Symphorosa—And you are the cleverest woman in the world.
Beatrice—Only the cleverest in this room. [Symphorosa makes a gesture of protest.] For in the next room is a cleverer woman than I: my daughter. [Symphorosa sighs.] Don't sigh. You'd do better to admire her poise and tact. And the effect it has had. Albert remarked to me twice that to-night for the first time he has begun to notice how beautiful she is. He won't go away to-morrow. Wait and see. And the day after to-morrow his mother, Maria Dominica, will be here. [Noticing Symphorosa's impatience.] You are impatient, my dear. Well, go and signal to her. [Symphorosa hurries off into the ballroom. Beatrice watches her exit with a contented smile, then looks around the room, sees Cæsar.] Cæsar!
Cæsar—Your highness.
Beatrice—Is everything ready?
Cæsar—Yes, your highness.
Beatrice—The table?
Cæsar—Seven covers. For his royal highness, the family, the adjutant and the professor.
Beatrice—You will be sure that the service is flawless.
Cæsar—Your highness!
Beatrice—What is the menu?
Cæsar—Everything his royal highness likes. His
