Albert—You defend his bad manners just as graciously as you suffered them a while ago. You are a brave and clever girl—a perfect martyr. I have just learned from your mother that you . . . [sarcastically] were the innocent target of certain unwelcome attentions . . . and that you have endured them with such patience, such goodness. . . .
Alexandra—[Very agitated; looks from Albert to Agi in fear that they will quarrel.] Mother is mistaken, Albert. And you judge him wrongly. You don't understand him.
Albert—[Ironically.] It is not easy to understand him.
Alexandra—[Excitedly.] You can't possibly understand him. [Albert laughs mockingly.] Don't laugh at him, Albert. He is a scientist and a poet. . . . He is an astronomer.
Albert—An ill-bred little astronomer.
Agi—[With a threatening movement.] Your highness!
Alexandra—[Trembling with excitement; passionately.] Albert, you are going too far. You must not say that.
Albert—But he is.
Alexandra—I won't have him insulted . . . like this
Agi—[To Albert.] Your highness, I
Albert—[Quite composed.] You are an imper-
