Marseillaise.

SCHNEIDEKIND [rising]. But I cannot, sir. I have no voice, no
ear.

STRAMMFEST. Then sit down; and bury your shame in your
typewriter. [Schneidekind sits down.] Comrade Annajanska, you
have eloped with a young officer.

THE GRAND DUCHESS [astounded]. General Strammfest, you lie.

STRAMMFEST. Denial, comrade, is useless. It is through that
officer that your movements have been traced. [The Grand Duchess
is suddenly enlightened, and seems amused. Strammfest continues
an a forensic manner.] He joined you at the Golden Anchor in
Hakonsburg. You gave us the slip there; but the officer was
traced to Potterdam, where you rejoined him and went alone to
Premsylople. What have you done with that unhappy young man?
Where is he?

THE GRAND DUCHESS [pretending to whisper an important secret].
Where he has always been.

STRAMMFEST [eagerly]. Where is that?

THE GRAND DUCHESS [impetuously]. In your imagination. I came
alone. I am alone. Hundreds of officers travel every day from
Hakonsburg to Potterdam. What do I know about them?

STRAMMFEST. They travel in khaki. They do not travel in full