REUSS. Pardon! The Colonel put his foot on that.
He said that he desired to do no act
That men might christen with an ugly name.
NATALIE. Queer gentleman! Now bold, now timorous!
But it occurs to me that happily
The Elector, pressed by other business,
Charged me to issue word that Kottwitz, cribbed
Too close in his position, march back hither.
I will sit down at once and do it!
[She sits down and writes.]
REUSS. By Heaven,
Most excellent, my lady! An event
That could not timelier prove for our petition!
NATALIE (as she writes).
Use it, Count Reuss, as well as you know how.
[She finishes her note, seals it and rises to her feet again.]
Meanwhile this note, you understand, remains
In your portfolio; you will not go
To Arnstein with it, nor convey 't to Kottwitz
Until I give more definite command.
[She gives him the letter.]
A LACKEY (entering).
According to the sovereign's order, madam,
The coach is ready in the yard, and waiting.
NATALIE. Go, call it to the door. I'll come at once.