Clara. No.
Princess. It is the Baroness?
Clara. She and I. We are both poor.
Princess. Ah, yes—she has lost her post now, hasn't she?
Clara. On my account—yes. And you, Princess, who have known her—for she was once your governess—can you really suppose that she would have been faithful to me if she did not trust me and feel that this was right? You treated her so contemptuously when you came in.
Princess. I seem to have broken in upon the most incomprehensible romance!—Then you love the King? (CLARA nods her head.) He knows how to love, and make a woman happy! He is a dazzling creature!—We shall see now whether you are to suffer for all the hearts he has broken. You are not the first woman he has loved.
Clara. Princess!
Princess. Yes, let that sink into your mind! Your happiness is embroidered with tears!
Clara. It is cruel of you to reproach me with it.
Princess. Forgive me! I really did not mean that.—But there is still time to put on a more suitable dress. If you dare accept no gifts from the King—you might from some one else? A King's bride is a King's bride after all, you know!