Roses: Four One-Act Plays Part 40

Liddy.

Listen, mother. If the carriage has almost reached the top the princess can't be far off. Wouldn't it be best, then, to watch for them on the road?

Frau v. Halldorf.

Certainly, if you think that would be best, dear Liddy.

Strubel.

This is not only an old screw, but it's a regular perverted old screw!

Frau v. Halldorf.

Ah, really?--(_Aside to her daughters._) And if she should actually speak to us at this accidental meeting--and if we could present ourselves as the subjects of her n.o.ble fiance, and tell her that we live at her future home--just imagine what an advantage that would give us over the other women of the court!

Strubel.

There, ladies! We have now rescued the useful instrument to which the far-sightedness of mankind is indebted.

Frau V. Halldorf.

Thanks, so much.--Pardon me, sir, but have you heard anything about the report that the princess is going to make the journey up here to-day?

Strubel.

The princess? The Princess of the Springs? The Princess of the lonely villa? The Princess who is expected at the iron spring every morning, but who has never been seen by a living soul? Why, I am enormously interested. You wouldn't believe how much interested I am!

Liddy (_who has looked out, back_).

There--there--there--it is!

Frau v. Halldorf.

The carriage?

Liddy.

It's reached the top already. It is stopping over there at the edge of the woods.

Frau v. Halldorf.

She will surely enter it there, then. Come quickly, my dear children, so that it will look quite accidental.--Here is your money. (_She throws a coin to_ Rosa _and unwraps a small package done up in tissue paper which she has brought with her._) Here is a bouquet for you and here's one for you. You are to present these to the princess.

Milly.

So that it will look quite accidental--oh, yes! (_All three go out._)

Strubel.

Good heavens! Could I--? I don't believe it! Surely she sits--Well, I'll make sure right away-- (_Goes up to the telescope and stops._) Oh, I'll go along with them, anyhow. (_Exit after them._)

Frau Lindemann (_entering_).

Have they all gone--all of them?

Rosa.

All of them.

Frau Lindemann (_looking toward the right_).

There--there--two ladies and a lackey are coming up the footpath. Mercy me! How my heart is beating!--If I had only had the sofa re-covered last spring!--What am I going to say to them?--Rosa, don't you know a poem by heart which you could speak to the princess? (Rosa _shrugs her shoulders._) They're coming through the court now!--Stop putting your arms under your ap.r.o.n that way, you stupid thing!--oh dear, oh dear----

(_The door opens_. A Lackey _in plain black livery enters, and remains standing at the door. He precedes_ The Princess _and_ Frau Von Brook.

The Princess _is a pale, sickly, una.s.suming young girl, wearing a very simple walking costume and a medium-sized leghorn hat trimmed with roses_. Frau Von Brook _is a handsome, stately, stern-looking woman, in the thirties. She is well dressed, but in accordance with the simple tastes of the North German n.o.bility._)

Frau v. Brook.

Who is the proprietor of this place?

Frau Lindemann.

At your command, your Highness.

Frau v. Brook (_reprovingly_).

I am the maid of honour.--Where is the room that has been ordered?

Frau Lindemann (_opens the door, left_).

Here--at the head of the stairs--my lady.

Frau v. Brook.

Would your Highness care to remain here for a few moments?

The Princess.

Very much, dear Frau von Brook.

Frau v. Brook.

Edward, order what is needed for Her Highness and see that a room next to Her Highness is prepared for me. I may a.s.sume that these are your Highness's wishes?

The Princess.

Why certainly, dear Frau von Brook. (The Lackey, _who is carrying shawls and pillows, goes out with_ Rosa, _left._)

The Princess.