[The lackey, having collected these and given them to the PRINCE, goes out. The PRINCE writes. Pause, during which he tears the letter he has begun in two and throws the pieces under the table.]
A silly opening!
[He takes another sheet.]
NATALIE (picking up the letter). What did you say?
Good heavens! Why, it's right, it's excellent.
THE PRINCE (under his breath).
Bah! That's a blackguard's wording, not a Prince's.
I'll try to put it in some other way.
[Pause. He clutches at the ELECTOR'S letter which the PRINCESS holds in her hand.]
What is it, anyway, his letter says?
NATALIE (keeping it from him).
Nothing at all!
THE PRINCE. Give it to me!
NATALIE. You read it!