L'Aiglon Part 118

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

All bring you violets now?

THE DUKE.

Ah, yes! Already.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Hus.h.!.+ As an act of grat.i.tude to G.o.d For saving us--since both of us are better-- I am to take the Sacrament this morning, I think--I hope--Franz, will you not come, too?

THE DUKE.

[_After a long look at her._]

Ah, now I see the pious trick you'd play me!

This is the end!

[_He rises._]

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

I knew you'd say so!

[_With forced playfulness._]

Think!

The etiquette--!

THE DUKE.

The--etiquette?

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

You know You cannot be deceived. When Austrian Princes Receive the--

THE DUKE.

Last--?

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Oh! not that mournful word!-- All the Imperial Family must be present.

THE DUKE.

That's true.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

But we're alone! I've had an altar Placed in that cabinet; and look about you: No sign of an Archduke or an Archd.u.c.h.ess.

The Prelate says the Ma.s.s for you and me; 'Tis but the ordinary Ma.s.s; you see This Sacrament is not--

THE DUKE.

The last. 'Tis true.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

Well? Are you coming? Hark! The Ma.s.s begins!

THE DUKE.

'Tis true, the ill.u.s.trious audience should be present.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

We've but the Prelate and the Acolyte.

THE DUKE.

So, then, I am to have a respite--?

[_They go out._]

[_As soon as they have disappeared, the opposite door opens and_ GENERAL HARTMANN _ushers in the_ COURT.]

HARTMANN.

Come!

Place yourselves here; and when, with humbled eyes The Duke is prostrate to receive the Host--

ONE OF THE PRINCES.

We'll place ourselves--

A PRINCESS.

[_To a child._]

Hus.h.!.+

HARTMANN.

In that awful moment When nothing can distract a Christian's thoughts I'll softly ope the door. For one brief second Your Highnesses will see his golden head; Then I shall close the door, and thus he'll rise, Not knowing he received, before the Court, As usage dictates, the Viatic.u.m.

METTERNICH.