Cecil (aside). Now, G., be nice! If you are not I will tell Arthur.
Miss P. (advancing hurriedly). No, my dear, I’m not afraid. Give me your hand. (Shakes heartily, then drops it hurriedly, glancing at Cecil.)
Princess. The English ways are strange, yet I like them. Still, O kind ones, Kiku’s heart is breaking!
Mimosa (aside to Cecil). Deign to beg august one to return to the Palace.
Cecil (to Princess). Dear lady, do not sorrow so. We are leaving Japan. (Princess raises head.) Could you not return to the Palace? You promised graciously to show me your chrysanthemums, and my brother would be so grateful for your help—he is hunting for a lost heiress. Dear Princess, return. (Miss P. sighs.)
Princess. My honorable chrysanthemums would wither.
[Yuki lays flowers at feet of Princess, who looks down hesitatingly.
Cecil. Dearest Princess, return.
Princess. It is the cry of the child, the dear little honorable child: “Oh, I am blind—blind!” It echoes in my heart, rings in my ears! A child! O lady—a little treasure-flower!
Cecil. It couldn’t be true, dear Princess. It couldn’t possibly be true. It might have been a touch of sunstroke, but not blindness from your touch. These dear little hands could not hurt a fly. Be comforted, return. Something tells me you will be glad if you do. Dear lady, return!