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The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 07
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What's that? Did you not drop something? My God! Cards! [He stands as if speechless.] Playing-cards! [To the QUEEN.] Cards, madam—a Christian court—and cards! I am sure, Frau von Viereck, you were merely prophesying from those cards. I know, ladies, that you were only telling your fortunes from the cards. I am quite sure, Frau von Viereck, that you were merely endeavoring to ascertain whether you would bury your fifth husband also. Surely—or—is it possible? Money on the tables! [He clasps his hands in horror.] You—have-been-playing?—at my court?—playing-cards? [There is a knock at the door to the left.] Who knocks there?
QUEEN (aside).
It is Wilhelmine or the Prince of Wales! I am lost!
[Another gentle knock is heard.]
KING
You are awaiting more visitors? Come in!
[He goes to the door himself and opens it.]
SCENE IV
WILHELMINE, wearing a white veil and domino, comes in cautiously.
KING
A veiled lady! And such mysterious visitors are received here? [He lifts the veil.] What do I see! Wilhelmine!
WILHELMINE (throwing herself at his feet).
Father! Forgive me!
KING
Forgive you! This invasion of the State Prison—this attack on my sovereign will?
WILHELMINE (rising, aside).
This is a nice reception.
[There is a knock from the left.]
KING
Was that not another knock? [A stronger knock.] This castle is haunted, I do believe. And I have indeed been fortunate enough to prevent the outbreak of a conspiracy! [A louder knock.] Who is there at that door? You will not answer? Then I must open it myself.
QUEEN (steps before him).
No, you will not.
KING
You would hinder me from discovering who are enemies of the Crown? I will open that door.
QUEEN
Never!
KING
You defy me? You set yourself in opposition to the King?
QUEEN
Yes. I feel within me the power to do it. Ladies, hear now why I invited you to these rooms tonight—why I asked you to appear before your queen. Yes, Sire, the purpose of this hour was that the threads of your political scheming might be torn apart by two hands destined to be united for life.
WILHELMINE
Two hands!
QUEEN
Wilhelmine, I freed you from a captivity unworthy the daughter of a King. Open that door, Sire; you will find there my nephew, my future son-in-law, the Prince of Wales.
ALL
The Prince of Wales!
KING (when he has gained control of himself).
Madame, you have achieved your purpose. You have torn asunder the ties that bound me to my family, that bound me to life. You know that my honor, that my good name, are more to me than all political calculations. You know that this scene here at night, this secret understanding with one who in my eyes is merely an adventurous stranger, has ruined Wilhelmine's reputation forever. You may enjoy your triumph at your future widow's-seat, Oranienbaum, to which place I now banish you, according to our House's laws, for the few remaining years of my life.
WILHELMINE (hurrying to the KING's side).
No—no, not that.
KING
Madame, admit the Prince of Wales.
SCENE V
The QUEEN, breathing heavily, staggers to the door. After a moment's upward glance she opens it. The PRINCE OF BAIREUTH comes in, wrapped in a white cloak. HOTHAM follows, carrying a pointed metal helmet, such as belonged to the Prussian uniform of that day. The helmet must not be seen at first.
WILHELMINE
What? Whom do I see?
ALL
The Prince of Baireuth?
QUEEN
Baronet, what does this mean? Where is the Prince of Wales?
