Really you are an awfully strange person! There's something about you that--that-- The Princess. Well? Struebel. I can't exactly define it.--Tell me, weren't you wanting to go into the woods before? It's so--so oppressive in here. The Princess. Oppressive? I don't find it so at all--quite the contrary. Struebel. No, no--I'm restless. I don't know what--at all events, may I not escort you--? One can chat more freely, one can express himself more openly--if one-- (_Takes a deep breath._) The Princess (_smiling_). And you are leaving your far-away princess with such a light heart? Struebel (_carelessly_). Oh, she! She won't run away. She'll be sitting there tomorrow again--and the day after, too! The Princess. And so that is your great, undying love? Struebel. Yes, but when a girl like you comes across one's path---- Frau v. Halldorf. (_Hurrying in and then drawing back in feigned astonishment._) Oh! Liddy and Milly (_similarly_). Oh! Struebel. Well, ladies, didn't I tell you that you wouldn't find her? Princesses don't grow along the roadside like weeds! Frau v. Halldorf. (_Disregarding him ceremoniously._) The infinite happiness with which this glorious event fills our hearts must excuse in some measure the extraordinary breach of good manners which we are committing in daring to address your Highness. But, as the fortunate subjects of your Highness's most noble fiance, we could not refrain from---- Struebel. Well, well! What's all this? Frau v. Halldorf. --from offering to our eagerly awaited sovereign a slight token of our future loyalty. Liddy! Milly! (Liddy _and_ Milly _come forward, and, with low court bows, offer their bouquets._) My daughters respectfully present these few flowers to the illustrious princess---- Struebel. I beg your pardon, but who is doing the joking here, you or----? (Frau v. Brook _enters_. The Princess, _taken unawares, has retreated more and more helplessly toward the door at the left, undecided whether to take flight or remain. She greets the arrival of_ Frau v. Brook _with a happy sigh of relief._) Frau v. Brook (_severely_). Pardon me, ladies. Apparently you have not taken the proper steps toward being presented to Her Highness. In matters of this sort one must first apply to me. I may be addressed every morning from eleven to twelve, and I shall be happy to consider your desires. Frau v. Halldorf (_with dignity_).