with the utmost interest. And then, in Dresden, came Leopoldine Charlotte . . . the fat one.
Dominica—How well you know everything! From there he went to Portugal.
Beatrice—In the middle of July . . . Silvina Gonzaga, that odious infanta.
Dominica—Odious? That doesn't describe her. Perhaps there is a word for it in Portuguese. In any case "odious" is quite inadequate. And then came that amazing affair with Marie Hermine in Brussels.
Beatrice—She is fully two heads taller than Albert.
Dominica—Yes. But we never knew it because she had always sent us bust portraits.
Beatrice—Yes, I know.
Dominica—How perfectly charming of you to know everything!
Beatrice—Oh, well, you see, I have regarded Albert as one of the family ever since he was a child. [Hyacinth enters at back.]
Hyacinth—Welcome, Dominica. [Embraces her.]
Dominica—Karl!
Hyacinth—[Crosses to Beatrice, kisses her on the forehead.] Good morning, Beatrice. You are looking splendid, Dominica.
