minutes . . . and then all that was beautiful in my life . . . will be gone.
Alexandra—[Trembling.] I have never before . . . been alone with a man.
Agi—[Comes toward her.] Are you afraid of me?
Alexandra—I don't know. But if it's fear . . . then I want always to be afraid.
Agi—The last time . . . perhaps the last moment I shall see you. Do you love me?
Alexandra—[Almost stammering; like a child.] If it's love . . . then . . . it's just the same as . . . when I was a little girl . . . and the Emperor came. [He regards her in astonishment.] Yes . . . I had seen many portraits of the Emperor . . . with a golden crown on his head . . . in all his glitter and glory . . . and then once, when he visited us, in civilian clothes[Regretfully.] I didn't recognize him.
Agi—My beautiful princess! [Comes nearer to her.]
Alexandra—[Trembling.] Don't come too near, Hans.
Agi—Are you so afraid of me? [Takes her hand.]
Alexandra—[Draws back.] I don't like . . . you to touch me. . . . How cold your hand is!
Agi—No. It's yours that's hot. What are you
