It was perfectly plain that you had a certain weakness for that daughter.... Why, you used to be quite embarrassed when talking of her. And then you have been telling me all sorts of things about her that you would never have cared to tell otherwise. What interest could I have in the pictures of a Countess X-divided-by-anything, for instance—supposing even that you could tell her lilacs from her laburnums by their color? And, as I said, my one fear was that she might be too young—as my mother, that is, and not as your wife. Of course, there is not yet anybody too young or beautiful for you. But now I can tell you, papa, that she suits me absolutely as she is.
PRINCE
Well, if you are not the most impudent rogue I ever came across...! Do you really think I would ask you, if I should ever....
PHILIP
Not exactly ask, papa ... but a happy family life requires that all the members affect each other sympathetically ... don't you think so?
[Mizzie and Lolo Langhuber enter.
MIZZIE
You must look around, please. I am sure my father would be very sorry to miss you. (She starts to make the usual introductions) Permit me to....
LOLO
Oh, Your Highness.