If it is _not_ a comedy you are now playing, then you haven't the right even! SIGISMUND Do you mean to say that Cecilia is the only woman in the world who must stand unprotected against _any_ slander? AMADEUS If you are telling the truth, Prince Sigismund, then there is only one person in the world who has the right to protect Cecilia, and that person am I. SIGISMUND Considering what has happened, I have excellent reason to think that you will neither avail yourself of that right nor fulfill that duty. AMADEUS You are mistaken. And if you will take the trouble of returning home, you will soon be convinced of your mistake. SIGISMUND What do you mean? AMADEUS I mean simply that two of my friends are now on their way to your house on my behalf.... SIGISMUND Well...? AMADEUS To demand reparation for what ... (_looking Sigismund straight in the eye_) I believed you guilty of. SIGISMUND (_takes a step back; a pause ensues during which they stare hard at each other_) You have challenged.... (_Reaching out his hand_) That's fine! AMADEUS (_does not accept the proffered hand_) SIGISMUND But it's splendid! I can assure you that the whole matter now assumes quite a different aspect. And, of course, I shall be at your disposal just the same, if you insist. AMADEUS (_draws a deep breath, looks long at Sigismund, and shakes his head at last_) No, I won't any longer. (_He shakes hands with him, and then begins walking to and fro, muttering to himself_) Cecilia.... Cecilia...! (_Returning to Sigismund and addressing him in a totally different tone_) Won't you please be seated, Sigismund? SIGISMUND No, thank you. AMADEUS (_feeling repelled and suspicious again_) Just as you please. SIGISMUND Don't misunderstand me, please. But I suppose this ends our conference, my dear Master. (_Looking around_) And yet I must admit that your rude treatment has made me feel a great deal more at ease. Isn't that strange? And in spite of the fact that, after this unexpected turn, my hopes must be held practically--I beg your pardon!--completely disposed of.... In spite of this I feel actually in much better spirits than I have done for a long time. Even if I am not to have the happiness of which I have foolishly dared to dream so long.... AMADEUS Was it so very foolish? SIGISMUND (_good-humoredly_) Oh, yes. But this is at least an acceptable conclusion. (_Shaking his head_) It seems queer! If I hadn't come here at this very moment, you might never have learned--you might never have believed--might have believed that Cecilia.... And one of us might perhaps--must perhaps have.... (_He makes a gesture to complete the sentence_) AMADEUS It was indeed a strange coincidence that made you choose this particular moment.... SIGISMUND Coincidence, you say? Oh, no, there are no coincidences--as you will discover sooner or later. (_Pause_) Well, good-by then, and give my regards to Mrs. ... Adams ... AMADEUS You can safely call her Cecilia. SIGISMUND