Page:Fashions for Men And The Swan Two Plays (NY 1922).pdf/239

 Professor  the Crown Prince showed no interest in me, and my mother decided  that if someone else were here  some man  to whom I could be attentive  Albert's interest in me  might be aroused I want you to believe, Professor, that I never meant to hurt you  and that I am sorry, if I have. Before to-night when I was cold and formal with you  it was because I knew that you were  not at ease  in my presence. My mother asked me to invite you to the ball to-night. I have never disobeyed her, but if I had known if I could have foreseen  that a man's eyes would light up like that when his heart was aflame  that anyone would dare  to look into my eyes  as you have looked[She pauses, walks slowly to the table, sits down.] Now I have told you, Professor. Now you know how you have been deceived. [There is a pause.] Have you nothing to say?

—[His head is bowed.] You only obeyed orders.

—I don't want to seem more blameless than I am. It is hateful of me to put all the blame on mother. [After a pause, she continues earnestly, dreamily, almost sadly.] I want to be a queen. [''Lets her head sink on her arm. There is a pause.'']

—[Softly.] That means I may go now.