Oh, my dear child! This mood of yours, which is due to nothing but your illness--that reminds me, you haven't taken your peptonised milk yet--this is a secret which we must keep from everyone, above all from your fiance. If the Grand-Duke should discover---- The Princess (_shrugging her shoulders_). Well, what of it? Frau v. Brook. A bride's duty is to be a happy bride. Otherwise---- The Princess. Otherwise? Frau v. Brook. She will be a lonely and an unloved woman. The Princess (_with a little smile of resignation_). Ah! Frau v. Brook. What is it, dear? (The Princess _shakes her head._) And then think of the strain of those formal presentations awaiting you in the autumn! You must grow strong. Remember that you must be equal to the most exacting demands of life. The Princess. Of life? Whose life? Frau v. Brook. What do you mean by that? The Princess. Ah, what good does it do to talk about it? Frau v. Brook. Yes, you are right. In my soul, too, there are unhappy and unholy thoughts that I would rather not utter. From my own experience I know that it is best to keep strictly within the narrow path of Duty. The Princess. And to go to sleep. Frau v. Brook. Ah, it isn't only that. The Princess. Look out there! See the woods!--Ah, to lie down on the moss, to cover oneself with leaves, to watch the clouds pass by high above---- Frau v. Brook (_softening_). We can do that, too, sometime. The Princess (_laughing aloud_). Sometime! (The Lackey _appears at the door_). Frau v. Brook. Is everything ready? (The Lackey _bows._) The Princess (_aside to_ Frau v. Brook). But I simply cannot sleep. Frau v. Brook. Try to, for my sake. (_Aloud._) Does your Highness command---- The Princess (_smiling and sighing_). Yes, I command. (_They go out, left._) (_The stage remains empty for several moments. Then_ Struebel _is heard trying the latch of the back door._) Struebel's Voice.