ELECTRESS. Indeed, with all my heart!
THE PRINCE (folds the note and gives it to the Sergeant;
then, as he turns again to the ELECTRESS,
softly lays his arm about NATALIE's waist).
I have a wish,
A something timorously to confide
I thought I might give vent to on the road.
NATALIE (tearing herself away).
Bork! Quick! My scarf, I beg—
ELECTRESS. A wish to me?
FIRST LADY-IN-WAITING.
Princess, the scarf is round your neck.
THE PRINCE (to the ELECTRESS). Indeed!
Can you not guess?
ELECTRESS. No—
THE PRINCE. Not a syllable?
ELECTRESS (abruptly).
What matter? Not a suppliant on earth
Could I deny today, whate'er he ask,
And you, our battle-hero, least of all!
Come!
THE PRINCE. Mother! Oh, what did you speak? Those words—
May I interpret them to suit me best?