Part 8

AGI— ... After a series of humiliations and protracted physical sufferings he died on the island of St. Helena, on the fifth day of May, 1821, at the age of fifty-two. He was buried on a promontory of the island on which, in his lifetime, he had loved to sit and contemplate the sea. His faithful attendants wished to inscribe the word “NAPOLEON” on his grave-stone.... But his tormentor, Hudson Lowe, persecuting him even beyond the grave, forbade it. The contemptible Hudson Lowe permitted them to inscribe only the words, “LE GENERAL BUONAPARTE.” Later the body was conveyed to France in solemn state; and Paris honored the martyred emperor with magnificent funeral services. There, to this day, in the Dom des Invalides, raised high on a majestically simple bier of stone, he lies at rest. [_He has concluded the lecture. The boys are silent, impressed. AGI looks at his watch._] That finishes our lesson for to-day. [_Closes the book._] Have your highnesses any questions to ask?

ARSEN—Last night we had a dispute with mother. She hates Napoleon. She said he was a usurper.

AGI—That’s one point of view.

GEORG—How do you mean?

AGI—Your highnesses are free to form your own opinions. For my part, I consider him a genius who made his power felt throughout the world.

GEORG—Is that your point of view?

AGI—Yes.

GEORG—Then it’s mine too.

ARSEN—That’s what I call an independent opinion.

GEORG—So it is.... Not mine, but the professor’s.

ARSEN—Mother was very angry.

AGI—With Napoleon.

GEORG—And with you.

AGI—What for?

GEORG—For not teaching us to hate Napoleon.

AGI—I present his story without bias of any sort.

ARSEN—We told mother that, but she thinks you ought to teach us to hate him.

GEORG—She says Napoleon is largely to blame for the dethronement of our family.

AGI—With all deference to her royal highness, that is a somewhat exaggerated view of the historical facts. Napoleon himself never altered in the political status of your illustrious family. If anyone can be blamed for it, it was the King of Württemberg.

GEORG—But the King of Württemberg was one of Napoleon’s puppets.

AGI—Well, indirectly, there may be something in it. That is why I used the term exaggerated. And yet, if anyone can profit by a study of the courage, the initiative and the luck of Napoleon, certainly, in my opinion, a dethroned sovereign family can. Doesn’t his career teach us that thrones are not unattainable? He was only an obscure attorney’s son. Now what he could attain, surely someone, who by right of birth——

ARSEN—Mother——

GEORG—Mother is sensitive on the subject of thrones just now, because Prince Albert is staying with us.

ARSEN—Mother has always been sensitive about thrones.

GEORG—Prince Albert is heir-apparent to a real throne. And when mother lays eyes on an heir-apparent, she loses her appetite.

ARSEN—Poor mother! No wonder. Her great-grandmother was a ruling sovereign. Mother can’t be reconciled to the fact that that glory’s forever ended.

GEORG—Forever?

AGI—Yes ... probably.... Nowadays it is very difficult to——

ARSEN—But suppose the Heir-Apparent marries Alexandra.

GEORG—He won’t marry her.

ARSEN—How do you know he won’t? If he does marry her, Alexandra will be queen some day and we, as her family, will be attached to the Court. And if I know my mother, it won’t be Albert who’ll do the ruling.

GEORG—_If_ he marries her!

ARSEN—He’ll marry her.

GEORG—Why should he?

ARSEN—Because mother wants him to. And because we all want him to,—Aunt Symphorosa, Alexandra herself, I, you, the professor——

GEORG—I don’t want him to marry her. Do you, professor?

AGI—Indeed ... there is no station so exalted that her highness, the Princess Alexandra would not grace it.

GEORG—Just the same, you don’t want her to marry him.

AGI—I? Why do you say that?

GEORG—Because you spoke so coldly and formally.

AGI—I ... I was surprised ... that’s all. It isn’t easy to grasp ... so suddenly. You see, during the few months in which I have been attached to your illustrious family—if I may put it so—her highness, your sister ... great lady though she is ... has been very kind to me ... to us all. Among other things, it has been my privilege to instruct her in fencing ... and when I am suddenly called upon to think that my pupil is to wear the ermine ... that she is to wear a crown ... and sit upon a throne.... Well ... that’s not an easy thing to——

GEORG—I’d be sorry to leave this place ... it’s so pleasant here. The Hungarians have been so good to us. But, if we had to leave, you’d come with us, wouldn’t you?

