I beg your pardon, but who is doing the joking here, you or----?
(Frau v. Brook _enters_. The Princess, _taken unawares, has retreated more and more helplessly toward the door at the left, undecided whether to take flight or remain. She greets the arrival of_ Frau v. Brook _with a happy sigh of relief._)
Pardon me, ladies. Apparently you have not taken the proper steps toward being presented to Her Highness. In matters of this sort one must first apply to me. I may be addressed every morning from eleven to twelve, and I shall be happy to consider your desires.
I and my children, madame, were aware of the fact that we were acting contrary to the usual procedure; but the impulse of loyal hearts is guided by no rule. I shall be glad to avail myself of your very kind invitation.
(_All three go out with low curtsies to_ The Princess.)
What forwardness!--But how could you come down without me?--And what is that young man over there doing? Does he belong to those people?
(The Princess _shakes her head_. Strübel, _without a word, goes to get his hat which has been lying on a chair, bows abruptly, and is about to leave._)
Oh, no! That wouldn't be nice. Not that way----
Let me be, Eugenie. This young man and I have become far too good friends to part in such an unfriendly, yes, almost hostile, fashion.
You and I will certainly remember this hour with great pleasure, and I thank you for it with all my heart. If I only had a rose with me so as to give you your dear wish!--Eugenie, haven't we any roses with us?
(_Examining herself and searching among the vases._) Well, how are we going to manage it?
I most humbly thank--your Highness--for the kind intention.
No, no--wait! (_Her glance falls upon the hat which she is holding in her hand with a sudden thought._) I have it!--But don't think that I'm joking.--And we'll have to do without scissors! (_She tears one of the roses from the hat._) I don't know whether there are just twenty (_Holding out one of the roses to him._) Well?--This rose has the merit of being just as real as the sentiment of which we were speaking before--and just as unfading.
Is this--to be--my punishment? (The Princess _smilingly shakes her head._) Or does your Highness mean by it that only the Unreal never fades?