Page:Fashions for Men And The Swan Two Plays (NY 1922).pdf/258

 it shines in its true value; and so I proudly proclaim that it is more brilliant than the sun, and that its brilliance is its own [Puts his hand on his chest.] Its own!

—[Smiling.] Possibly, Professor. It seems I do not understand these things.

—[Decidedly.] No, your highness.

—[To in a harrowed whisper.] I can't bear it any longer.

—Charming! Charming! At last a man who tells me to my face that there is something I do not understand.

—[Stubbornly.] No, your highness doesn't know anything about it.

—[Forcing himself to seem pleased.] In twenty years I haven't heard anyone so outspoken. Professor, I admire you not only as an astronomer, but as a man. I am charmed with your candor.

—[As if offended.] It makes no difference to me whether you like it or not.

—[Jovially.] There's candor for you! Charming! I'm really enjoying myself here.

—[Weakly.] Oh! [''She rises suddenly, sways. General consternation.'']

—[Puts down his glass.] What's the matter, Aunt Beatrice? [He rises.] Aunt Beatrice! Tu te trouves mal?

—[Weakly.] My head all of a