Norbert.
Mother sends you her love and is sorry she can't be here to congratulate you. She's in waiting on the Princess this evening.
Richard.
Ah? (He moves about the room.)
Norbert.
Oh, father, how happy you must be! How they cheered, how they fought to get near you and shake your hand! Oh, if only I could have one such hour in my life!
Richard (laying a hand on his shoulder).
If you do, my son, may you pay for it less dearly!
Norbert.
What do you mean?