be seen through that curtain?

QUEEN (_sitting_).

Why do you hesitate?

VIERECK.

Have we Your Majesty's permission to draw the tables nearer together?
There--there is so much air at this window.

[_The lackeys place the table farther from the window_.]

QUEEN.

Yes, ladies, this evening a new era begins for our monarchy. I will
break at last with the established etiquette. [_Lackeys come in with
trays_.] Order what pleases you. The beverages of China and the Levant
shall from now on no longer be strangers to our court.

HOLZENDORF.

What is this? Tea?

VIERECK.

And coffee? These forbidden beverages?

HOLZENDORF.

If His Majesty the King--

QUEEN.

Have no fear. Give your feelings full sway--express yourself without
fear, in assurance of perfect safety--[_There is a knock at the door,
right_.] Was not that a knock?

VIERECK (_aside, trembling_).

What does this mean?

[_The knock is repeated. The ladies all rise as if frightened_.]

QUEEN.

Be calm, ladies. There is no danger. The evening will offer one surprise
after another. Who, do you imagine, is at that door now?

[_The knock is repeated. The ladies all rise as if frightened_.]

HOLZENDORF.

The hand seems none of the most delicate.

QUEEN.

And yet it is. That knock expresses the impetuous longing of a being
whom my courage has freed from a humiliating situation. You may resume
your seats, ladies. Do not allow yourselves to be disturbed by anything
that may occur, not even by any surprise. This is but the beginning of
many things that will come to pass this evening. And so I cry--in
overflowing emotion--[_There is another knock_.] "Moderate your
impatience, beloved being; you shall find here what you seek--your
mother!" [_She opens the door_.]

SCENE III

_The_ KING _steps in. He is wrapped in a white cloak, his hat pulled
down over his face_.

KING.

Yes, your mother.

[_The ladies all rise with exclamations of horror. The_ KING _removes
his hat_.]

QUEEN (_aside, crushed_).

The King!

KING (_angry, but forcing himself to be affable_).

On my word, how fine we are here, very fine indeed! And how nice it does
look with so many lights burning. [_He blows out several_.] Why are you
hiding yourselves, ladies? Did you expect such a visitor?

QUEEN.

Your Majesty

[_The ladies place themselves so that they screen the table. They hide
the cards quickly_.]

KING.

Do not let me disturb you, ladies. What