Part 10
THE BALL.—_A magnificent, brilliantly illuminated room. Big double doors at left and right. High arches in the back wall give out into a corridor, and beyond each arch is a tall glass door, curtained with some transparent material._
_Down right a table is laid for seven. Two tabourettes stand between the table and the audience. Soft music can be heard off stage. It is midnight._
_When the curtain rises CÆSAR is pouring wine into the glasses and putting the finishing touches to the table arrangements. Finished, he goes to the door at right and stands, immobile as a statue._
_The glass door back left opens; SYMPHOROSA enters. For a moment the music sounds louder, a glimpse of people dancing can be seen; then the door is closed._
_SYMPHOROSA stops, looks back as if she is expecting someone to follow her. After a brief pause the door is opened again and BEATRICE enters._
BEATRICE—Did you beckon me to come out?
SYMPHOROSA—Yes.
BEATRICE—What do you want? Why do you act so mysteriously?
SYMPHOROSA—I didn’t want to whisper to you in there.
BEATRICE—Don’t be excited! What’s the matter? Tell me calmly.
SYMPHOROSA—Beatrice, I think that Alexandra has been sitting in that corner with the professor altogether too long.
BEATRICE—For the first time in my life, Symphorosa, I think you are right.
SYMPHOROSA—It seems to me she is going just a bit further than is strictly necessary.
BEATRICE—Apparently I have made a mistake in the size of the dose. But don’t worry, my dear.
SYMPHOROSA—She should be told that she has done enough for the present. Let her keep away from the professor a while.
BEATRICE—Very well, Symphorosa, go and tell her to keep away from the professor. Only how will you tell her?
SYMPHOROSA—I’ll signal to her. Like this. [_She indicates how._]
BEATRICE—That’s right, my dear. [_Embraces her affectionately._] You are a darling!
SYMPHOROSA—And you are the cleverest woman in the world.
BEATRICE—Only the cleverest in this room. [_SYMPHOROSA makes a gesture of protest._] For in the next room is a cleverer woman than I: my daughter. [_SYMPHOROSA sighs._] Don’t sigh. You’d do better to admire her poise and tact. And the effect it has had. Albert remarked to me twice that to-night for the first time he has begun to notice how beautiful she is. He won’t go away to-morrow. Wait and see. And the day after to-morrow his mother, Maria Dominica, will be here. [_Noticing SYMPHOROSA’S impatience._] You are impatient, my dear. Well, go and signal to her. [_SYMPHOROSA hurries off into the ballroom. BEATRICE watches her exit with a contented smile, then looks around the room, sees CÆSAR._] Cæsar!
CÆSAR—Your highness.
BEATRICE—Is everything ready?
CÆSAR—Yes, your highness.
BEATRICE—The table?
CÆSAR—Seven covers. For his royal highness, the family, the adjutant and the professor.
BEATRICE—You will be sure that the service is flawless.
CÆSAR—Your highness!
BEATRICE—What is the menu?
CÆSAR—Everything his royal highness likes. His excellency, Count Luetzen, was good enough to indicate to me the dishes his royal highness prefers for supper.
BEATRICE—What are they?
CÆSAR—Cold bouillon.
BEATRICE—Yes.
CÆSAR—Cold salmon.
BEATRICE—Yes.
CÆSAR—Cold beef.
BEATRICE—Yes.
CÆSAR—With his own mustard.
BEATRICE—His own mustard?
CÆSAR—With his royal highness’ own mustard.
BEATRICE—And what may that be?
CÆSAR—His royal highness carries his own mustard wherever he goes.
BEATRICE—That is a new custom!
CÆSAR—The chef says it is a very ancient custom. Eminent Greeks of olden times always brought their own spices to the table of their host.
BEATRICE—Is the chef such a learned man?
CÆSAR—Yes, your highness. He also told me that the Greek gourmands used to wear a protective shell over their tongues, which they only removed at meal-times.
BEATRICE—[_Gives him a look of stern reproof._] I didn’t ask you that.
CÆSAR—No, your highness. I took the liberty of mentioning it as a curiosity....
BEATRICE—You will only answer my questions.
CÆSAR—Yes, your highness. And cold chicken.
BEATRICE—What’s that?
CÆSAR—Cold chicken—after the beef.
