KARL

No! And a thousand times no.

[Throws himself face down again on couch. Screams very loud.

No! Do you hear me? No! I have known her all these years, and we've been good friends only—and we'll remain good friends, nothing else. I don't want the found sovereign!

[Moving to end of couch.

DEVIL, coming down L. of couch; very emphatically

And if it slips away?

[Silence. Then quickly:

If another man runs away with it—?

KARL, suddenly jumping at a conclusion