So you have already heard about that? PHILIP Yes, indeed, Countess--papa told me. And besides, there is a floral piece in my bedroom--a Chinese vase, you know, with a laburnum branch and something purplish in color. MIZZIE That purplish stuff must be lilacs. PHILIP Oh, lilacs, of course. I saw that at once. But I couldn't recall the name just now. VALET (_entering_) There is a lady who wishes to see the Count. I have showed her into the drawing-room. MIZZIE A lady...? You'll have to excuse me for a moment, gentlemen. (_She goes out_) PHILIP That's all right, papa--if it's up to me, I have no objection. PRINCE To what? Of what are you talking? PHILIP I have no objection to your choice. PRINCE Have you lost your senses, boy? PHILIP But really, papa, do you think you can hide anything from me? That common blood in me, you know.... PRINCE What put such an idea into your head? PHILIP Now look here, papa! You have been telling me how anxious you were to introduce me to your old friend, the Count. And then the Count has a daughter--which I have known all the time, by the way.... The one thing I feared a little was that she might be too young. PRINCE (_offended, and yet unable to keep serious_) Too young, you say.... PHILIP It was perfectly plain that you had a certain weakness for that daughter.... Why, you used to be quite embarrassed when talking of her. And then you have been telling me all sorts of things about her that you would never have cared to tell otherwise. What interest could I have in the pictures of a Countess X-divided-by-anything, for instance--supposing even that you _could_ tell her lilacs from her laburnums by their color? And, as I said, my one fear was that she might be too young--as my mother, that is, and not as your wife. Of course, there is not yet anybody too young or beautiful for you. But now I can tell you, papa, that she suits me absolutely as she is. PRINCE Well, if you are not the most impudent rogue I ever came across...! Do you really think I would ask you, if I should ever.... PHILIP Not exactly ask, papa ... but a happy family life requires that all the members affect each other sympathetically ... don't you think so? [_Mizzie and Lolo Langhuber enter._ MIZZIE You must look around, please. I am sure my father would be very sorry to miss you. (_She starts to make the usual introductions_) Permit me to.... LOLO Oh, Your Highness. PRINCE Well, Miss Pallestri.... LOLO Langhuber, if you please. I have come to thank the Count for the magnificent flowers he sent me at my farewell performance. PRINCE (_introducing_) My son Philip. And this is Miss ... LOLO Charlotta Langhuber. PRINCE (_to Philip_) Better known as Miss Pallestri. PHILIP Oh, Miss Pallestri! Then I have already had the pleasure.... PRINCE What? PHILIP You see, I have Miss Pallestri in my collection. PRINCE What ... what sort of collection is that? LOLO