Part 9

HYACINTH—And if her highness still insists?

AGI—Then I shall regretfully take my leave.

HYACINTH—Shake hands. [_Shakes his hand._] Now I know you better than I did a half hour ago.

GEORG—[_Who has been standing at the garden door, looking out._] They’re coming!

HYACINTH—You stay here. I’ll go to meet them. [_Exits into the garden._]

AGI—[_At the table._] We will stand here ... around the table ... at the places where we always sit. Prince Arsen there, Prince Georg there, I here. And your highness, Georg, if you really meant what you said before about being fond of me——

GEORG—Don’t worry. I’ll be good.

AGI—Just this once. If you behave well, I’ll take you up to the observatory to-night.

ARSEN—[_Joyfully._] The observatory!

AGI—We’ll have a look at Capella and Vega, and I’ll explain the entire summer firmament to you.

GEORG—I’ll be gentle as a lamb. [_There is a brief pause during which voices are heard in the garden. PRINCE ALBERT appears first. He is young, elegant, gracious. He wears a general’s uniform. He enters, chatting with HYACINTH. After them come BEATRICE, SYMPHOROSA, ALEXANDRA, LUETZEN, WUNDERLICH. All take positions before the chairs where they will later sit._]

ALBERT—[_Very good-humoredly, continuing a speech begun outside._] ... and, being a soldier, his cough is so incisive, so intrepid, so abrupt that ... really, you know, it wakes one with a start. But Luetzen, on the other hand, Luetzen is a diplomat. He can cough delicately, and melodiously and suitably to every occasion. Luetzen can cough for you in such a discreet, persuasive crescendo that you wake gradually and without shock. Curious that personal peculiarities should extend even to such things. Keen observation, what? Human. C’est humain. [_Looks around._] Eh bien! Hello, you dear little boys. [_To AGI, who bows profoundly._] Good morning! This would be the brilliant young professor. What? [_A pause._] Why don’t you sit down? [_He sits. The others sit simultaneously._]

BEATRICE—[_Ingratiatingly._] Did you rest well?

ALBERT—It is really astonishing how well I sleep here. I don’t know whether it’s the fresh air, or that excellent bed, or the pleasant surroundings that soothe and refresh me so. A perfect balm to my nerves ... really I am quite happy here. You may laugh, but it’s true that I shall never forget the days I have spent with you here. Dear Beatrice ... who thinks of everything for my comfort ... this fine old castle, this gently rolling landscape, the peace, the harmony of the life you live here.... Oh, I.... All I can say is that I have fallen in love with you.

BEATRICE—[_Sweetly._] We are very happy, Albert, to know that you are enjoying your visit.

SYMPHOROSA—[_Sweetly._] We have no other aim, Albert.

ALBERT—At night, when I am alone, Beatrice, I think of my poor father and your sainted husband ... Henry.... How often they strolled together in this garden!

BEATRICE—Talking about their children.

ALBERT—They both were devoted fathers. They dedicated their lives to the welfare of their children.

BEATRICE—They never tired of discussing their children, you know. Always the children. The future of the children. What would become of them. How to direct them in the right path. [_Turns, chair and all, toward ALBERT; speaks with emphasis._] How some day the children would rear a family of their own.

ALBERT—[_To HYACINTH._] Sometimes at night I lean out of my window and fancy I see the two old men walking arm in arm along the path between those banks of beautiful roses——

BEATRICE—[_Edging her chair nearer ALBERT._] They are Alexandra’s roses. [_A pause._]

ALBERT—How? _Your_ roses?

ALEXANDRA—Mine, yes.

ALBERT—Did you plant them?

ALEXANDRA—Only some of them. But I tend them. [_A pause._]

ALBERT—And ... does that amuse you?

ALEXANDRA—Oh, yes. [_A pause._]

ALBERT—And ... don’t you ever prick yourself?

ALEXANDRA—Sometimes. [_A pause._]

ALBERT—Why don’t you wear gloves?

ALEXANDRA—I usually do.

ALBERT—And ... yet you prick yourself?

ALEXANDRA—Yes, through the gloves. [_A pause._]

ALBERT—You ought to wear thicker gloves.

ALEXANDRA—Yes, I must try thicker ones.

ALBERT—C’est ça! That’s life. One must be on one’s guard.

