Chamb. Pardon, your majesty.
The Empress of Mexico begs audience.
Lou. Carlotta? No!
Chamb. She presses urgently
To enter.
Lou. Here?... We sent our word to her
At Miramar!... And yet—she comes—she ’s here.
... Admit the deputation, and summon, too,
Our Empress.
Chamb. The Empress comes.
(Enter Eugenie attended. Exit Chamberlain. Enter guards)
Eug. I hear the ministers
Have come to us with state congratulations,
And though unbidden, I ’ll not leave my chair—
The co-seat of imperial dignity—
Vacant at such a time.
Lou. Welcome, Eugenie.
We were about to summon you.
Eug. Thanks even
For tardy courtesy.
Lou. But we have more
Than compliments to hear. Carlotta waits
Our audience.