[There is a noise off left. They separate slowly.] [There is a pause. Cæsar enters at left, leaving the double doors open behind him.]
Alexandra—[Goes slowly towards him.] What do you want?
Cæsar—His highness, the Crown Prince, is preparing to retire. He has received a telegram. His mother, the Royal Princess Maria Dominica, is coming to-morrow morning.
Alexandra—His mother? Coming here?
Cæsar—Yes, your highness! [There is a long pause.]
Cæsar—I take the liberty to report that his highness, the Crown Prince, will shortly pass through this room.
Alexandra—[Nervously.] Hyacinth isn't back yet . . . and we are here . . . like this . . . we two. . . .
Cæsar—If your highness should desire to go through the yellow room . . . there is still time. [He indicates the doors back left.]
Alexandra—[Proudly.] How dare you, Cæsar? Are you drunk?
Cæsar—[Tragically.] No, your highness, I beg pardon, I'm sure. I've only gone out of my mind.
Alexandra—That will do, Cæsar. [He bows and crosses to left. There is a pause. Through the door at left come two lackeys bearing lighted
