Ah!--I see.

[_He draws himself up, and comes toward them with sudden majesty._]

I thank the breaking heart that broke the silence; Let her who wept feel no remorse for weeping: They had no right to rob me of my death.

[_To the_ ARCHDUKES _and_ ARCHd.u.c.h.eSSES, _who withdraw respectfully._]

But leave me now, my Austrian family!

"My son was born a Frenchman; until death Let him remember that." And I remember.

[_To the_ PRINCES _who are leaving._]

Farewell.

[_To the others_.]

Whose was the breaking heart?

THERESA.

[_Who has remained humbly on her knees in a corner._]

My Lord--!

THE DUKE.

[_Approaching her, and speaking with great tenderness._]

You are not very reasonable! Once Over your book you wept to see me live An Austrian Prince with flowers in my coat; And now you weep because that life has killed me.

THERESA.

The tryst--

THE DUKE.

Well?

THERESA.

I was there.

THE DUKE.

Alas, poor soul!

THERESA.

Yes--

THE DUKE.

Why?

THERESA.

Because I love you.

THE DUKE.

[_To the_ COUNTESS.]

Madam, You hid this from me. Why?

THE COUNTESS.

Because I love you.

THE DUKE.

[_To_ THERESA _and the_ COUNTESS.]

Who brought you both to see me?

[THERESA _and the_ COUNTESS _look at the_ ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.]

THE DUKE.

[_To the_ ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.]

You?

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Myself.

THE DUKE.

Why so much thoughtfulness?

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Because I love you.

THE DUKE.

Women have loved me as they love a child--