[A slight noise as of something falling is heard in the room. They glance momentarily, and see that a small enamel portrait of MARIE ANTOINETTE, which was standing on a console-table, has slipped down on its face.] SPIRIT OF THE YEARS What mischief's this? The Will must have its way. SPIRIT SINISTER Perhaps Earth shivered at the lady's say? SHADE OF THE EARTH I own hereto. When France and Austria wed My echoes are men's groans, my dews are red; So I have reason for a passing dread! METTERNICH Right nobly phrased, Archduchess; wisely too. I will acquaint your sire the Emperor With these your views. He waits them anxiously. [Going.] MARIA LOUISA Let me go first. It much confuses me To think--But I would fain let thinking be! [She goes out trembling. Enter FRANCIS by another door.] METTERNICH I was about to seek your Majesty. The good Archduchess luminously holds That in this weighty question you regard The Empire. Best for it is best for her. FRANCIS [moved] My daughter's views thereon do not surprise me. She is too staunch to pit a private whim Against the fortunes of a commonwealth. During your speech with her I have taken thought To shape decision sagely. An assent Would yield the Empire many years of peace, And leave me scope to heal those still green sores Which linger from our late unhappy moils. Therefore, my daughter not being disinclined, I know no basis for a negative. Send, then, a courier prompt to Paris: say The offer made for the Archduchess' hand I do accept--with this defined reserve, That no condition, treaty, bond, attach To such alliance save the tie itself. There are some sacrifices whose grave rites No bargain must contaminate. This is one-- This personal gift of a beloved child! METTERNICH [leaving] I'll see to it this hour, your Majesty, And cant the words in keeping with your wish. To himself as he goes.] Decently done!... He slipped out “sacrifice,” And scarce could hide his heartache for his girl. Well ached it!--But when these things have to be It is as well to breast them stoically. [Exit METTERNICH. The clouds draw over.] SCENE IV LONDON. A CLUB IN ST. JAMES'S STREET [A winter midnight. Two members are conversing by the fire, and others are seen lolling in the background, some of them snoring.] FIRST MEMBER