Agi—May I ask whether your highness is to take part?
Alexandra—No. [There is a pause.]
Georg—Why not?
Alexandra—[Coldly.] Because his highness particularly expresses his interest in your fencing. Are your costumes in proper condition?
Agi—Yes, your highness.
Alexandra—How long will it take you and the boys to change?
Agi—Ten minutes will be plenty.
Alexandra—I ask because the program has been rigidly fixed. When his highness has finished in here, he is to inspect my little rose garden, and from there he goes to the fencing exercises. The inspection of the garden will take, I estimate, about fifteen minutes.
Agi—I deeply regret that your highness is not to show your skill in fencing.
Alexandra—I had expected to take part. But if I am to show him the garden there won't be time for me to change.
Agi—May I take the liberty to ask whether someone else mightn't show his highness the rose garden?
Alexandra—Why do you ask that?
Agi—Then your highness could change your costume and take part in the fencing instead.
