[The knock is repeated. The ladies all rise as if frightened.]
HOLZENDORF.
The hand seems none of the most delicate.
QUEEN.
And yet it is. That knock expresses the impetuous longing of a being whom my courage has freed from a humiliating situation. You may resume your seats, ladies. Do not allow yourselves to be disturbed by anything that may occur, not even by any surprise. This is but the beginning of many things that will come to pass this evening. And so I cry—in overflowing emotion—[There is another knock.] "Moderate your impatience, beloved being; you shall find here what you seek—your mother!" [She opens the door.]
SCENE III
The KING steps in. He is wrapped in a white cloak, his hat pulled down over his face.
KING.
Yes, your mother.
[The ladies all rise with exclamations of horror. The KING removes his hat.]