Not in the least. Is that new to you? Didn't I tell you so at the time? Oh, you'll never guess what might ... (_her words emphasized by her glance_) what I ... of what I might have been capable at that time. I would have followed you anywhere--everywhere--even as your mistress. I and the child. To Switzerland, to America. After all, we could have lived wherever it happened to suit us. And perhaps, if you had gone away, they might never even have noticed your absence in the Upper House. PRINCE Yes, of course, we might have run away and settled down somewhere abroad.... But do you still believe that a situation like that would have proved agreeable in the long run, or even bearable? MIZZIE No, I don't nowadays. Because, you see, I know you now. But at that time I was in love with you. And it is possible that I--might have gone on loving you for a long time, had you not proved too _cowardly_ to assume the responsibility for what had happened.... Yes, too much of a coward, Prince Egon. PRINCE Whether that be the proper word.... MIZZIE Well, I don't know of any other. There was no hesitation on my part. I was ready to face everything--with joy and pride. I was ready to be a mother, and to confess myself the mother of our child. And you knew it, Egon. I told you so seventeen years ago, in that little house in the woods where you kept me hidden. But half-measures have never appealed to me. I wanted to be a mother in every respect or not at all. The day I had to let the boy be taken away from me, I made up my mind never more to trouble myself about him. And for that reason I find it ridiculous of you to bring him here all of a sudden. If you'll allow me to give you a piece of good advice, you'll go and meet him, as papa has gone to meet Lolo--and take him back home again. PRINCE I wouldn't dream of doing so. After what I have just had to hear from you again, it seems settled that his mother must remain dead. And that means that I must take still better care of him. He is my son in the eyes of the world too. I have adopted him. MIZZIE Have you...? PRINCE To-morrow he will probably be able to assume my name. I shall introduce him wherever it suits me. And of course, first of all to my old friend--your father. If you should find the sight of him disagreeable, there will be nothing left for you but to stay in your room while he is here. MIZZIE If you believe that I think your tone very appropriate.... PRINCE Oh, just as appropriate as your bad temper. MIZZIE My bad temper...? Do I look it? Really, if you please ... I have simply permitted myself to find this fancy of yours in rather poor taste. Otherwise my temper is just as good as ever. PRINCE I have no doubt of your good humor under ordinary circumstances.... I am perfectly aware, for that matter, that you have managed to become reconciled to your fate. I, too, have managed to submit to a fate which, in its own way, has been no less painful than yours. MIZZIE