cials and councillors tiresome, you may come to me.
Agi—[Astonished.] If your highness will allow me
Alexandra—Then, for once, perhaps you may speak to me about something else than fencing tricks. That's all you have ever spoken to me about.
Agi—It wasn't for me to choose, your highness.
Alexandra—You will talk to me about the stars . . . about the green star and the golden star.
Agi—I shall esteem it a privilege, your highness. [There is a pause.]
Alexandra—Curious. I am a bit afraid of you now.
Agi—Why, your highness?
Alexandra—You look so martial in that costume and with that sword in your hand.
Agi—Your highness has often seen me like this . . . in the gymnasium.
Alexandra—That was different. There I had a sword in my hand too. But here I feel so defenseless.
Agi—Do I look so terrifying?
Alexandra—I shouldn't say—terrifying.
Agi—What then?
Alexandra—Rather aggressive.
Agi—[Astonished.] It is curious, your highness . . . but I have the unaccountable feeling that I am wholly on the defensive . . . now. . . .
