His Wife.

Very well. I have imagined it.

The Man.

And that you are the queen of the ball.

His Wife.

I am ready.

The Man.

And that counts, marquises, and city magnates keep requesting the honour of your hand, but you persistently refuse them, and choose, instead, a man like—like—oh, a man in a beautiful gala dress, a real live prince. What did you say?

His Wife.

That I do not like princes.