is your particular entertainment
this evening? Enjoying a cup of soup, Frau von Holzendorf? [_Comes
nearer_.] Oho--the silver service? [_He looks into cups_.] What's that?
Tea? Chocolate? Coffee?
QUEEN.
Your Majesty will surely--permit us--to keep pace with our age.
KING.
Frau von Viereck, you, I imagine, have been keeping pace with your age
long enough. About thirty years ago you'd give an old boy like myself a
handshake occasionally.
[_Slyly he holds out his hand to her_.]
VIERECK (_tries to hide the cards behind her back_).
Your Majesty--such graciousness--
[_She holds out one hand_.]
KING.
Both, Fran von Viereck--let me have both.
[VIERECK _lets the cards fall behind her back_.]
KING.
What's that? Did you not drop something? My God! Cards! [_He stands as
if speechless_.] Playing-cards! [_To the_ QUEEN.] Cards, madam--a
Christian court--and cards! I am sure, Frau von Viereck, you were merely
prophesying from those cards. I know, ladies, that you were only telling
your fortunes from the cards. I am quite sure, Frau von Viereck, that
you were merely endeavoring to ascertain whether you would bury your
fifth husband also. Surely--or--is it possible? Money on the tables!
[_He clasps his hands in horror_.] You--have-been-playing?--at my
court?--playing-cards? [_There is a knock at the door to the left_.] Who
knocks there?
QUEEN (_aside_).
It is Wilhelmine or the Prince of Wales! I am lost!
[_Another gentle knock is heard_.]
KING.
You are awaiting more visitors? Come in!
[_He goes to the door himself and opens it_.]
SCENE IV
WILHELMINE, _wearing a white veil and domino, comes in cautiously_.
KING.
A veiled lady! And such mysterious visitors are received here? [_He
lifts the veil_.] What do I see! Wilhelmine!
WILHELMINE (_throwing herself at his feet_).
Father! Forgive me!
KING.
Forgive you! This invasion of the State Prison--this attack on my
sovereign will?
WILHELMINE (_rising, aside_).
This is a nice reception.
[_There is a knock from the left_.]
KING.
Was that not another knock? [_A stronger knock_.] This castle is
haunted, I do believe. And I have indeed been fortunate enough to
prevent the outbreak of a conspiracy! [_A louder knock_.] Who is there
at that door? You will not answer? Then I must open it myself.
QUEEN (_steps before him_).
No, you will not.
KING.
You would hinder me from discovering who are enemies of the Crown?
|