THE PRINCESS. That is my secret. The rest I have told you. And now let me go.
THE KING. Tell me one thing more—
THE PRINCESS. Nothing more! I must go! I feel that if I stay any longer, something dreadful will happen!
THE KING. (taking her hand and detaining her) What do you fear?
THE PRINCESS. I feel like the maiden in the story who was told that if she stayed till the clock struck, she would be changed into the shape of an animal. Something tells me that if I stay here till the clock strikes, we shall both be transformed into beasts. Oh, let me go!
THE KING. No, wait!
The clock strikes noon.
THE PRINCESS. (staring at the door) I am lost!
THE GYPSY. (at the door, announcing) The couriers of the King of
Basque!
The couriers enter. They stare amazed at the girl seated beside the King.