groom has caught fire; the teacher cam be extinguished.
Alexandra—I won't have you think such things of me, or say such things to me.
Agi—Have no fear. I am silent and I serve. Don't look at me so distrustfully. Let us smile and act as if nothing has happened. [Albert appears at back.] Can't you smile? See, I can. We were talking about the eagle. [Louder.] And the head of the eagle[Albert enters with Beatrice and the two ladies.]
Albert—Still here?
Alexandra—The professor has been telling me such interesting things. There is an uncommon astronomical spectacle to-night.
Albert—Where?
Agi—[Uneasily.] In the sky, your highness.
Albert—I know that. But which stars?
Agi—It is not really anything uncommon. Only that a few so-called summer stars may be observed to particularly good advantage to-night. Capella, Arcturus, Vega and the constellation of the Eagle [with significance], which consists of seven stars, which seven stars form a flying eagle; and the head of the eagle. . . .
Albert—[Significantly.] I had no idea this was such an interesting night.
