THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

[_Leaning over the back of the_ DUKE'S _chair._]

I am delighted To see you, Franz. I am your friend.

[_She holds out her hand to him._]

THE DUKE.

[_Kissing her hand._]

I know it.

GENTZ.

[_To_ THERESA.]

What do you think of him? I say he's like A cherub who had secretly read "Werther."

THE LITTLE GIRL.

[_To the_ DUKE.]

How nice your collar is!

THE DUKE.

Your Highness flatters.

THERESA.

His collars!

THE LITTLE BOY.

No one has such sticks!

THE DUKE.

No. No one.

THERESA.

His sticks!

THE OTHER LITTLE BOY.

Oh! and your gloves!

THE DUKE.

Superb, my dear.

THE LITTLE GIRL.

What is your waistcoat made of?

THE DUKE.

That's cashmere.

THERESA.

Oh!

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

And you wear your nosegay--?

THE DUKE.

Latest fashion: In the third b.u.t.tonhole. So glad you noticed.

[_At this moment_ THERESA _bursts into sobs._]

THE LADIES.

Eh? What's the matter?

THERESA.

Nothing. I don't know.

Forgive me. I'm alone here--far from friends.

Oh, it was silly!--suddenly--

MARIA LOUISA.

Poor dear!

THERESA.

I held my heart in--

MARIA LOUISA.

Tears will do you good.

THE DUKE.