PRINCE
That's he. Do you want to disappear before he comes out here? I can detain him that long.
MIZZIE
Don't trouble yourself, please. I prefer to stay. But don't imagine that there is anything astir within me.... This is nothing but a young man coming to call on my father. There he is now.... As to blood being thicker than water—I think it's nothing but a fairy tale. I can't feel anything at all, my dear Prince.
PHILIP (comes quickly through the main entrance; he is seventeen, slender, handsome, elegant, but not foppish; shows a charming, though somewhat boyish, forwardness, not quite free from embarrassment) Good morning. (He bows to Mizzie)
PRINCE
Good morning, Philip.—Countess, will you permit me to introduce my son? This is Countess Mizzie, daughter of the old friend of mine in whose house you are now.
PHILIP (kisses the hand offered him by Mizzie; brief pause)
MIZZIE
Won't you be seated, please?