AGI—If I were wanted.

ARSEN—I shouldn’t mind going. Life at Court might be tiresome; but politics, they say, are exciting. Keep you either trembling all the time ... or laughing. [_BEATRICE and ALEXANDRA enter from the garden. All rise._]

BEATRICE—Finished your lesson, I see.

AGI—Yes, your highness. [_ALEXANDRA stands silent and motionless down left._] We reached the death of Napoleon about ten minutes ago; and it seemed to me such an appropriate stopping place I didn’t think it worth while to start a new chapter to-day.

BEATRICE—[_Sharply._] An appropriate stopping place?

AGI—So I thought, your highness.

BEATRICE—A stopping place for the dead man, yes. But for us ... merely a comma in an unfinished sentence.... Arsen! Georg! Prince Albert is coming to visit you here. He has expressed the wish to talk with you about your studies. I infer from what he said that he is particularly interested in history. Count Luetzen, whom I consulted later, has confirmed that inference. Now go wash your hands and faces, comb your hair, and change your clothes.

ARSEN—When is he coming?

BEATRICE—As soon as he awakes.

GEORG—Is he asleep?

BEATRICE—I said, “As soon as he awakes.” Which should have conveyed to you the information that he is now asleep.

GEORG—It did, mother. That’s why I asked you.

BEATRICE—That remark is superfluous. Arsen, I hear you have been coughing.

ARSEN—No, mother; only once or twice.

BEATRICE—Symphorosa tells me you have been coughing. [_To AGI._] Why haven’t you reported it to me?

AGI—This morning his highness ate a green pepper and, despite my advice, neglected to remove the fibers. That is why he coughed. I didn’t consider it serious enough to report to you.

BEATRICE—You couldn’t possibly have known whether it was serious or not. You’re not a doctor.

GEORG—[_To ARSEN._] That’s what he gets for Napoleon.

BEATRICE—What did you say?

GEORG—Nothing, mother; I only coughed.

BEATRICE—And you, I hear, were riding like a wild man this morning.

GEORG—Did Symphorosa tell you that too?

BEATRICE—Unmannerly boy! What I asked you was, why have you been riding like a wild man?

GEORG—The horse was wild.

BEATRICE—[_To AGI._] Why didn’t you report to me that the horse was wild?

AGI—The horse was tame before his highness got in the saddle.

BEATRICE—You couldn’t possibly have known that. You are not the stable master.

GEORG—Then he couldn’t have reported it either.

BEATRICE—You are not to speak unless you are spoken to. Arsen will have his throat wrapped with wet towels to-night, and, beginning to-morrow, you will ride no other horse than Pretty.

GEORG—Pretty? Oh, mother!

BEATRICE—Silence! [_They are suddenly silent._] I have a surprise for you. You don’t deserve it.

ARSEN—What is it?

GEORG—What?

BEATRICE—Guess.

ARSEN—Alexandra is going to be a queen. [_Great embarrassment. Silence. ALEXANDRA makes a startled movement._]

BEATRICE—Ill-mannered boy! How _can_ you say such a thing? I forbid you even to think of such things. See here! I hope it isn’t you who puts such ideas into the boys’ heads.

AGI—Heaven forbid, your highness!

BEATRICE—Where then did you get that idea?

GEORG—Why, I told it to him.

BEATRICE—And where did you get it?

GEORG—I thought of it myself.

BEATRICE—What?

GEORG—Don’t be angry because I can see things for myself, mother. I have eyes in my head.

BEATRICE—If his highness, Prince Albert, weren’t coming here soon I’d punish you severely. But don’t suppose that you’ll get off so easily. [_To AGI._] And you might have reported to me that the boys occupy their minds with such things.

GEORG—He couldn’t possibly have known. He’s not a member of the family.

BEATRICE—You Robespierre! Out of my sight! [_Utter silence._] Now I’ll tell you the surprise. My brother Karl—that is—Father Hyacinth is here.

GEORG—Uncle Karl!

ARSEN—Oh, I’m so _glad_! [_Both are wild with joy; ARSEN embraces AGI._]

BEATRICE—Wild Indians!

ALEXANDRA—They’re very fond of him, mother. I am glad he has come, too.

ARSEN—Glad! Professor, Uncle Karl is the nicest man in the world.