BEATRICE—That’s perfectly true! How good of you to be interested. Fancy! Such practical advice too!

ALBERT—[_Modestly._] Oh, not at all ... only ... you see ... one picks up a bit of experience here and there ... what? [_A pause, and then he rises suddenly. They all stand up too._] Well now, let’s have a look at the boys. Is this your classroom?

ARSEN—Yes.

ALBERT—You are sixteen, aren’t you?

ARSEN—Yes.

ALBERT—And you are seventeen?

GEORG—Yes.

ALBERT—Time flies. They are popping up fast, what?

BEATRICE—Indeed, yes, Albert.

ALBERT—You doubtless suppose that I shall examine you, like a school inspector.

GEORG—No, we don’t.

ALBERT—Have no fear.... I am a proper uncle. I shall only question your excellent young teacher.

BEATRICE—[_To SYMPHOROSA._] He is falling in love with him too.

HYACINTH—I commend him warmly to your notice. He is a man of culture and an athlete; an astronomer and a swordsman.

ALBERT—[_Notices that they all are standing._] Why don’t you keep your seats? [_HYACINTH, ALEXANDRA, BEATRICE and SYMPHOROSA sit; the others do not_.] Good. I like that. It’s the modern spirit. What are you working on now?

AGI—History, your highness.

ALBERT—Ah! That’s always interesting. What period?

AGI—The beginning of the Nineteenth Century.

ALBERT—Napoleon.

AGI—Yes, your highness. [_Embarrassment._]

ALBERT—You are interested in Pedagogy, aren’t you, Karl?

HYACINTH—Yes.

ALBERT—Did you know that Napoleon proposed to establish a school for kings at Meudon?

HYACINTH—A very practical idea.

ALBERT—Yes, the pupils were to have been limited to boys in the line of succession to a throne. The program of study was very interesting. No details at all. General instruction along broad lines. No science, only orientation; no theory, only practice. La Cases writes about it in his memoirs.

HYACINTH—He was the only one who could have made it practical.

ALBERT—Yes, yes, he could have made many things practical. A capital idea, too! A school from which you graduated with a monarch’s diploma in hand. [_He laughs. The others respectfully echo his laugh. ALBERT looks around him._] Well!... I’m glad to find you such fine healthy boys. Nice, deep-set eyes this chap has, what?

BEATRICE—[_Rises._] Exactly like Alexandra’s. It is marvellous how alike their eyes are. He resembles her in many ways.

ALBERT—[_Taking no notice of her remark._] You oughtn’t read too much, my boy. That’s bad for the eyes. Sailors have the nicest eyes because they are accustomed to look upon vast distances. At the sea and sky.

HYACINTH—He’d like that. He wants to be a sailor.

ALBERT—And you?

ARSEN—I? An explorer.

ALBERT—Where?

ARSEN—The Pole.

ALBERT—Which Pole, my son?

ARSEN—The South Pole.

ALBERT—You are mistaken if you suppose it’s any warmer there than at the North Pole. [_He laughs._] And when do you start?

BEATRICE—[_Puts her arms about ARSEN._] He starts this very moment with Georg to put on his fencing things. Uncle Albert wants to see how well you fence.

ALBERT—Indeed, yes, I am very much interested. [_The boys bow._] See you later. [_To AGI._] You too, what?

AGI—Yes, your highness, in the gymnasium.

ALBERT—Do you teach them fencing too?

AGI—Yes, your highness.

ALBERT—Splendid! You _are_ versatile, aren’t you? See you later. [_AGI and the boys exit._]

ALBERT—[_Sits._] He has a very tactful and sympathetic manner, this tutor. I am charmed with him.

HYACINTH—I liked him the moment I laid eyes on him.

ALBERT—And such a handsome young fellow.

BEATRICE—[_To SYMPHOROSA._] I told you he’d fall in love with him.

SYMPHOROSA—Don’t be upset about it, I beg of you.

ALBERT—Hah! [_Rises suddenly._] And while we are waiting for the great fencing competition....

BEATRICE—We can show you a number of things worth seeing. Now if you are interested in beautiful roses, there is Alexandra’s own little rose-garden—— [_ALEXANDRA rises._]

ALBERT—Oh, yes.

