Page:Plays by Jacinto Benavente - Second series (IA playsbyjacintobe00bena).pdf/46

. If I might offer a suggestion to Your Majesty, perhaps if the Empress were to continue in ignorance…

. Quite superfluous. She will be more careful another time, now that she is advised that she has a grandson who is so enterprising. [Aside to the ] She will be proud of him, too, I assure you. [The  goes out] Attention, Sergeant! For this breach of discipline, which is your first, you are forbidden to go skating this afternoon, and for the next three days you may eat by yourself, apart from your brother and sister.

. What a blessed relief!

. Don't you envy me?

. It serves you right.

. I could tell grandfather some nice stories about you and Maurice.

. You are a fine soldier—a tattle-tale and a coward.

. Who? I?

. Silence! That will do. Herr Stirger, continue your instruction in the library. I require this apartment for a private conference, as it has a separate entrance.

. We have concluded our studies for the day.

. Good! Then the Countess may accompany the Princes to pay their respects to the Empress. Margaret, my dear, a kiss; Maurice, your hand. Alex…

. Will Your Majesty forgive me?

. Coward! A man never apologizes.

. I forgive you this time, but if it happens again—Maurice, read him the army regulations.

. May I go skating with Margaret and Maurice?

. Of course you may.

. I don't mind eating by myself, because Maurice and Margaret always tease me.