laughs heartily_.] What are you
laughing at?

HOTHAM.

It's unspeakably comical.

PRINCE.

Comical? I should consider it rather tragical, when a sovereign first
humiliates us and then suddenly heaps amiabilities upon us. What is the
matter with you.

HOTHAM.

Stand up straight-breast thrown out--head up--hands at your side--no,
more to the back--

PRINCE.

What do you mean?

HOTHAM (_pulling his hair_).