tive, I suppose. What another man would only laugh at—might do me irreparable injury.
Albert—But that is really unnecessary.
Agi—I know.
Beatrice—And not very probable.
Albert—But I daresay you have had your experience with women.
Agi—No, your highness. Only with books. [Alfred serves from a platter. Only Hyacinth, Albert and Wunderlich help themselves.]
Albert—Oh, come now!
Agi—It is true, your highness. My first taste of the world was here. I came here straight from my books. And it would be a pity . . . if anything happened . . . to drive me back to them again.
Hyacinth—It would be a pity!
Agi—Please, don't misunderstand me. It is not myself I am thinking about . . . but—I have a mother . . . and you see . . . I am the only son . . . all she has. And I have a sister, too. . . . She isn't pretty, poor girl, but I have educated her . . . done all I could for her. I'd like to see her happily married . . . and then[Looks about him.] I beg your pardon, I didn't realize I was the only one speaking.
Alexandra—Go on. Go on. . . . I am very much interested in what you are saying.