GEORG—He used to be a prince, and now he is in Holy Orders. A monk. Wears a cowl and a hood. And a scapulary.

BEATRICE—Those are mere externals. The essential thing is that he has a heart of gold and a brain of steel.

GEORG—So he has.

ARSEN—He renounced the world to enter an educational order.

AGI—Yes, your highness, I heard about it.

GEORG—But you never met him.

AGI—I have never had the honor.

GEORG—Well, you’ll have the honor soon.... Mother, you couldn’t possibly have brought us better news. Not even if you had come to tell us that Alexandra——

ALEXANDRA—Georg!...

BEATRICE—I shan’t forget to have you punished.

HYACINTH—[_Calling from the garden._] Beatrice!

BEATRICE—Ssh! Wasn’t that someone calling?

HYACINTH—[_From the garden._] Beatrice!

BEATRICE—Just as I thought! It’s Hyacinth shrieking my name. His manners are appalling.

ARSEN—Uncle Hyacinth!

GEORG—Hyacinth! Hyacinth! [_They are about to rush out to meet him._]

BEATRICE—Stay where you are. [_Sudden silence._] Indians! I’ll meet him myself, else he’ll go on shouting until he awakens Prince Albert. [_BEATRICE goes out into the garden._]

ALEXANDRA—[_To AGI._] My mother forgot to tell you that his highness, the Prince, will later witness the fencing exercises.

AGI—As your highness commands.

ALEXANDRA—The necessary orders have been given at the gymnasium. First there is to be sword practice between you and the boys, then they are to have a bout with the foils.

AGI—May I ask whether your highness is to take part?

ALEXANDRA—No. [_There is a pause._]

GEORG—Why not?

ALEXANDRA—[_Coldly._] Because his highness particularly expresses his interest in _your_ fencing. Are your costumes in proper condition?

AGI—Yes, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—How long will it take you and the boys to change?

AGI—Ten minutes will be plenty.

ALEXANDRA—I ask because the program has been rigidly fixed. When his highness has finished in here, he is to inspect my little rose garden, and from there he goes to the fencing exercises. The inspection of the garden will take, I estimate, about fifteen minutes.

AGI—I deeply regret that your highness is not to show your skill in fencing.

ALEXANDRA—I had expected to take part. But if I am to show him the garden there won’t be time for me to change.

AGI—May I take the liberty to ask whether someone else mightn’t show his highness the rose garden?

ALEXANDRA—Why do you ask that?

AGI—Then your highness could change your costume and take part in the fencing instead.

ALEXANDRA—[_Coldly._] And why fencing instead?

AGI—I only ... thought ... your highness fences so well ... and gracefully ... and——

ALEXANDRA—And?

AGI—And anyone can show him the garden.

ALEXANDRA—Thank you. I am quite aware of that.

AGI—I beg your pardon, your highness. It’s the pride of the teacher that prompts me to speak.

ALEXANDRA—The program is not regulated to suit your pride. And, in any case, I have no need of your advice on the subject. [_Raises her chin a bit imperiously._]

AGI—As your highness commands. [_There is a brief pause._]

GEORG—May I say something?

ALEXANDRA—Well?

GEORG—The professor is right. [_He goes to the door as voices are heard outside. HYACINTH and BEATRICE enter._]

ARSEN _and_ GEORG—[_Rushing to greet HYACINTH._] Uncle Hyacinth! Hyacinth!

ARSEN—Welcome!

GEORG—How long are you going to stay?

HYACINTH—Now, now, now, not so boisterously. [_Draws back playfully._]

BEATRICE—Indians!

GEORG—How long are you going to stay?

HYACINTH—I’ve scarcely arrived, and here you are asking me when I depart.

GEORG—Because we want you to stay a long time.

HYACINTH—It’s a long time since I’ve seen you. [_Embraces each in turn._] Let me look at you. Splendid color! [_Feels their arms._] And muscle too, eh?

GEORG—How long are you going to stay?

HYACINTH—Not long, I’m sorry to say. [_Approaches AGI, who bows low._] And this is your tutor, Mr. Agi, of whom I have heard so much. [_Shakes hands with him._] Beatrice writes me excellent reports about you. I hear you are not only a good teacher but also an accomplished athlete. You row and fence....

ARSEN—And ride.

HYACINTH—That’s splendid! And are you very fond of him, boys?