BEATRICE—What time will supper be served?
CÆSAR—In twenty-four minutes, your highness. And an ice.
BEATRICE—The menu is too cold for me. In my cup you will serve hot tea, without sugar.
CÆSAR—I am afraid, your highness, that hot tea may be distinguishable from the cold bouillon ... by the vapor.
BEATRICE—You will see to it that the hot tea has no vapor.
CÆSAR—I don’t know just how that can be done, your highness, but it will be.
BEATRICE—I shall expect it to be. [_CÆSAR steps back as SYMPHOROSA re-enters._] Well?
SYMPHOROSA—I signaled to her.
BEATRICE—Yes.
SYMPHOROSA—And she stood up immediately.
BEATRICE—Good. Now go and see that Arsen puts those cold towels around his neck.
SYMPHOROSA—What a perfect mother you are!
BEATRICE—There is no other joy on earth. [_SYMPHOROSA exits at left. She addresses CÆSAR._] Where is supper to be served from?
CÆSAR—From here, your highness. [_He claps his hands twice. A procession of servants enters, slowly, single-file. ALFRED, platter in hand, comes first. After him come two lackeys, each carrying a platter, borne ceremonially aloft. In the rear are two Hussars with champagne buckets. ALFRED and the two lackeys go to the table and, their backs to the audience, lay the three platters on the table. Simultaneously the two Hussars deposit their buckets on the floor near the wall at right. Then the Hussars take their station to the left of the right hand arch while the two lackeys stand in profile between the arch and the doorway at right. ALFRED stands between them, bowing._]
CÆSAR—Voilà!
BEATRICE—Bravo, Cæsar! [_She hurries off into the ballroom. CÆSAR bows profoundly._]
CÆSAR—[_When the door has closed behind BEATRICE._] Hussars! [_The Hussars come forward. He inspects them from head to foot._] Right about, face! [_They obey the order. He adjusts their tunics._] Left face! [_They obey._] Very good. [_The Hussars step back._] Alfred! [_ALFRED comes forward slowly, and with dignity._] Son Altesse Royale Madame la Duchesse prendra au lieu du consommé froid du thé chaud. Mais du thé chaud _non fumant_. Le thé doit faire comme couleur absolument l’impression d’un consommé froid.
ALFRED—Javoll! Sie können sich bestimmt auf mich verlassen. Alles wird in Ordnung sein.
CÆSAR—Vabene mio caro, vabene, vabene, grazia, grazia. [_ALFRED exits, followed by the two lackeys. The Hussars occupy themselves with the wine buckets and bottles. CÆSAR supervises their activities and gives them whispered orders. Meantime ALEXANDRA has entered back left. Behind her, almost beside her, comes AGI. His demeanor is a curious mixture of deferential formality and blissful intimacy._]
ALEXANDRA—Cæsar!
CÆSAR—Your highness.
ALEXANDRA—Is supper to be served in here?
CÆSAR—Yes, your highness. The guests will be served at small tables in the yellow salon. His royal highness and the family in here. Her highness, your mother, was here just a moment ago.
ALEXANDRA—Oh, then everything has been looked after. How soon will supper be served?
CÆSAR—In seventeen minutes. Has your highness any orders?
ALEXANDRA—Nothing, thank you. [_CÆSAR returns to the wine buckets. At his signal the Hussars exit. During the following scene CÆSAR is very busy between the serving table and the supper table. But he is listening._]
AGI—May I escort you back to the ballroom?
ALEXANDRA—Please don’t.... I am afraid you misunderstood me. When I said I was going in to look at the table ... I ... I didn’t mean for you to come with me.
AGI—Your highness, I beg your pardon. [_Is about to withdraw._]
ALEXANDRA—Wait ... don’t go. [_Embarrassed._] Perhaps I put it a bit too strongly. I didn’t mean it that way.
AGI—Please, your highness. [_CÆSAR discreetly exits back right._]
ALEXANDRA—Forgive me. I am unpracticed in such things. I didn’t mean to be rude.
AGI—I know, your highness. The reason I misunderstood was because while I was in the midst of my description of the constellation of the Eagle, your highness suddenly stood up ... and so I thought I ought to stand up too, and finish the sentence on the way. I was saying that these seven stars represent a flying eagle and that the eagle’s head——
ALEXANDRA—That’s where I stood up.
