He's been gone so long. I sent him to the Prince of Baireuth. PRINCE (_peeping out from the door, aside_). To me? QUEEN. If I may judge by the letters the Prince brings me from my son, he himself will one day be one of the best sovereigns of our century. PRINCE (_aside_). The field is all in my favor. QUEEN. My son, who judges men so keenly, assures me that I may trust this Prince completely. And I need some one of force and character to aid me; I need such a one now more than ever. SONNSFELD (_alarmed_). Is there--is there anything new in the air, Your Majesty? QUEEN. I shall need to display all my strength, all my will-power. I shall have need of it to uphold the dignity of a monarchy whose natural head appears to forget more and more that Prussia has recently joined the ranks of the Great Powers of Europe. SONNSFELD. Your Majesty--is laying plots? QUEEN. I am consumed with curiosity to make the acquaintance of this Prince whom my son considers worthy of his friendship. [SONNSFELD _motions to the Prince_.] As soon as he arrives, dear Sonnsfeld-- SONNSFELD (_pointing to the PRINCE, who comes in_). Kamke has just shown him in. Here he is, Your Majesty. QUEEN (_rising_). This is a surprise, Prince. I did not hear you enter. PRINCE. Your Majesty was so deeply absorbed in thought-- QUEEN (_aside_). He has a pleasing exterior and intelligent eyes. [_Aloud_.] Did my messenger-- PRINCE. The good fellow met me just as I was about to leave my hotel. He gave me Your Majesty's gracious command. QUEEN. Prince--[_She sits down, motioning him to do the same_.] My heartiest thanks for the letters from my worthy son. One sentence, which I reread many times, permits me to assume that he has informed you of a certain matter, a certain plan of mine-- PRINCE. Certainly, Your Majesty. [_Aside_.] I haven't heard a word about it. QUEEN. It makes me very happy to know that in this matter, as indeed in most things, my son and I are so completely in accord. Then you, also, think as we do on this subject? PRINCE. Undoubtedly--undoubtedly, Your Majesty. [_Aside_.] If I only knew _what_ subject! QUEEN. My son writes me that I may rely entirely on your sympathy in this affair. PRINCE. He did not exaggerate, Your Majesty. When I parted from him, his last words, called after my moving carriage, were these: "Dear friend, my gracious mother, the Queen, will inform you as to all further details concerning the affair in question." QUEEN. That sounds very like him. I am quite ready to do as he says. PRINCE (_aside_). The plot thickens. QUEEN.