GEORG—[_Earnestly._] Oh, yes, Uncle Hyacinth.

HYACINTH—Good! And you? Are you satisfied with your pupils?

AGI—Entirely, your royal highness.

HYACINTH—No, professor, not highness. Only an humble servant of Christ.

AGI—I beg your pardon, Father.

HYACINTH—Oh, you mustn’t blush about it. Else I shall reproach myself for having mentioned it. But then it’s so charming of a doctor of philosophy to blush. I feel we’re good friends already. [_Shakes his hand again._] I congratulate you on your method. Culture seasoned with athletics—that’s the ideal curriculum.

BEATRICE—Hyacinth is such a confirmed pedagogue, the teacher interests him more than the pupils.

HYACINTH—Quite so, my dear. Some day, when it’s raining hard and we have nothing better to do, I’ll explain to you why, for the good of the child, one should look first into the teacher’s head. Well, boys, what have you learned to-day?

ARSEN—We finished Napoleon to-day. [_Glances at BEATRICE. There is an awkward pause._]

HYACINTH—Mother doesn’t care much for Napoleon, eh?

BEATRICE—No.

GEORG—Last night we had a dispute about——

ALEXANDRA—Now, Georg, don’t begin that all over again.

HYACINTH—Why not? Tell me. What was the dispute about?

ARSEN—Mother thinks people should be taught to hate Napoleon.

GEORG—Especially our family.

HYACINTH—And what do you think?

AGI—I presented the story of Napoleon without bias of any sort.

HYACINTH—My dear fellow, then come with me and let me introduce you to the Historical Congress at London as one of the world’s wonders. There is no neutral ground where Napoleon is concerned. One either hates him or loves him.

GEORG—He loves him, but he won’t admit it.

HYACINTH—Why won’t he admit it?

AGI—I have tried to let their highnesses form their own opinions about him. Nevertheless, I _have_ pointed out to them Napoleon’s initiative, his courage ... and his luck.

HYACINTH—Quite right. If anyone can profit by studying Napoleon’s career, the young people of this family can.... My dear fellow, you’re blushing again.

GEORG—Because a little while ago he said the same thing, almost word for word.

HYACINTH—Ah, well, that doesn’t prove it. But if we are in error, my friend, at least there are two of us.

BEATRICE—Time for you to get ready. [_To HYACINTH._] Prince Albert will be here to visit them shortly.

HYACINTH—Then off with you. See you later, professor. [_AGI bows and exits with the boys._]

BEATRICE—No matter what you say, I insist that the man was a usurper.

HYACINTH—What man?

ALEXANDRA—Mother never utters his name.

HYACINTH—Sorry. I had forgotten. [_SYMPHOROSA enters from the garden._]

SYMPHOROSA—He is asleep.

HYACINTH—Who?

BEATRICE—The prince. [_To SYMPHOROSA._] On which side is he lying?

SYMPHOROSA—Wait a moment. [_Reflects._] On his right side.

BEATRICE—Then he is not lying on his heart.

SYMPHOROSA—No.... On his liver.

BEATRICE—That’s good. Now go back to your post, Symphorosa, keep careful watch and report everything to me.

SYMPHOROSA—Yes, dear. [_She exits into the garden._]

HYACINTH—Does my sister Symphorosa keep watch over the Prince’s slumbers?

BEATRICE—Yes. She is in constant touch with the adjutant who, on his part, peeps through the keyhole.

HYACINTH—And that goes on all day long?

BEATRICE—I have to keep informed about everything. He is my guest. That is no light responsibility.

HYACINTH—And how long has he been here?

BEATRICE—Four days.

HYACINTH—How much longer is he staying?

BEATRICE—According to program, he goes to-morrow. That’s why I wanted you here sooner. He arrived unexpectedly, and here we were without a man.

HYACINTH—I started immediately I got your telegram. Albert has changed, hasn’t he? He has become quite an attractive young man. [_He sits._]

BEATRICE—He is very agreeable.

HYACINTH—He appeared genuinely glad to see me. He almost wept when we met.

BEATRICE—He was very fond of my lamented husband too. And he was only a child then.

HYACINTH—He embraced me cordially and kissed me at least four times. And he fairly beamed when he told me how much he loved you all.

BEATRICE—That’s just it.

HYACINTH—What’s “just it”?

BEATRICE—[_To ALEXANDRA._] Will you go out into the garden a while, my dear?