AGI—Yes. And it never occurred to me that you were making your escape.
ALEXANDRA—Your stars _were_ beginning to get tiresome.
AGI—I am sorry, your highness.
ALEXANDRA—I had expected to hear about the mysteries and the miracles of the sky, and you spoke only of names and numbers. I never knew the subject was so tedious.
AGI—The stars have their emotional side, too. But I didn’t dare to speak of it.
ALEXANDRA—Perhaps ... that might have been more exciting.
AGI—I could have told you how across those vast distances and beyond the millions of stars one’s thoughts go on to God and His eternity ... to life and death ... to life—[_softly_] and love.
ALEXANDRA—[_Coldly._] Can your imagination bridge such vast distances as that?
AGI—When I look up to you, your highness,—yes. [_There is a pause._]
ALEXANDRA—[_More coldly._] And eternity, too?
AGI—When I look down upon myself, your highness. [_Another pause._]
ALEXANDRA—And you believe in such miracles?
AGI—If I didn’t believe in miracles, your highness, how could I endure my life?
ALEXANDRA—Is it so unendurable?
AGI—It would be, if——
ALEXANDRA—If?
AGI—If I hadn’t two—an outer and an inner life.
ALEXANDRA—Have you? I never noticed.
AGI—Because your highness believes in miracles, too.... You believe my cold and impassive face ... cold and impassive ... even when it is slapped.
ALEXANDRA—[_In surprise._] Is your face slapped?
AGI—Every day.
ALEXANDRA—Who slaps your face? [_He does not answer._] Who? Do we? Do I? [_He nods his head._] Without knowing it?
AGI—They are the worst slaps of all.
ALEXANDRA—I must say ... this is more mysterious than the stars. Do I hurt you?
AGI—Every day your highness looks upon a miracle. A man’s face, his voice, all his outward appearance remain calm and unruffled ... while inwardly he burns. And you never ask for the explanation of the miracle.
ALEXANDRA—The explanation?
AGI—[_With rising passion._] Why does your highness suppose I endure it all? Why do I go on teaching, humbly, silently and submissively? Why do I stifle my individuality? Why am I here at all? [_ALBERT enters at left with two ladies._]
ALEXANDRA—I never thought——
ALBERT—[_Good-humoredly interrupts._] An ideal daughter of the house! Before the concert she looks after the musicians, and before supper she looks after the table. Her watchful eye is everywhere.
FIRST LADY—Your highness ought to see her at the hospital among the poor sick people.
ALEXANDRA—You mustn’t flatter me, Countess. The praise is due to you and the other ladies. I am there because it is my duty to be.
SECOND LADY—Oh, your highness!
ALBERT—Delightfully modest, isn’t she? I know. You have the same noble character as your dear mother. Good evening, Professor. [_AGI bows profoundly. ALBERT addresses the two ladies._] A brilliant fellow, this young man. [_Starts up right with the two ladies._] He is not only a scientifically trained astronomer and teacher but also a swordsman of the first rank. I saw him fencing with the boys this afternoon; and I must say: C’était parfait, absolutement parfait! [_Exits with the ladies as he speaks._]
ALEXANDRA—Now you are more melancholy than ever.... Why?
AGI—Shall I say it, your highness?
ALEXANDRA—Is it anything I shouldn’t hear?
AGI—[_Looking toward the door through which ALBERT has vanished._] I am jealous, your highness. [_There is a pause._]
ALEXANDRA—I am grieved, Professor. Suddenly you have made me remember ... those vast distances you spoke of before.
AGI—To-night ... to-night they hadn’t seemed so vast.
ALEXANDRA—Yes ... to-night....
AGI—To-night, for the first time, you looked at me as if I were a human being ... a man.... Looked at me ... and said friendly ... intimate things to me——
ALEXANDRA—I said nothing that——
AGI—[_With growing boldness._] What you said ... and did ... and looked ... bewildered me, upset my balance, broke down my self-control ... else I should never have spoken. There is a sort of poetry in hopelessness. Until to-night, at least I had that. It was beautiful in its way. But now it’s gone, too. A pity!
ALEXANDRA—I don’t know what to say.... I wish I could give it back to you.
AGI—That’s beyond your power, little princess.