BEATRICE—[_Sweetly._] The roses are her pride and joy ... and there are some rare specimens among them.

ALBERT—[_Without enthusiasm._] Splendid! [_His eyes seek out WUNDERLICH._]

WUNDERLICH—[_Comes forward._] Your highness may be interested in ... the new dairy I saw here yesterday. An absolutely modern innovation. They milk the cows by vacuum.

ALBERT—By vacuum?

WUNDERLICH—Yes, your highness.

ALBERT—Like sucking up dust from a carpet?

WUNDERLICH—Exactly. It is most interesting.

ALBERT—But that sounds quite fantastic. One really must look at it. I have never seen anything like that before. [_ALEXANDRA sits down._] And did you have it installed yourself, Aunt Beatrice?

BEATRICE—I installed it as an experiment.

ALBERT—You are really a remarkable woman.

BEATRICE—If I may say so, Albert, the dairy is quite far from here.

ALBERT—All the better. We need a little exercise.

BEATRICE—As you please. We’ll go to the dairy then.

ALBERT—Oh, no.... I shouldn’t think of troubling _you_ to come with me. I’ll go with Luetzen and the Colonel. We’ll make it a brisk walk.

HYACINTH—If you permit, I’ll join you.

ALBERT—No, I can’t have that. My sightseeing needn’t inconvenience any of you.

HYACINTH—But——

ALBERT—No, no—— [_Starts to go._] You mustn’t feel obliged to run about with me as though I were a stranger. Forward, march, Luetzen. Coming, Colonel. When they are ready at the gymnasium send someone after us. [_He is in the doorway at left._]

BEATRICE—I’ll telephone.

ALBERT—But we shall probably be among the cows.

BEATRICE—Yes, I know.

ALBERT—Is there a telephone there?

BEATRICE—In every stall.

ALBERT—You really are a wonderful woman. Incredible! [_There is a pause; then he says suddenly_] Adieu! [_Exits quickly into the garden with LUETZEN and WUNDERLICH. There it another painful and dejected silence. BEATRICE sits down, despairingly. ALEXANDRA, greatly offended, exits at right._]

HYACINTH—Well, he disposed of the rose-garden very neatly.

BEATRICE—[_Rises._] What did I tell you? Could anything have been more pointed? You heard that Colonel. I scarcely got the rose-garden out of my mouth when he came forward with the cows.

HYACINTH—A coincidence.

BEATRICE—[_Heatedly._] Was it? Well, I shan’t be beaten by such a coincidence.

HYACINTH—I observed that your first attempts in that direction were without conspicuous success.

BEATRICE—I shan’t give up as long as there is a ray of hope, an hour of time left.

SYMPHOROSA—What are you going to do now?

BEATRICE—There is only one way left.

SYMPHOROSA—What way?

BEATRICE—Only one. A terrible way.

SYMPHOROSA—You alarm me, Beatrice.

BEATRICE—Yes, you may well be alarmed. For what I propose to do is so reprehensible that, if anyone else did it, I’d despise her all my life.

HYACINTH—What in Heaven’s name are you thinking of?

BEATRICE—God will forgive a mother anything she does for her child. And a widow what she does for the welfare of her family. [_She faces HYACINTH with tears in her eyes._] You will forgive me.

HYACINTH—I have forgiven you already, but tell me what you mean to do.

SYMPHOROSA—I know you, Beatrice. When you start talking in that strain there is only one bit of advice I can give you. Don’t do it.

BEATRICE—You will be good enough to hold your tongue. The whole difficulty lies in the fact that Albert’s interest in the girl had not been aroused. His interest—as a man.

SYMPHOROSA—Merciful heaven!

BEATRICE—Why? Does it begin so shockingly?

HYACINTH—Rather disquietingly.

BEATRICE—Well, be prepared for worse. There are certain grounds beyond which Alexandra may not go. Alexandra can’t flirt with him, for instance.

SYMPHOROSA—I am beginning to be reassured.

BEATRICE—Alexandra can’t ... throw herself at him.

SYMPHOROSA—Thank God for that.

BEATRICE—She wouldn’t be capable of such a thing, and if she were, my pride wouldn’t permit it.

HYACINTH—Well, then?

BEATRICE—A man’s interest in a woman ... can best be aroused ... through the attentions of another man.