ALEXANDRA—Yes, mother. [_She exits into the garden._]

BEATRICE—[_Dries her eyes._]

HYACINTH—What’s wrong, my dear? Has anything happened?

BEATRICE—[_Her glances follow ALEXANDRA through the door out to the garden._] I didn’t care to speak of it in her presence. But that’s just it. Nothing has happened.

HYACINTH—I don’t understand.

BEATRICE—Albert told you how much he loved us all.

HYACINTH—Yes.

BEATRICE—Well, he has fallen in love with everyone here ... except Alexandra.

HYACINTH—What did you expect in three days?

BEATRICE—Not love, perhaps ... but at least some sign of interest in the girl. But no. Not the slightest advance. Though we did everything we could.

HYACINTH—Perhaps ... there are ... political reasons....

BEATRICE—[_With a smile._] You underestimate me, Karl.

HYACINTH—Forgive me.... I know you are the best informed woman in Europe.

BEATRICE—I’ll show you my correspondence. Oh, I have no illusions on the subject. I know perfectly well that the only reason they are considering a marriage with us is because two or three royal families have made simultaneous advances and they can’t afford to offend any of them.

HYACINTH—I see.

BEATRICE—And that is what makes me so anxious, Karl. The Czar wants him for Olga—Constantine’s daughter. Edward would have liked to get him for England—for Patricia. Frederic has been telegraphing me every day from Vienna, and Amelie from St. Petersburg.

HYACINTH—So Albert must make up his mind quickly.

BEATRICE—Rome is out of the question for him. And so it is imperative for him to choose a wife immediately.

HYACINTH—Then he’ll go to Montenegro.

BEATRICE—That is just what I am afraid of. He is a very obedient son. Dominica, his mother, dominates him utterly. And she has sent him everywhere. First to Dresden for Leopoldine Charlotte, but he didn’t like her. She tends to corpulence. From there he went to Portugal. The Infantin Silvina Gonzaga. A most admirable girl, but incredibly ugly. So on he went to Belgium, to Maria Hermine, who is two heads taller than he is—And he rightly decided that such an alliance would make him look ridiculous in his people’s eyes. And now he is here. And if we let him get away from us his next stop will undoubtedly be Montenegro. [_Dries her eyes. SYMPHOROSA enters from the garden._]

BEATRICE—Well?

SYMPHOROSA—He stretched his hand outside the bed.

BEATRICE—What for?

SYMPHOROSA—For his lemonade.

BEATRICE—Was the lemonade there?

SYMPHOROSA—Yes, he drank it.

BEATRICE—I was so afraid it mightn’t have been there! And then?

SYMPHOROSA—Then he turned over and went to sleep again.

BEATRICE—Thank you, dear.

SYMPHOROSA—Not at all, dear. [_SYMPHOROSA hurries off._]

BEATRICE—[_Unhappily._] These past three days have been a great trial to me, Karl. I am absolutely certain that he is here on account of Alexandra. And yet he has treated the girl as if she didn’t exist. And not a word, not a sign from his mother, Dominica. If he had serious intentions, she’d be here by this time. [_Weeps._]

HYACINTH—Beatrice!

BEATRICE—I am not myself. Think of it, we have only one day more. This afternoon, the ball to-night, and ... if nothing happens ... then our chances are gone, perhaps forever.

HYACINTH—And not a sign?

BEATRICE—Not one. I needn’t tell you how I have watched for one.

HYACINTH—Perhaps Alexandra is——

BEATRICE—She is perfectly beautiful and clever and self-possessed ... her poor father described her perfectly when he called her his swan. “My proud, white swan!” ... And she is just like that,—majestic, silent, earnest ... holds her head high ... conducts herself irreproachably. Yet Albert is utterly indifferent to her. It’s disheartening!

HYACINTH—Beatrice, it is not like you to lose control of yourself like this.

BEATRICE—[_Nervously._] I know, but I can’t help it. This is my last great battle, not mine alone but our family’s. Now or never. Well, I mean to win if I ruin myself in the attempt. [_SYMPHOROSA speaks in the doorway._]

SYMPHOROSA—He is sleeping peacefully.

BEATRICE—Thank you, dear. [_SYMPHOROSA vanishes._]

HYACINTH—You mustn’t agitate yourself like this. What will be, will be. And if it isn’t successful this time, it will be next time.

