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 —Well? [A pause.] Sit down, please.

—Thank you. [He does not sit.]

—[She rises.] I haven't spoken with the Princess yet. I haven't even seen her yet. Perhaps within the next few minutes we shall meet. And then she will tell me why she has come.

—Yes. [There is a pause.]

—Is that all you have to say about it?

—Practically.

—I don't understand this mocking tone!

—Not mocking, only incredulous. I am not a boy any more, to believe in fairy tales.

—[With significance.] Boy?

—Yes, your highness, not a boy.

—[Regarding him sternly, reproachfully.] What is this attitude you have assumed toward me?

—One of utmost deference, your highness.

—Why this pretense? Have you forgotten what happened last night?

—I have forgotten, your highness.

—Have you? And have you also forgotten what I

—I have forgotten that, too, your highness.

—Was it so easy to forget?

—I didn't say that.

—If I had known