Agi—[At the table.] We will stand here . . . around the table . . . at the places where we always sit. Prince Arsen there, Prince Georg there, I here. And your highness, Georg, if you really meant what you said before about being fond of me
Georg—Don't worry. I'll be good.
Agi—Just this once. If you behave well, I'll take you up to the observatory to-night.
Arsen—[Joyfully.] The observatory!
Agi—We'll have a look at Capella and Vega, and I'll explain the entire summer firmament to you.
Georg—I'll be gentle as a lamb. [There is a brief pause during which voices are heard in the garden. Prince Albert appears first. He is young, elegant, gracious. He wears a general's uniform. He enters, chatting with Hyacinth. After them come Beatrice, Symphorosa, Alexandra, Luetzen, Wunderlich. All take positions before the chairs where they will later sit.]
Albert—[Very good-humoredly, continuing a speech begun outside.] . . . and, being a soldier, his cough is so incisive, so intrepid, so abrupt that . . . really, you know, it wakes one with a start. But Luetzen, on the other hand, Luetzen is a diplomat. He can cough delicately, and melodiously and suitably to every occasion. Luetzen can cough for you in such a discreet, persuasive crescendo that
