STRÜBEL. No, no—I'm restless. I don't know what—at all events, may I not escort you—? One can chat more freely, one can express himself more openly—if one——
[Takes a deep breath.
THE PRINCESS. [Smiling.] And you are leaving your far-away princess with such a light heart?
STRÜBEL. [Carelessly.] Oh, she! She won't run away. She'll be sitting there to-morrow again—and the day after, too!
THE PRINCESS. And so that is your great, undying love?
STRÜBEL. Yes, but when a girl like you comes across one's path——
FRAU V. HALLDORF. [Hurrying in and then drawing back in feigned astonishment.] Oh!
LIDDY AND MILLY. [Similarly.] Oh!
STRÜBEL. Well, ladies, didn't I tell you that you wouldn't find her? Princesses don't grow along the roadside like weeds!
FRAU V. HALLDORF. [Disregarding him—ceremoniously.] The infinite happiness with which this glorious event fills our hearts must excuse in some measure the extraordinary breach of good manners which we are committing in daring to address Your Highness. But, as the fortunate subjects of Your Highness's most noble fiancé, we could not refrain from——