(_The door opens_. A Lackey _in plain black livery enters, and remains standing at the door. He precedes_ The Princess _and_ Frau Von Brook. The Princess _is a pale, sickly, unassuming young girl, wearing a very simple walking costume and a medium-sized leghorn hat trimmed with roses_. Frau Von Brook _is a handsome, stately, stern-looking woman, in the thirties. She is well dressed, but in accordance with the simple tastes of the North German nobility._) Frau v. Brook. Who is the proprietor of this place? Frau Lindemann. At your command, your Highness. Frau v. Brook (_reprovingly_). I am the maid of honour.--Where is the room that has been ordered? Frau Lindemann (_opens the door, left_). Here--at the head of the stairs--my lady. Frau v. Brook. Would your Highness care to remain here for a few moments? The Princess. Very much, dear Frau von Brook. Frau v. Brook. Edward, order what is needed for Her Highness and see that a room next to Her Highness is prepared for me. I may assume that these are your Highness's wishes? The Princess. Why certainly, dear Frau von Brook. (The Lackey, _who is carrying shawls and pillows, goes out with_ Rosa, _left._) The Princess. Mais puisque je te dis, Eugenie, que je n'ai pas sommeil. M'envoyer coucher comme une enfant, c'est abominable. Frau v. Brook. Mais je t'implore, cherie, sois sage! Tu sais, que c'est le medecin, qui---- The Princess. Ah, ton medecin! Toujours cette corvee. Et si je te dis---- Frau v. Brook. Chut! My dear woman, wouldn't it be best for you to superintend the preparations? Frau Lindemann. I am entirely at your service. (_About to go out, left._) Frau v. Brook. One thing more. This veranda, leading from the house to the grounds--would it be possible to close it to the public? Frau Lindemann. Oh, certainly. The guests as often as not sit out under the trees. Frau v. Brook. Very well, then do so, please. (Frau Lindemann _locks the door._) We may be assured that no one will enter this place? Frau Lindemann. If it is desired, none of us belonging to the house will come in here either. Frau v. Brook. We should like that. Frau Lindemann. Very well. (_Exit._) Frau v. Brook. Really, you must be more careful, darling. If that woman had understood French-- You must be careful! The Princess. What would have been so dreadful about it? Frau v. Brook.