COUNT (rises and kisses her on the forehead; strolls about aimlessly for a few seconds) Tell me, Mizzie, what you think.... How do you like the boy?
MIZZIE
Philip? Oh, rather fresh.
COUNT
Fresh, perhaps, but smart. I hope he'll stay in the army. That's a much more sensible career than the diplomatic service. Slow, but sure. All you need is to live long enough in order to become a general. But a political career.... Now look at Egon ... three times he has almost become a minister.... And suppose he had succeeded? (Walking back and forth) Yes, yes ... we shall be rather lonely this Summer.
MIZZIE
But why shouldn't you go to Ostend, papa?
COUNT
Yes, why not...? Really, won't you come along? It would be rather ... without you, you know.... It's no use looking at me like that. I know! I haven't paid as much attention to you in the past as I should have....
MIZZIE (taking his hand again)