The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - novelonlinefull.com
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PRINCE.
Not until you promise me you will meet me there.
WILHELMINE.
Oh--if we should be surprised like this! Please get up!
PRINCE.
You will promise? You will meet me?
WILHELMINE.
Where? [_He points to the window._] There? But I am not alone even there.
PRINCE.
Those simple people are overjoyed when their Princess consents to linger an hour with them in their poverty. I have much to say to you, Princess, very much. I will tell you of the plans concerning England or Austria of which you are the central figure. And you must tell me again--in the very best style of Versailles, which I know thoroughly--that you hate me--that you detest me--
WILHELMINE.
Prince, you torture me--I hear voices. Some one is approaching--Please get up.
PRINCE.
Will you promise?
WILHELMINE.
Cruel one! You won't get up--
PRINCE.
Not until you promise--
WILHELMINE.
If you promise to talk only about the plans that concern me--and about French grammar--
PRINCE (_springing up_).
You promise? You will come? By every star in the firmament I swear I will begin with the verb _J'aime_--I love--and you shall see how, in comparison with the language of a devoted heart, in comparison with the art which unadorned nature can practise, even Voltaire is only--a wigmaker. [_He goes out._]
SCENE IX
_The noise of drums in the distance is no longer heard._ WILHELMINE _left alone, starts as if to follow the_ PRINCE. _Then she turns back hesitating, and walks with uncertain steps to the table. She rings the bell._ SONNSFELD _comes in, looks at the Princess as if surprised, speaks after a pause._
SONNSFELD.
Your Highness commands?
WILHELMINE (_as if awakening from a dream_).
I? Nothing.
SONNSFELD.
Your Highness rang?
WILHELMINE.
Yes, I did. My mantilla--my fan--the veil.
SONNSFELD.
Your Highness is going out?
WILHELMINE.
I am going out.
SONNSFELD.
Has Your Highness permission?
WILHELMINE.
Permission? Are you beginning to take that tone, too? Fetch the things I want.
[SONNSFELD _looks at her, astounded, then goes out._]
WILHELMINE (_alone_).
I am tired of all this. I am beginning to be conscious of myself, now that I know there is some one who recognizes my meagre worth. The situation here is unbearable. I am weary of this unworthy subordination, this barrack-room service.
[SONNSFELD _comes back with mantilla, fan and veil._]
WILHELMINE.
You might have chosen the mantilla with the Brussels lace.
SONNSFELD.
Your Highness--what is your purpose?
WILHELMINE.
