Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/43

. Nobody cares what he does, because he is the spoiled darling. It would be different if it were one of us. What does it say? "Latest Scandals at the Court of Suavia."

. With pictures of Prince Stephen and la Königsberg, his wife…

. His morganatic wife.

. His mistress.

. Highness!

. Say favorite, Alex.

. Yes, a cocotte. It sounds better in French, doesn't it? French is the diplomatic language.

. Your Highness appears to have developed a talent for piquant observation, wholly improper in a prince. Princes should be of a benevolent, optimistic turn of mind. The lady is an actress, not a cocotte, as you miscall it.

. What is the difference, as long as she is good-looking? Look out! Is any one coming?

. No, no, no one— Ah! she is good-looking.

. Oh, she is pretty! Yes, she is!

. His Highness, Prince Alex, thinks that she is pretty. What do you know about it, little imp?

. Well, she is prettier than the women in our family. The paper says so: "In the Royal Family of Suavia the women are all insignificant. The Princes, however"—listen to this—"Ils sont le type accompli de la beauté virile."

. I shall box your ears for that.

. I dare you to!

. Highness! She is your sister.

. What is the use of being silly?

. Stop quarrelling. Hello! More pictures… "Princess Helena of Suavia, popularly known as Princess Bebé."