I and my children, madame, were aware of the fact that we were acting contrary to the usual procedure; but the impulse of loyal hearts is guided by no rule. I shall be glad to avail myself of your very kind invitation. (_All three go out with low curtsies to_ The Princess.) Frau v. Brook. What forwardness!--But how could you come down without me?--And what is that young man over there doing? Does he belong to those people? (The Princess _shakes her head_. Struebel, _without a word, goes to get his hat which has been lying on a chair, bows abruptly, and is about to leave._) The Princess. Oh, no! That wouldn't be nice. Not that way---- Frau v. Brook (_amazed_). What?--What!--Why, your Highness----! The Princess. Let me be, Eugenie. This young man and I have become far too good friends to part in such an unfriendly, yes, almost hostile, fashion. Frau v. Brook. Your Highness, I am _very_ much---- The Princess (_to_ Struebel). You and I will certainly remember this hour with great pleasure, and I thank you for it with all my heart. If I only had a rose with me so as to give you your dear wish!--Eugenie, haven't we any roses with us? Frau v. Brook. Your Highness, I am _very_ much---- The Princess. (_Examining herself and searching among the vases._) Well, how are we going to manage it? Struebel. I most humbly thank--your Highness--for the kind intention. The Princess. No, no--wait! (_Her glance falls upon the hat which she is holding in her hand with a sudden thought._) I have it!--But don't think that I'm joking.--And we'll have to do without scissors! (_She tears one of the roses from the hat._) I don't know whether there are just twenty (_Holding out one of the roses to him._) Well?--This rose has the merit of being just as real as the sentiment of which we were speaking before--and just as unfading. Struebel. Is this--to be--my punishment? (The Princess _smilingly shakes her head._) Or does your Highness mean by it that only the Unreal never fades? The Princess. That's exactly what I mean--because the Unreal must always dwell in the imagination. Struebel. So that's it! Just as it is only the _far-away_ princesses who are always near to us. Frau v. Brook. Permit me to remark, your Highness that it is _high_ time---- The Princess. As you see, those who are near must hurry away. (_Offering him the rose again._) Well? Struebel.