[_The knock is repeated. The ladies all rise as if frightened_.] HOLZENDORF. The hand seems none of the most delicate. QUEEN. And yet it is. That knock expresses the impetuous longing of a being whom my courage has freed from a humiliating situation. You may resume your seats, ladies. Do not allow yourselves to be disturbed by anything that may occur, not even by any surprise. This is but the beginning of many things that will come to pass this evening. And so I cry--in overflowing emotion--[_There is another knock_.] "Moderate your impatience, beloved being; you shall find here what you seek--your mother!" [_She opens the door_.] SCENE III _The_ KING _steps in. He is wrapped in a white cloak, his hat pulled down over his face_. KING. Yes, your mother. [_The ladies all rise with exclamations of horror. The_ KING _removes his hat_.] QUEEN (_aside, crushed_). The King! KING (_angry, but forcing himself to be affable_). On my word, how fine we are here, very fine indeed! And how nice it does look with so many lights burning. [_He blows out several_.] Why are you hiding yourselves, ladies? Did you expect such a visitor? QUEEN. Your Majesty [_The ladies place themselves so that they screen the table. They hide the cards quickly_.] KING. Do not let me disturb you, ladies. What is your particular entertainment this evening? Enjoying a cup of soup, Frau von Holzendorf? [_Comes nearer_.] Oho--the silver service? [_He looks into cups_.] What's that? Tea? Chocolate? Coffee? QUEEN. Your Majesty will surely--permit us--to keep pace with our age. KING. Frau von Viereck, you, I imagine, have been keeping pace with your age long enough. About thirty years ago you'd give an old boy like myself a handshake occasionally. [_Slyly he holds out his hand to her_.] VIERECK (_tries to hide the cards behind her back_). Your Majesty--such graciousness-- [_She holds out one hand_.] KING. Both, Fran von Viereck--let me have both. [VIERECK _lets the cards fall behind her back_.] KING. What's that? Did you not drop something? My God! Cards! [_He stands as if speechless_.] Playing-cards! [_To the_ QUEEN.] Cards, madam--a Christian court--and cards! I am sure, Frau von Viereck, you were merely prophesying from those cards. I know, ladies, that you were only telling your fortunes from the cards. I am quite sure, Frau von Viereck, that you were merely endeavoring to ascertain whether you would bury your fifth husband also. Surely--or--is it possible? Money on the tables! [_He clasps his hands in horror_.] You--have-been-playing?--at my court?--playing-cards? [_There is a knock at the door to the left_.] Who knocks there? QUEEN (_aside_). It is Wilhelmine or the Prince of Wales! I am lost! [_Another gentle knock is heard_.] KING. You are awaiting more visitors? Come in! [_He goes to the door himself and opens it_.] SCENE IV WILHELMINE, _wearing a white veil and domino, comes in cautiously_. KING.