ALEXANDRA—Don’t call me that, if you please.
AGI—You see, I can’t speak to you the way I used to. I am confused, your highness. But to-morrow ... to-morrow....
ALEXANDRA—No, no, ... it must be settled now. I don’t want any more misunderstanding. I had better tell you ... everything ... though I’m terribly ashamed....
AGI—Your highness?
ALEXANDRA—No, no, I can’t tell you....
AGI—I implore you, tell me. I—— [_Hopefully._] Tell me. Obey your heart. Take courage, and tell me what above all things in the world I want to hear....
ALEXANDRA—No, no; you are misunderstanding me again. But it’s my fault. What I have to tell you is quite painful.
AGI—What is it, your highness?
ALEXANDRA—It’s about a deception that has been practiced on you.
AGI—A deception? [_There is a pause._]
ALEXANDRA—You are a gentleman, and you respect me.
AGI—Your highness....
ALEXANDRA—And I can rely on your discretion.
AGI—Yes.
ALEXANDRA—Absolutely?
AGI—Absolutely.
ALEXANDRA—Yes ... I know you to be a man of honor and a friend of the family ... and I feel that I shall never have peace of mind again until I tell you.... My family ... my mother has but one ambition in life,—to restore our family to its throne. And to that end she wants me to marry the Crown Prince.... You will understand ... it is not easy for me to tell you this.... Every word I speak is like blood ... flowing from a wound. ... Professor ... the Crown Prince showed no interest in me, and my mother decided ... that if someone else were here ... some man ... to whom I could be attentive ... Albert’s interest in me ... might be aroused.... I want you to believe, Professor, that I never meant to hurt you ... and that I am sorry, if I have. Before to-night ... when I was cold and formal with you ... it was because I knew that you were ... not at ease ... in my presence. My mother asked me to invite you to the ball to-night. I have never disobeyed her, but if I had known ... if I could have foreseen ... that a man’s eyes would light up like that when his heart was aflame ... that anyone would dare ... to look into my eyes ... as you have looked—— [_She pauses, walks slowly to the table, sits down._] Now I have told you, Professor. Now you know how you have been deceived. [_There is a pause._] Have you nothing to say?
AGI—[_His head is bowed._] You only obeyed orders.
ALEXANDRA—I don’t want to seem more blameless than I am. It is hateful of me to put all the blame on mother. [_After a pause, she continues earnestly, dreamily, almost sadly._] I want to be a queen. [_Lets her head sink on her arm. There is a pause._]
AGI—[_Softly._] That means ... I may go now.
ALEXANDRA—Why do you say that?
AGI—I have served my purpose.
ALEXANDRA—[_Rises._] I am afraid I shouldn’t have told you. How strangely you look at me! [_The music stops._]
AGI—Something is broken in me.... Why did you tell me?
ALEXANDRA—Shouldn’t I have told you?
AGI—Why did you tell me?
ALEXANDRA—Because I respect you. I want to be friends with you.
AGI—Do you? How touching!... Like the good princess in the fairy tale. But I am not a lad any more ... to believe in fairy tales.
ALEXANDRA—Are you going to ... punish me?
AGI—I adore you ... humbly and hopelessly again. [_Bitterly, earnestly, mockingly._] You needn’t be afraid of me. I know my place. I am still an obedient servant to your illustrious family. And what though I may be wounded a bit and bleeding, I cannot but be honored by the exalted rôle that has been entrusted to me. It is even beginning to amuse and interest me.
ALEXANDRA—You sound insincere.
AGI—Perhaps only bitter.
ALEXANDRA—[_Uneasily._] And I thought it was a kindness to tell you the whole truth.
AGI—You have no further need of me. The bridegroom has caught fire; the teacher cam be extinguished.
ALEXANDRA—I won’t have you think such things of me, or say such things to me.
AGI—Have no fear. I am silent and I serve. Don’t look at me so distrustfully. Let us smile and act as if nothing has happened. [_ALBERT appears at back._] Can’t you smile? See, I can. We were talking about the eagle. [_Louder._] And the head of the eagle—— [_ALBERT enters with BEATRICE and the two ladies._]
ALBERT—Still here?
ALEXANDRA—The professor has been telling me such interesting things. There is an uncommon astronomical spectacle to-night.
