FRAU V. BROOK. Oh, my dear child! This mood of yours, which is due to nothing but your illness—that reminds me, you haven't taken your peptonized milk yet—this is a secret which we must keep from every one, above all from your fiancé. If the Grand Duke should discover——
THE PRINCESS. [Shrugging her shoulders.] Well, what of it?
FRAU V. BROOK. A bride's duty is to be a happy bride. Otherwise——
THE PRINCESS. Otherwise?
FRAU V. BROOK. She will be a lonely and an unloved woman.
THE PRINCESS. [With a little smile of resignation.] Ah!
FRAU V. BROOK. What is it, dear? [The Princess shakes her head.] And then think of the strain of those formal presentations awaiting you in the autumn! You must grow strong. Remember that you must be equal to the most exacting demands of life.
THE PRINCESS. Of life? Whose life?
FRAU V. BROOK. What do you mean by that?
THE PRINCESS. Ah, what good does it do to talk about it?