The King. If I occupy a place of honour in your Royal Highness's heart, your Royal Highness may be certain that-- The Princess. I will interrupt you to save you from speaking an untruth! Because the way to attain to a place of honour in your Majesty's heart is not to admire you as I do, but, on the contrary, to shout out: "I despise you!"--Au revoir! The King. You wicked, terrifying, dangerous-- The Princess.--omniscient and ubiquitous Princess! (Makes a deep curtsey, and goes away.) The King (calling after her). In spite of everything, my heart goes with you-- The Princess.--to show me the door! I know all about that! (To the COUNTESS.) Come, Countess! (Goes out. FALBE, an old gentleman in civilian dress, has come in from the side to which the KING'S back is turned.) The King. How the devil did she--? Falbe (coming up behind him). Your Majesty! The King (turning quickly). Ah, there you are! Falbe. Yes, sir--we have been walking about in the park for some time; your Majesty was engaged. The King. Not engaged--I was only deadening thoughts by gossiping. My anxiety was too much for me. So they have come?--both of them? Falbe. Both of them. The King. Can I believe it! (Appears overcome.) But--you must wait a moment! I can't, just at this moment--. I don't know what has come over me! Falbe. Are you unwell, sir? You look so pale. The King My nerves are not what they should be. Is there any water near here? Falbe (pointing, in astonishment). Why, there is the fountain, Sir! The King. Of course! Of course!--I don't seem able to collect my thoughts. And my mouth is as dry as--. Look here, I am going that way (points); and then you can--you can bring the ladies here.--She is here! She is here! (Goes out to the left, and turns round as he goes.) Don't forget to lock the gates of the inner park! Falbe. Of course not, Sir. (Goes out to the right, and returns bringing in the BARONESS MARC and CLARA.) His Majesty will be here in a moment. (Goes out to the right.) Clara. You must stay near enough for me to be able to call you. Baroness. Of course, my dear. Compose yourself; nothing can happen. Clara. I am so frightened. Baroness. Here is the King! (The KING comes in and bows to them.) The King. Excuse me, ladies, for having kept you waiting. I am very grateful to you both for coming. Baroness. We only came upon your Majesty's solemn promise-- The King.--which shall be inviolable. Baroness. I understand that you wish to speak to Miss Ernst alone? The King. Your ladyship need only go up to the top of that little slope. (Points.) I can recommend the view from there. Baroness. The interview will not be a long one, I suppose? The King. If it is, I give your ladyship permission to come and interrupt us. (The BARONESS goes out. The KING turns to CLARA.) May I be permitted to thank you again--you especially--for having been so good as to grant me this interview? Clara. It will be the only one.