ALBERT—Where?
AGI—[_Uneasily._] In the sky, your highness.
ALBERT—I know that. But which stars?
AGI—It is not really anything uncommon. Only that a few so-called summer stars may be observed to particularly good advantage to-night. Capella, Arcturus, Vega and the constellation of the Eagle [_with significance_], which consists of seven stars, which seven stars form a flying eagle; and the head of the eagle....
ALBERT—[_Significantly._] I had no idea this was such an interesting night.
ALEXANDRA—[_Nervously._] And the head of the eagle——
ALBERT—You are very much interested in the stars, aren’t you, Alexandra?
ALEXANDRA—I never thought much about them until to-night.
ALBERT—Thought more about roses—what? But to-night the sky is illuminated—what? A beautiful summer night. [_Significantly._] The stars shine like eyes.
BEATRICE—If you are interested, we have a very good observatory in the tower.
ALBERT—Have you? I didn’t know.
ALEXANDRA—Oh, only an amateur’s observatory.
ALBERT—Doubtless the brilliant professor fitted it up. The young man of a thousand talents ... what?
AGI—No, your highness, it was here when I came.
ALBERT—I wonder you didn’t mention it before.
ALEXANDRA—You go to bed so early. And the stars have no regard for etiquette.
ALBERT—Bravo! That retort was so clever the Professor himself might have thought of it. What?
ALEXANDRA—No, Albert. I thought of it myself.
ALBERT—[_To HYACINTH, who has just entered with SYMPHOROSA._] Did you hear what she said?
HYACINTH—Who?
ALBERT—Xara. She said the stars have no regard for etiquette. [_A gong sounds. CÆSAR, the two HUSSARS and ALFRED enter. The COLONEL enters back left._]
BEATRICE—We dragged the doctor away from his beloved stars to-night.
HYACINTH—And also the poor boys.
SYMPHOROSA—Yes, the poor boys looked forward to it all day. They are delighted with any excuse for not going to bed early.
HYACINTH—Well, they can see them to-morrow. Fortunately the stars are eternal, eh? One can always put them off until to-morrow. [_The two ladies exit back left._]
ALBERT—I didn’t know you had an observatory.
HYACINTH—Oh, yes. Ever since my late brother-in-law, Henry, bought a big telescope. You have seen it often, colonel.
WUNDERLICH—Oh, yes. Once I burned my tongue up there.
ALBERT—With the telescope?
WUNDERLICH—No, your highness. There was some acid in a cup up there, and I tasted it.
SYMPHOROSA—I can imagine what an impression it must have made on you.
WUNDERLICH—I shall never forget it, your highness.
BEATRICE—I think, Albert, it is time to eat something.
ALBERT—I hope to eat a great deal. I always have a ravenous appetite at night. Haven’t I, Wunderlich?
WUNDERLICH—God be thanked, your highness.
ALEXANDRA—[_To AGI, low._] I shouldn’t like them to read in your face what we have been talking about. [_ALEXANDRA and AGI stand down stage left; HYACINTH and ALBERT at center, a trifle back; BEATRICE and SYMPHOROSA down right in front of the table._]
ALBERT—Xara is absorbed in the science of the stars.
AGI—[_To ALEXANDRA._] I’ll try, your highness, but I am afraid it’s too late.
BEATRICE—[_To ALBERT._] She takes a keen interest in the education of the boys. She supervises their studies.
ALEXANDRA—That sounds as if you are threatening me.
ALBERT—Xara will be an astronomer yet.
HYACINTH—Hardly a career to attract a woman.
ALEXANDRA—I have offended you deeply.
AGI—Yes, your highness.
ALEXANDRA—Won’t you forgive me?
AGI—No, your highness. [_ALBERT comes slowly toward ALEXANDRA._]
SYMPHOROSA—[_To BEATRICE, in an agitated whisper._] Something has happened between them.
BEATRICE—Don’t say such things to frighten me, or I shall faint on the spot. [_She moves toward AGI._]
ALBERT—[_As he joins ALEXANDRA._] Xara, will you leave the starry firmament, and come down to earth a while? May I offer my arm?
ALEXANDRA—[_Takes his arm; nervously._] What an _unexpected_ honor, your highness.