SYMPHOROSA—How shocking!

HYACINTH—Not yet. But it begins most curiously. Go on.

BEATRICE—Once Albert is made to see the woman in Alexandra, the rest will be easy for us. We have no time to lose. He goes to-morrow.... And he seems to have taken a fancy to the tutor.

HYACINTH—Ah!

SYMPHOROSA—Beatrice!

BEATRICE—[_Greatly excited._] Be still! Do you think I am in the mood to consider your petty prejudices now?

HYACINTH—And what is it you propose to do with the professor?

BEATRICE—Invite him to the ball to-night.

SYMPHOROSA—The world will come to an end.

BEATRICE—And Alexandra will show him marked attention.

SYMPHOROSA—That ... that ... is worthy of Machiavelli’s brain.

BEATRICE—It would never have occurred to me if Albert hadn’t praised the professor. It was he who put the plan in my head. And it can’t fail. A rival of his own rank might leave him quite indifferent ... but a mere tutor ... that is irresistible.

SYMPHOROSA—I shan’t live through it.

BEATRICE—I command you to live through it. Alexandra will be attentive to the tutor ... and ... and Alexandra will dance a quadrille with the tutor. And God will forgive me, and God will forgive Alexandra. And I shall never forgive the tutor.

HYACINTH—For what?

BEATRICE—For putting me under obligation to him.

SYMPHOROSA—[_Indignantly._] Alexandra mayn’t flirt with the Crown Prince, but she may flirt with a tutor.

BEATRICE—[_Dryly._] That is quite different. It’s like flirting with your horse.

SYMPHOROSA—Karl, how can you listen to such dreadful proposals and be silent?

HYACINTH—They are not dreadful proposals. They are mere feminine maneuvers which are not as considerable as you suppose. There is something else I am considering.

BEATRICE—What?

HYACINTH—The poor tutor.

BEATRICE—What has the tutor got to do with it? No one’s harming him.

HYACINTH—Tell me, my dear, has Alexandra ever taken particular notice of the tutor before?

BEATRICE—How can you ask such a thing?

HYACINTH—That means she hasn’t. And what do you suppose will happen, my dear, if she suddenly takes notice of him now——

BEATRICE—Oh, you needn’t be afraid it will inspire the fellow with any false hopes. I’ll see to that.

HYACINTH—I’m not so sure. The tutor is young and temperamental. I admit I have no eye for such things any more, but just now, when I saw them together, it seemed to me that the young man looked at Alexandra respectfully, yet adoringly. As a cat might look at a canary in its cage, respecting it, yet ... longing to devour it.

BEATRICE—You are not trying to suggest that he is in love with her?

HYACINTH—No. But certainly his interest is aroused.

BEATRICE—What of it?

HYACINTH—Only that it seems unjust to play with the young fellow in that fashion, and then cast him aside.

BEATRICE—Am I to understand that your sympathies are on the side of the tutor?

HYACINTH—My sympathies are on the side of the humanities.

BEATRICE—The possible disappointment of a mere tutor concerns you more than the happiness of your sister and your niece, and the historical destiny of your family.

HYACINTH—My dear sister, you have looked upon this robe of mine so often that you have ceased to notice it. It is true, I am more concerned with rectitude and fair dealing than with all your schemes about Albert’s throne and Alexandra’s crown.... I regard my fellow man not as a tool, but as a creature of God. In my younger days, when I maintained a racing stable, I sometimes found it necessary to enter one horse merely to lead and set the pace for another horse, and at the finish to lag behind and let him win the race. But that was a horse, my dear sister. And whoever seeks to use a man in that fashion; whoever holds the tranquillity of a human soul so cheaply—she, my dear sister, she has great need of the excuse that maternal love impels her. That is my opinion, dear; and now I, too, am going to look at that vacuum. [_He exits quickly into the garden._]

BEATRICE—[_With determination._] Nothing shall hinder me! Stop crying! I command you to put that handkerchief away. I am desperate now. You needn’t pay any attention to him. He always had opinions, but never manners. If it had been left to the men of our family we’d have been dethroned as early as the eighteenth century. Go, and send Alexandra in to me. [_SYMPHOROSA exits at right. There is a brief pause before ALEXANDRA enters._]

ALEXANDRA—You sent for me, mother?

