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The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 07
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Anteroom in the KING'S apartments. The same as in SCENE I of ACT II. Writing materials on the table.
SCENE I
EVERSMANN comes from the KING'S room.
SECKENDORF (puts his head in at another door).
Pst! Eversmann! Have you seen him yet?
EVERSMANN
Seen whom, Count?
SECKENDORF. The Prince of Wales. He is indeed in Berlin—he has been seen everywhere. Unter den Linden—by the river—even beyond Treptow—a frail figure of a man, stooping slightly—his left shoulder higher than the right. When he speaks you see that one eye-tooth is missing—
EVERSMANN
The King will not recognize the presence of the Prince of Wales.
SECKENDORF
We are being deceived, Eversmann. The King has recognized it. [Low.] Or can it be that you have not heard of that most strange—most remarkable command that has gone out to the Castle Guards—a command which upsets all our deductions and plans? All sentries have orders to let a white domino, if such a one should appear at night about the castle, pass unhindered and even unchallenged. Do you not see the thoughtfulness for the Prince of Wales in that? It is he who is to visit His Majesty secretly in disguise. Eversmann, all our pro-Austrian plans are in danger. [There is a knock at the door.] Every noise startles me these days.
EVERSMANN
It is the court tailor most likely, pardon me. [He goes to the door.]
Ha, ha! the white domino!
SECKENDORF
The court tailor? What can the court tailor be doing here? And a white domino? Vienna's interests are in danger. The King does favor England. I must have certainty. This is the moment when I must show my whole power.
SCENE II
HOTHAM (comes in, bows).
His Majesty graciously consented to give me a farewell audience.
[EVERSMANN returns with a little package which he opens, drawing out a white domino.]
EVERSMANN (to HOTHAM).
I will announce you at once, sir. [To SECKENDORF, smiling.] Now, Count Seckendorf, if you wish to see the Prince of Wales [Pointing to the domino] here he is.
[He goes out into the KING'S room.]
SECKENDORF (aside).
That the Prince of Wales?
HOTHAM (aside).
A white domino the Prince of Wales?
SECKENDORF (aside).
What's the key to this new riddle?
HOTHAM (aside).
Can there be some secret doings here?
SECKENDORF (aside).
I will question Baronet Hotham cautiously.
HOTHAM (aside).
Mayhap this much-decorated gentleman can give me some information.
SECKENDORF (clearing his throat).
May I ask—how His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, is enjoying himself in Berlin? I am Count Seckendorf.
HOTHAM. Most happy to meet you. As Your Excellency perceives, he is at this moment in the very best hands. [Points after EVERSMANN.]
SECKENDORF (startled, aside).
In the best hands? Is he mocking me or is he deceived himself? It looks as though he too were in the conspiracy.
HOTHAM (aside).
This misunderstanding whets my curiosity.
SECKENDORF
You are in error, Baronet, if you believe that we have opposed the suit of the Prince of Wales. Procure me an opportunity to speak to the Prince, and I will consider it an honor to be allowed to repeat this assurance in his own presence.
HOTHAM (pointing to the KING's door).
The door of His Majesty's Cabinet is, I am told, always open to the
Imperial Envoy.
SECKENDORF (aside).
The King's Cabinet! Where the Court tailor has just taken the white domino [Aloud.] H'm! Baronet Hotham, do you happen to be acquainted with the legend of the White Lady, connected for centuries with the history of the House of Brandenberg?
