. . . Professor . . . the Crown Prince showed no interest in me, and my mother decided . . . that if someone else were here . . . some man . . . to whom I could be attentive . . . Albert's interest in me . . . might be aroused. . . . I want you to believe, Professor, that I never meant to hurt you . . . and that I am sorry, if I have. Before to-night . . . when I was cold and formal with you . . . it was because I knew that you were . . . not at ease . . . in my presence. My mother asked me to invite you to the ball to-night. I have never disobeyed her, but if I had known . . . if I could have foreseen . . . that a man's eyes would light up like that when his heart was aflame . . . that anyone would dare . . . to look into my eyes . . . as you have looked[She pauses, walks slowly to the table, sits down.] Now I have told you, Professor. Now you know how you have been deceived. [There is a pause.] Have you nothing to say?
Agi—[His head is bowed.] You only obeyed orders.
Alexandra—I don't want to seem more blameless than I am. It is hateful of me to put all the blame on mother. [After a pause, she continues earnestly, dreamily, almost sadly.] I want to be a queen. [Lets her head sink on her arm. There is a pause.]
Agi—[Softly.] That means . . . I may go now.
