Princess. Then let me beg you to believe this, too--it will last until he has attained his end. Clara. If you mean our marriage, let me tell you that _that_ is not our end. Princess (in surprise). What is, then? Clara. Our end is to accomplish something together. That task shall be consecrated and ennobled by our love. Yes, you may look at me! Those were his own words. Princess. That answer!--That thought!--But what certainty have you? Clara. Of what? Princess. That you did not put the thought into his mind?--and that the fire in his soul may not flicker out? Clara. If I needed any assurance, I should find it in the fact that he changed his whole life for my sake; he waited for me for more than a year. Has he ever done that for any one before? I am sure he has never needed to! (The PRINCESS winces.) It is those who have seduced that "ardent" temperament of his--you called it that yourself--that are to blame, and not I, Princess! (A pause.) I checked him to the best of my power when he came to me as he was wont to go to others. (A pause.) Indeed it is no sacrifice to become his wife. When one loves, there is no question of sacrifice. But the position in which I now stand exposes me to more suspicion than the humblest of his subjects, to more scorn than if I were his mistress. Think how you have spoken to me to-day yourself, Princess! (A pause.) It is no sacrifice to endure such things for the man one loves. It was not I that used the word "sacrifice," either; and as for the sacrifice you implied that I ought to have made, I don't wish to understand what you meant by that, even though I am a woman as well as you! But if you knew, Princess, how hard a fight I have been through before I found the strength to cast in my lot with his, against my father's wish and against you all--you would not have spoken to me about making a sacrifice. At all events you would not have spoken to me as you have done to-day; because you are not cruel, and I know that at bottom you mean me well. (A longer pause.) Princess. This is more serious than I knew.--Poor child, your disappointment will be all the more serious. Clara. Not with him! Princess (half to herself). Is it possible he can be so changed? Was that what was needed to secure a hold on him--? (To CLARA.) Is he coming here to fetch you? Clara. Yes. Princess. What does he want to hold this court for? What is the good of throwing down this challenge to all the dignitaries of his kingdom?--especially if, after all, he means to live the life of an ordinary citizen? Clara. He wished it. Princess. An exciting episode in his rhapsody! Why did you not dissuade him? Clara. Because I agree with him. Princess. Perhaps you don't fully realise what it means?--what humiliation the King will have to undergo? Clara. I only know that it seems to me that these things should be done openly, and that he has plenty of courage.