Yes, but when a girl like you comes across one's path----

Frau v. Halldorf.

(_Hurrying in and then drawing back in feigned astonishment._) Oh!

Liddy and Milly (_similarly_).

Oh!

Strubel.

Well, ladies, didn't I tell you that you wouldn't find her? Princesses don't grow along the roadside like weeds!

Frau v. Halldorf.

(_Disregarding him ceremoniously._) The infinite happiness with which this glorious event fills our hearts must excuse in some measure the extraordinary breach of good manners which we are committing in daring to address your Highness. But, as the fortunate subjects of your Highness's most n.o.ble fiance, we could not refrain from----

Strubel.

Well, well! What's all this?

Frau v. Halldorf.

--from offering to our eagerly awaited sovereign a slight token of our future loyalty. Liddy! Milly! (Liddy _and_ Milly _come forward, and, with low court bows, offer their bouquets._) My daughters respectfully present these few flowers to the ill.u.s.trious princess----

Strubel.

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._)

Frau v. Brook (_severely_).

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.

Frau v. Halldorf (_with dignity_).

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.)

Frau v. Brook.

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_. Strubel, _without a word, goes to get his hat which has been lying on a chair, bows abruptly, and is about to leave._)

The Princess.

Oh, no! That wouldn't be nice. Not that way----

Frau v. Brook (_amazed_).

What?--What!--Why, your Highness----!

The Princess.

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.

Frau v. Brook.

Your Highness, I am _very_ much----

The Princess (_to_ Strubel).

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?

Frau v. Brook.

Your Highness, I am _very_ much----

The Princess.

(_Examining herself and searching among the vases._) Well, how are we going to manage it?

Strubel.

I most humbly thank--your Highness--for the kind intention.

The Princess.

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.

Strubel.

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?

The Princess.

That's exactly what I mean--because the Unreal must always dwell in the imagination.

Strubel.

So that's it! Just as it is only the _far-away_ princesses who are always near to us.

Frau v. Brook.

Permit me to remark, your Highness that it is _high_ time----