THE PRINCE (rising in passionate excitement).
I beg you, ask me not!
You did not ponder what the letter said.
That he did me a wrong—and that's the crux—
I cannot tell him that. And if you force me
To give him answer in my present mood,
By God, it's this I'll tell him—"You did right!"
[He sinks down beside the table, again with folded arms, and stares at the letter.]
NATALIE (pale).
You imbecile, you! What a thing to say!
[She bends over him, deeply stirred.]
THE PRINCE (pressing her hand).
Come, just a second now! I think—
[He ponders.]
NATALIE. What is it?
THE PRINCE. I'll know soon now what I shall write to him.
NATALIE (painfully).
Homburg!
THE PRINCE (taking up his pen)
Yes, dear. What is it?