BEATRICE—Yes, my child. You are dearest to me in all the world. My blood flows in your veins. You will understand me.

ALEXANDRA—Yes, mother.

BEATRICE—Your will is as strong as my own.

ALEXANDRA—Oh, yes, mother.

BEATRICE—And if it falters you must lean on my will for support, and make yourself as steadfast and determined as I am.

ALEXANDRA—Yes, mother.

BEATRICE—You know what I am referring to, and what it is I want. Do you want it as much as I do?

ALEXANDRA—[_Calmly, earnestly._] Yes, mother.

BEATRICE—Wounded vanity heals quickly. After all, roses _are_ more beautiful than cows.

ALEXANDRA—Oh, mother——

BEATRICE—And there is no weapon more powerful than will. You understand me, my child?

ALEXANDRA—I understand, but I don’t know what you want me to do.

BEATRICE—We mean to ask the professor to the ball to-night. You will invite him.

ALEXANDRA—[_Astonished._] I, mother?

BEATRICE—Yes, you.

ALEXANDRA—The professor?

BEATRICE—Yes. [_There are tears in her eyes._] I know it is a dreadful thing to ask of you, my child ... but desperate necessity compels me to. Don’t hate your mother for it, my poor, dear child ... love me, for I love you so....

ALEXANDRA—[_Calm and self-contained._] Mother!

BEATRICE—[_Dries her eyes._] Must I explain any further? You understand, don’t you?

ALEXANDRA—I understand you, mother.

BEATRICE—I wanted to send to Vienna for a Duke, but there wasn’t time. And that wouldn’t have served as well, anyway——

ALEXANDRA—[_Coolly._] As you wish. I shall invite the professor to the ball to-night.

BEATRICE—But not with that expression.

ALEXANDRA—I know, mother. With another expression.

BEATRICE—And you will promise him that [_bursts into tears_]—that he may dance a quadrille with you. [_ALEXANDRA is silent._] Well? Why don’t you speak?

ALEXANDRA—This comes very suddenly, mother.

BEATRICE—But our time is so short! Oh, if we only had more time! Well! Speak!

ALEXANDRA—Don’t misunderstand me, mother. I only want a moment to get used to the thought. The professor is a plain farmer’s son.

BEATRICE—Alas!

ALEXANDRA—And when I think that my arm will rest in his.

BEATRICE—You will wear long gloves, my child.

ALEXANDRA—It isn’t touching him that matters, mother ... but the thought of it.

BEATRICE—He is one of God’s creatures, just as we are.

ALEXANDRA—I’ll try to remember that, mother.

BEATRICE—Do you ask the flowers and the beasts of the field who their ancestors were?

ALEXANDRA—No, mother.

BEATRICE—[_Reassuringly._] Of course not! You are friendly with horses and squirrels and all sorts of common animals, aren’t you?

ALEXANDRA—Yes, mother, from that point of view it is a bit easier.

BEATRICE—There, you see, my dear.

ALEXANDRA—But ... there is something else to consider.

BEATRICE—Speak freely. I will guide you.

ALEXANDRA—He is a human being, isn’t he?

BEATRICE—[_Without conviction._] Oh, certainly, certainly.

ALEXANDRA—He is likely to _think_ about it. And that is the great difference between him and a squirrel.

BEATRICE—That is his affair.

ALEXANDRA—But it is possible that he may misunderstand me.

BEATRICE—You will do nothing that he can possibly misunderstand. My mind is easy on that score.

ALEXANDRA—Of course not, mother. And yet he can’t help but notice my sudden change of manner toward him.

BEATRICE—That need give us no concern.

ALEXANDRA—But I must know what I am to do if ... of course ... I only mentioned it because one ought to think of everything ... if he should feel attracted to me.

BEATRICE—[_In alarm._] You haven’t noticed anything of the kind?

ALEXANDRA—That must be thought of too.

BEATRICE—Have you ever noticed anything of the kind in him?

ALEXANDRA—[_Coldly._] I never notice what I don’t want to notice.

BEATRICE—That means you have?

ALEXANDRA—I can’t say that, but ... he is not at ease when he speaks to me. He is not at ease.

