ge for him.
Good night, gentlemen. [_He turns again and looks at the_ PRINCE
_thoughtfully, repeating the words_.] "Does my choice make you happy,
child?" [_Looking at the_ PRINCE.] Pity he's only a bookish man.

[EVERSMANN _takes up a candlestick with officious haste, brushes angrily
past the triumphant_ HOTHAM _and throws a glance of suppressed rage at
the_ PRINCE.]

EVERSMANN.

May I light Your Majesty--on your visit to--

KING (_interrupts him with the_ PRINCE'S _words_).

"These minions tremble--" [_After a pause, during which he glances over
them all_] I would be alone. [_He goes out_.]

ACT V

_A drawing-room in the_ QUEEN's _apartments. A window to the right.
Three doors, centre, right, and left. Tables and chairs. Candles on the
tables, playing-cards, and tea service_.

SCENE I

KAMKE _stands on a step-ladder fastening a large curtain over the
window. Two lackeys are assisting him_.

KAMKE (_on the ladder_).

There! And now be ready to receive the ladies at the little side
stairway. They will arrive in sedan chairs. No noise, do you
hear--softly--softly. [_The lackeys go out_.]

SONNSFELD (_comes in from the left_).

Ah, at last a festival of which the Prussian Court need not be ashamed.
Kamke, why are you draping that window?

KAMKE.

So that our festival may not be observed. [_Coming down off the
ladder_.] Then you too are concerned in this conspiracy?

SONNSFELD.

The Queen has taken all responsibility. She risks her own freedom for
that of her daughter, and will receive the Prince of Wales tonight in
strictest incognito. Is everything in readiness?

KAMKE.

You're planning to free the Princess from her imprisonment? That is high
treason, remember.

SONNSFELD.

It must succeed, at whatever cost. The Queen wishes to see the Princess
amid the circle of friends whom she has invited this evening for a
secret purpose. The Princess has been instructed. She knows that I will
come to her room and remain there in her place to deceive the sentry.
She will meet you in the Blue Room.

KAMKE.

The Blue Room--where--for the last few nights the White Lady has been
seen?

SONNSFELD.

She will meet you there--

KAMKE (_horrified_).

Me?

SONNSFELD.

She will speak to you--

KAMKE.

Me?

SONNSFELD (_pulling him to the door at the right_).

Yes, me--I mean you--and you will lead her from the Blue Room--you will
take her hand and bring her safely hither by the sures