Roses: Four One-Act Plays Part 39

Frau v. Halldorf.

Please do.

Liddy.

It has disappeared now.

Frau v. Halldorf.

Are you quite sure that it was a royal carriage?

Liddy.

Oh, one has an instinct for that sort of thing, mother. It comes to one in the cradle.

Frau v. Halldorf.

(_As_ Milly _yawns and sighs aloud._) Are you sleepy, dear?

Milly.

No, only tired. I'm always tired.

Frau v. Halldorf.

Well, that's just why we are at the Springs. Do as the princess does: take the waters religiously.

Milly.

The princess oughtn't to be climbing up such a steep hill either on a hot day like this.

Frau v. Halldorf (_more softly_).

Well, you know why we are taking all this trouble. If, by good luck, we should happen to meet the princess----

Liddy.

(_Who has been looking through the telescope._) Oh, there it is again!

Frau v. Halldorf (_eagerly_).

Where? Where? (_Takes_ Liddy's _place._)

Liddy.

It's just coming around the turn at the top.

Frau v. Halldorf.

Oh, now I see it! Why, there's no one inside!

Liddy.

Well, then she's coming up on foot.

Frau v. Halldorf (_to_ Milly).

See, the princess is coming up on foot, too. And she is just as anaemic as you are.

Milly.

If I were going to marry a grand-duke, and if I could have my own carriage driven along beside me, I wouldn't complain of having to walk either.

Frau v. Halldorf.

I can't see a thing now.

Liddy.

You have to turn the screw, mother.

Frau v. Halldorf.

I have been turning it right along, but the telescope won't move.

Liddy.

Let me try.

Strubel.

(_Who has been throwing little wads of paper at_ Rosa _during the preceding conversation._) What are they up to?

Liddy.

It seems to me that you've turned the screw too far, mother.

Frau v. Halldorf.

Well, what shall we do about it?

Strubel (_rising_).

Permit me to come to your aid, ladies. I've had some experience with these old screws.

Frau v. Halldorf.

Very kind indeed. (Strubel _busies himself with the instrument._)