SYMPHOROSA—[_To BEATRICE._] See how excited he is. His ears are red. Better send him away at once.
BEATRICE—Leave him to me. I’ll send him away.
ALBERT—[_Escorting ALEXANDRA slowly to the table._] First you neglect me, and now you make fun of me.
ALEXANDRA—I neglect you? How can you say that? [_AGI has slowly followed ALEXANDRA._]
BEATRICE—[_Intercepting him at center._] You seem to be in bad humor, Professor.
AGI—No, your highness. If you will permit me to say so, this is the happiest night of my life.
BEATRICE—But you do seem nervous ... and agitated.
AGI—It’s the unaccustomed surroundings, your highness.
HYACINTH—[_At the table, to ALEXANDRA._] You seem agitated, my child. But no matter, you are all the prettier when your cheeks are flushed.
ALEXANDRA—[_At the table._] I always get flushed when I hear music.
BEATRICE—If you are tired, we will excuse you. Don’t forget you must be up early in the morning.
AGI—I am not tired, your highness. On the contrary I am only beginning to be awake.
ALBERT—[_To ALEXANDRA._] Do you love music?
BEATRICE—[_Calls to him._] She adores music. She sings, too!
ALBERT—And you never sang for me!
SYMPHOROSA—[_Who is standing with BEATRICE and AGI._] Don’t hesitate to go, Professor, if you are sleepy.
AGI—Sleepy, your highness? Why, I just woke up ... not five minutes ago.
ALEXANDRA—[_To ALBERT._] I hesitate to sing for you. You know so much about music.
ALBERT—I? About music? That’s capital! Did you hear that, Wunderlich?
WUNDERLICH—I heard, your highness.
BEATRICE—[_To AGI, again obstructing his way._] You _are_ in a bad humor, Professor. Suppose we send your supper up to your room.
AGI—I’ll eat my supper here. [_BEATRICE is startled by his tone._]
ALBERT—Well, Aunt Beatrice, are you studying astronomy, too? Do you want to starve us to death?
BEATRICE—[_Hurries to the table._] God forbid, dear Albert.
SYMPHOROSA—[_As she, too, goes to the table._] We are lost!
ALBERT—I have always observed that my appetite is keenest at night.
HYACINTH—There you are like Louis XIV.
BEATRICE—Shall we sit down? [_ALBERT and ALEXANDRA sit._] Sit here, Professor. [_Indicates the place between SYMPHOROSA and her. But AGI sits next to ALEXANDRA._]
AGI—Thank you.
BEATRICE—Not there, Professor ... here!
AGI—[_Does not stir._] This will do very well, thank you. [_Painful silence. Shaking his head, HYACINTH sits._]
SYMPHOROSA—[_Whispers to BEATRICE._] We are lost! I know there’s going to be a scandal.
ALBERT—The Bourbons had healthy appetites by day as well. Louis XVIII. once consumed fifteen lamb chops at a public dinner. Imagine how much he must have eaten when no one was looking. That disgusts you, doesn’t it, Beatrice? You are not listening.
BEATRICE—[_Nervously._] Indeed I am. Louis XV. consumed eighteen lamb chops.
ALBERT—No, it was the eighteenth Louis and the fifteenth lamb chop. [_The lackeys, at the serving table, are preparing to serve the soup._]
BEATRICE—[_Sweetly._] I hope you like cold bouillon, Albert.
ALBERT—My favorite summer beverage.
BEATRICE—I am so glad.
SYMPHOROSA—[_Sweetly._] What a fortunate coincidence!
HYACINTH—How long they are taking to serve it.
BEATRICE—Here it comes now, dear. [_CÆSAR, the two HUSSARS and ALFRED serve the soup._] You can’t keep it on the table, for it gets warm. [_Each is served, and tastes the soup. Ceremonial silence._]
AGI—[_Unexpectedly, though not loudly, breaks the silence._] And the head of the eagle—I really must finish that sentence—is a star called Altair or Alpha Aquilæ, the star whose brilliant green radiance illuminates the sky to-night. That is what I wanted to say.
ALEXANDRA—You had quite a difficult time reaching the end of that sentence.
ALBERT—Doubtless the professor speaks so beautifully because Xara likes to listen to him.
BEATRICE—It was beautiful, but I didn’t understand a word of it.