Dear child, and do you like me now once more?
NATALIE (after a pause).
I do not know and do not seek to know
What woke your favor, liege, so suddenly.
But truly this, I feel this in my heart,
You would not make ignoble sport of me.
The letter hold whate'er it may—I trust
That it hold pardon—and I thank you for it.
[She kisses his hand.]
ELECTOR. Indeed, my little girl, indeed. As sure
As pardon lies in Cousin Homburg's wish.
SCENE II
Room of the PRINCESS. Enter PRINCESS NATALIE, followed by two ladies-in-waiting and Captain of Cavalry, COUNT REUSS.
NATALIE (precipitantly).
What is it, Count? About my regiment?
Is it of moment? Can it wait a day?
REUSS (handing her a letter).
Madam, a note for you from Colonel Kottwitz.
NATALIE (opening it).
Quick, give it me! What's in it?
REUSS. A petition,
Frankly addressed, though deferentially,
As you will note, to our liege lord, his Highness,
In furtherance of our chief, the Prince of Homburg.