Imperia. What has happened?
Prince Michael. Nothing…
Rinaldi. Your Highness has some private matter to discuss with Imperia.
Prince Michael. Nothing that cannot wait.
Rinaldi. Although I dispense with invitations which are not dispensed to me, I hardly need one to withdraw when my presence might prove embarrassing. Good morning, your Highness.—My dear, I shall remain at home all afternoon, expecting your reply.
The Countess Rinaldi goes out.
Prince Michael. How much did the Countess's visit cost you?
Imperia. I see that you have had experience.
Prince Michael. I most certainly have. However, her adventures are always amusing. This one ought to be worth something. Leonardo sent her to me. She must have told you—an affair at the circus. Well, what about Donina? Did you find her last evening? You see what confidence I have in you: I believe everything you say.
Imperia. You are right to do so. You have been noble and generous with me, and your loyalty deserves mine in return. You have not bound me to you by appealing to my self-interest. You have given me more than enough to buy my liberty; you said that you did not want slaves. And in giving me my liberty, you have won my gratitude forever.
Prince Michael. Forever? Your mind is restless, ambitious, filled with great dreams, while I—I am content to have all my days pass alike, to have them seem as one day, undisturbed by trouble or care, flowing smoothly in a calm and even stream. But the shadow of the empire has fallen upon me again. The baby Prince is dead.
Imperia. Dead?…
Prince Michael. He was born with a mere spark of life.
