[A letter, attached to a little stone, is thrown in at the window.]
SONNSFELD.
A letter? Through the window! Oh, how it frightened me!
WILHELMINE.
Pick it up.
SONNSFELD (doing so).
But you won't accept it, you say. It can only be from the Prince—and it is addressed to Your Highness.
[Gives her the letter.]
WILHELMINE.
To me? Why, then—why shouldn't I accept it? [She opens the letter.] It is—it is from the Prince. [She reads, aside.] "Adored one! Is there to be no end to these cruelties? Have they begun to torture you with England yet? They will come to you and will try to force you into this marriage. But Baronet Hotham, the English Envoy, is my friend and your friend, and will work for you while he seems to be working against you. It is a dangerous game, but it means your freedom and my life. Love comprehends—Love."