BEATRICE—When? Albert is thirty-five. And Alexandra isn’t getting younger.

HYACINTH—How old is she?

BEATRICE— ... and twenty.

HYACINTH—What ... and twenty?

BEATRICE—Nothing. Just “and twenty.”

HYACINTH—That is a new number.

BEATRICE—Yes, my dear. I invented it myself. A mother’s invention.

HYACINTH—I see. So she is just “and twenty.”

BEATRICE—But she can’t stay that way indefinitely. She is ripening. In a political family that wouldn’t matter. But our daughters must be beautiful. My conscience has troubled me for making the poor girl wait as long as she has.

HYACINTH—One can’t blame you for that. You are a devoted mother, my dear. But you are aware that our lives are ordered not for the individual’s but for the family’s good. The happiest royal family may be composed of unhappy individuals.

BEATRICE—Poor Xara.

HYACINTH—Who is that?

BEATRICE—Alexandra!

HYACINTH—Is that what you call her now?

BEATRICE—[_To SYMPHOROSA, who is entering._] Well?

SYMPHOROSA—The situation is unaltered. [_She exits._]

BEATRICE—Karl, I want you to help us.

HYACINTH—I? But, my angel, what can I do?

BEATRICE—You, with your charming personality——

HYACINTH—But, my dear child, it isn’t me you want him to marry.

BEATRICE—Oh, you—man! Don’t you understand that everything attractive in the setting adds luster to the girl?

HYACINTH—What does Alexandra think of the matter?

BEATRICE—Just as I do.

HYACINTH—Has she said anything about it?

BEATRICE—No, but she is worried. [_SYMPHOROSA enters quickly, her hand held agitatedly to her heart._] Well?

SYMPHOROSA—He is awake. [_BEATRICE makes a gesture of displeasure._] Count Luetzen coughed outside his door.

BEATRICE—[_Quickly aghast._] Accidentally?

SYMPHOROSA—No, on purpose.

BEATRICE—Wasn’t the Colonel on guard?

SYMPHOROSA—Certainly. Count Luetzen came to the door expressly to cough.

BEATRICE—Why didn’t the Colonel cough himself?

SYMPHOROSA—Because his cough is too loud. Count Luetzen coughs delicately. He always coughs his highness awake.

BEATRICE—What happened when he awoke?

SYMPHOROSA—He asked for eau de Cologne.

BEATRICE—Yes.

SYMPHOROSA—And a cup of weak tea.

BEATRICE—Yes.

SYMPHOROSA—Now don’t be alarmed, dear. He got everything he asked for.

BEATRICE—And when is he coming to see the boys?

SYMPHOROSA—I forgot to ask.

BEATRICE—[_Excitedly._] How could you? Hurry! Run! [_SYMPHOROSA goes out swiftly._] She had to forget the most important thing of all! Heavens, and I am sure the boys aren’t ready yet. [_Starts off at right._]

HYACINTH—[_Restraining her._] This won’t do, my dear. Calm yourself, don’t be over-anxious. Everything will be all right. The boys must have been ready long ago.... Really, dear ... this isn’t a bit like you. You always had such poise, such assurance——

BEATRICE—In times of peace, yes. But this is war! I’ll go to meet him. You call the boys. My God——

HYACINTH—Calm yourself!

BEATRICE—Now, Karl, you only make me more nervous, talking like that. Can’t you see I’m in the fever of the last hope ... the finish of the race?... Now I must summon my last reserves of strength.... To arms.... To arms.... To arms! [_SYMPHOROSA enters breathlessly._]

SYMPHOROSA—He’s coming!

BEATRICE—When?

SYMPHOROSA—Now.

BEATRICE—Immediately?

SYMPHOROSA—Immediately, immediately! He has started already. I ran on ahead.

BEATRICE—Let’s go to meet him. [_Hurries into the garden. SYMPHOROSA follows her._]

HYACINTH—[_Calls through the doorway at right._] Well, aren’t you ready yet? [_The boys and AGI enter._]

GEORG—We’re ready. We’ve been waiting.

ARSEN—Is he coming?

HYACINTH—He’ll be here any minute. [_To AGI._] Tell me, my son, have you altered your opinion about Napoleon since our discussion?

AGI—No.

HYACINTH—And suppose my sister requests you to teach Napoleon according to her ideas.

AGI—Then I shall try to convince her highness——