him as your Highness. You deprived him of his mistress—entirely for his good. I shall do the same whenever I have the opportunity.
Prince Michael. Good evening.
The Countess Rinaldi, Leonardo, and Harry Lucenti go out.
Prince Michael. To what am I indebted for this honor, Signore?
Signore. I have a difficult duty to perform—believe me, solely in your Highness's interest. Positively, this intrusion is most disagreeable.
Prince Michael. Not to me; I am glad to see you.
Signore. No, but it is to me; I am the one who finds it disagreeable. You will appreciate that the meeting here of two Princes is regarded with suspicion in Suavia. You are both immediate heirs, in direct succession to the throne.
Prince Michael. I beg your pardon—were, were until to-day. Haven't you seen the telegram?
Signore. Another heir? I am delighted! That is, I am disappointed—upon your account, although I am relieved.
Prince Michael. Do not trouble yourself upon my account. You are at liberty to be relieved or disappointed quite as may suit your convenience.
Signore. Then I am relieved, because a conspiracy had been anticipated and I had been retained to keep you under surveillance. Of course, knowing as I do the sort of life that you lead here
Prince Michael. To avoid being Emperor I would have conspired all my life! Do you suppose that I would exchange my liberty for an empire?
Signore. No, no! I beg of you, do not insist. I should not have spoken unless I had been sure. The government of Suavia subsists upon conspiracies. To-day it is an assas-
