Alexandra—Why do you say that?
Agi—I have served my purpose.
Alexandra—[Rises.] I am afraid I shouldn't have told you. How strangely you look at me! [The music stops.]
Agi—Something is broken in me. . . . Why did you tell me?
Alexandra—Shouldn't I have told you?
Agi—Why did you tell me?
Alexandra—Because I respect you. I want to be friends with you.
Agi—Do you? How touching!. . . Like the good princess in the fairy tale. But I am not a lad any more . . . to believe in fairy tales.
Alexandra—Are you going to . . . punish me?
Agi—I adore you . . . humbly and hopelessly again. [Bitterly, earnestly, mockingly.] You needn't be afraid of me. I know my place. I am still an obedient servant to your illustrious family. And what though I may be wounded a bit and bleeding, I cannot but be honored by the exalted rôle that has been entrusted to me. It is even beginning to amuse and interest me.
Alexandra—You sound insincere.
Agi—Perhaps only bitter.
Alexandra—[Uneasily.] And I thought it was a kindness to tell you the whole truth.
Agi—You have no further need of me. The bride-
