The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Vii Part 48

_Anteroom in the_ KING'S _apartments. The same as in_ SCENE I _of_ ACT II. _Writing materials on the table._

SCENE I

EVERSMANN _comes from the_ KING'S _room._

SECKENDORF (_puts his head in at another door_).

Pst! Eversmann! Have you seen him yet?

EVERSMANN.

Seen whom, Count?

SECKENDORF. The Prince of Wales. He is indeed in Berlin--he has been seen everywhere. _Unter den Linden_--by the river--even beyond Treptow--a frail figure of a man, stooping slightly--his left shoulder higher than the right. When he speaks you see that one eye-tooth is missing--

EVERSMANN.

The King will not recognize the presence of the Prince of Wales.

SECKENDORF.

We are being deceived, Eversmann. The King has recognized it. [_Low._]

Or can it be that you have not heard of that most strange--most remarkable command that has gone out to the Castle Guards--a command which upsets all our deductions and plans? All sentries have orders to let a white domino, if such a one should appear at night about the castle, pa.s.s unhindered and even unchallenged. Do you not see the thoughtfulness for the Prince of Wales in that? It is he who is to visit His Majesty secretly in disguise. Eversmann, all our pro-Austrian plans are in danger. [_There is a knock at the door._] Every noise startles me these days.

EVERSMANN.

It is the court tailor most likely, pardon me. [_He goes to the door._]

Ha, ha! the white domino!

SECKENDORF.

The court tailor? What can the court tailor be doing here? And a white domino? Vienna's interests are in danger. The King does favor England. I must have certainty. This is the moment when I must show my whole power.

SCENE II

HOTHAM (_comes in, bows_).

His Majesty graciously consented to give me a farewell audience.

[EVERSMANN _returns with a little package which he opens, drawing out a white domino._]

EVERSMANN (_to_ HOTHAM).

I will announce you at once, sir. [_To_ SECKENDORF, _smiling._] Now, Count Seckendorf, if you wish to _see_ the Prince of Wales [_Pointing to the domino_] here he is.

[_He goes out into the_ KING'S _room._]

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

That the Prince of Wales?

HOTHAM (_aside_).

A white domino the Prince of Wales?

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

What's the key to this new riddle?

HOTHAM (_aside_).

Can there be some secret doings here?

SECKENDORF (_aside_).

I will question Baronet Hotham cautiously.

HOTHAM (_aside_).

Mayhap this much-decorated gentleman can give me some information.

SECKENDORF (_clearing his throat_).

May I ask--how His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, is enjoying himself in Berlin? I am Count Seckendorf.

HOTHAM. Most happy to meet you. As Your Excellency perceives, he is at this moment in the very best hands. [_Points after_ EVERSMANN.]

SECKENDORF (_startled, aside_).

In the best hands? Is he mocking me or is he deceived himself? It looks as though he too were in the conspiracy.

HOTHAM (_aside_).

This misunderstanding whets my curiosity.

SECKENDORF.

You are in error, Baronet, if you believe that we have opposed the suit of the Prince of Wales. Procure me an opportunity to speak to the Prince, and I will consider it an honor to be allowed to repeat this a.s.surance in his own presence.

HOTHAM (_pointing to the_ KING's _door_).

The door of His Majesty's Cabinet is, I am told, always open to the Imperial Envoy.

SECKENDORF (_aside_).