PRINCE
I am taking that liberty.
COUNT
No, I couldn't possibly tell you.... Why, he has got a son of seventeen!... (Suddenly he grasps the hand of the Prince, and then puts his arms about him) And if I may ask ... the mother of that young gentleman, your son ... how it happens ... as you have started telling me....
PRINCE
She's dead long ago. Died a couple of weeks after he was born. A mere slip of a girl.
COUNT
Of the common people?
PRINCE
Oh, of course. But a charming creature. I may as well tell you everything about it. That is, as far as I can recall it myself. The whole story seems like a dream. And if it were not for the boy....