THE PRINCESS. I ask one small wish—that you leave me now. I must think over my new condition and all that it means.
THE KING. I am happy to see you in so profitable a frame of mind. Let me remind you that the royal luncheon will be served promptly in half an hour.
THE PRINCESS. I shall be there—on time.
THE KING. Meanwhile I leave you to your thoughts.
He goes.
THE PRINCESS. How weak I am! (She goes to the wide seat, and sits down, brooding. The Gypsy steals in, and crouches on the dais beside the wide seat.) A good queen, and a good wife—?
THE GYPSY. (softly) Impossible.
THE PRINCESS (startled) Was it I said that?
* * * * *
Night. The curtains are drawn aside. The walls and pillars are silhouetted against a moonlit sky…. The Gypsy is standing by the window, looking out.