BEATRICE—That signifies nothing, my child. Don’t let it concern you. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. It happens so often. Underlings of all sorts may be infatuated with a lady of high rank ... officers, even physicians——

ALEXANDRA—But one mustn’t—notice such things.

BEATRICE—Heaven forbid! But then the underling never dares to speak of his infatuation. Generally he works out his own salvation. Often in a most noble manner.

ALEXANDRA—But then——

BEATRICE—Don’t trouble yourself about anyone else. Leave that to us. You need only keep your eyes on the future, looking neither to the left nor to the right, but always ahead of you.

ALEXANDRA—Yes, mother. [_ALFRED enters at right._]

ALFRED—The professor reports to your highness that their young highnesses have put on their fencing costumes and are awaiting your highness’ orders.

BEATRICE—The boys are to go to the gymnasium and wait there. The professor is to come in here. [_ALFRED exits at right. With tears in her eyes, BEATRICE turns to ALEXANDRA._] Be strong, my poor, dear child. [_Kisses her, presses her hands warmly._] Be strong—— [_She exits quickly into the garden. For a moment ALEXANDRA is alone, then AGI enters, in fencing costume. In his left hand he holds a fencing mask, in his right a sword. He stands stiff and formal at the door, awaiting orders. There is a pause._]

ALEXANDRA—[_Stands down left; speaks without looking at him._] To-night, ... I understand there will be a rare astronomical spectacle.

AGI—Yes, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—What sort?

AGI—Vega and Capella may be seen to best advantage to-night.

ALEXANDRA—What is ... Vega?

AGI—The chief star of Lyra. A green star which is a thousand times brighter than the sun.

ALEXANDRA—And the other?

AGI—Capella. A golden star, very beautiful.

ALEXANDRA—You intended to show them to the boys to-night.

AGI—Yes, your highness, in the tower.

ALEXANDRA—You love the stars.

AGI—Very much, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—And you know all about them?

AGI—I know very little about them, your highness. But even that little is marvellously beautiful.

ALEXANDRA—There will be no star-gazing to-night.

AGI—As your highness commands.

ALEXANDRA—We are having a farewell reception to-night in honor of the Crown Prince. He goes away to-morrow.

AGI—Too bad.

ALEXANDRA—The official personages of the neighborhood have been asked to come. There won’t be many. I have expressed the desire that ... you be invited too. [_AGI, wide-eyed with astonishment, comes a pace or two nearer._] That is why I said you couldn’t look at the stars to-night.

AGI—[_Modestly._] I am very happy, your highness; and if anything could make me happier, it is the privilege of receiving the invitation from your highness’ own lips.

ALEXANDRA—The reception is likely to be stiff and formal. I hope you won’t be bored.

AGI—I couldn’t be bored where your highness was.

ALEXANDRA—In case you do find the society of officials and councillors tiresome, you may come to me.

AGI—[_Astonished._] If your highness will allow me——

ALEXANDRA—Then, for once, perhaps you may speak to me about something else than fencing tricks. That’s all you have ever spoken to me about.

AGI—It wasn’t for me to choose, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—You will talk to me about the stars ... about the green star and the golden star.

AGI—I shall esteem it a privilege, your highness. [_There is a pause._]

ALEXANDRA—Curious. I am a bit afraid of you now.

AGI—Why, your highness?

ALEXANDRA—You look so martial in that costume and with that sword in your hand.

AGI—Your highness has often seen me like this ... in the gymnasium.

ALEXANDRA—That was different. There I had a sword in my hand too. But here I feel so defenseless.

AGI—Do I look so terrifying?

ALEXANDRA—I shouldn’t say—terrifying.

AGI—What then?

ALEXANDRA—Rather aggressive.

AGI—[_Astonished._] It is curious, your highness ... but I have the unaccountable feeling that I am wholly on the defensive ... now....

ALEXANDRA—Well, then, you’ll come, won’t you.

AGI—Yes, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—And won’t you regret the green star?

AGI—No, your highness.

ALEXANDRA—At nine, then.

AGI—Thank you ... your highness.

ALEXANDRA—Not at all ... Professor. [_She nods curtly and exits at left into the garden. AGI’S puzzled, thoughtful glance follows her until she has vanished. Then he stands a moment, head high, eyes blazing, before_

THE CURTAIN FALLS

ACT TWO

ACT TWO