Roses: Four One-Act Plays Part 41

Mais puisque je te dis, Eugenie, que je n'ai pas sommeil. M'envoyer coucher comme une enfant, c'est abominable.

Frau v. Brook.

Mais je t'implore, cherie, sois sage! Tu sais, que c'est le medecin, qui----

The Princess.

Ah, ton medecin! Toujours cette corvee. Et si je te dis----

Frau v. Brook.

Chut! My dear woman, wouldn't it be best for you to superintend the preparations?

Frau Lindemann.

I am entirely at your service. (_About to go out, left._)

Frau v. Brook.

One thing more. This veranda, leading from the house to the grounds--would it be possible to close it to the public?

Frau Lindemann.

Oh, certainly. The guests as often as not sit out under the trees.

Frau v. Brook.

Very well, then do so, please. (Frau Lindemann _locks the door._) We may be a.s.sured that no one will enter this place?

Frau Lindemann.

If it is desired, none of us belonging to the house will come in here either.

Frau v. Brook.

We should like that.

Frau Lindemann.

Very well. (_Exit._)

Frau v. Brook.

Really, you must be more careful, darling. If that woman had understood French-- You must be careful!

The Princess.

What would have been so dreadful about it?

Frau v. Brook.

Oh, my dear child! This mood of yours, which is due to nothing but your illness--that reminds me, you haven't taken your peptonised milk yet--this is a secret which we must keep from everyone, above all from your fiance. If the Grand-Duke should discover----

The Princess (_shrugging her shoulders_).

Well, what of it?

Frau v. Brook.

A bride's duty is to be a happy bride. Otherwise----

The Princess.

Otherwise?

Frau v. Brook.

She will be a lonely and an unloved woman.

The Princess (_with a little smile of resignation_).

Ah!

Frau v. Brook.

What is it, dear? (The Princess _shakes her head._) And then think of the strain of those formal presentations awaiting you in the autumn!

You must grow strong. Remember that you must be equal to the most exacting demands of life.

The Princess.

Of life? Whose life?

Frau v. Brook.

What do you mean by that?

The Princess.

Ah, what good does it do to talk about it?

Frau v. Brook.

Yes, you are right. In my soul, too, there are unhappy and unholy thoughts that I would rather not utter. From my own experience I know that it is best to keep strictly within the narrow path of Duty.

The Princess.

And to go to sleep.