THE PRINCESS. M'yes. Of course she began with less. But she had
such a number of relatives to keep! It was quite heartbreaking: I
had to raise her wages again and again.

ERMYNTRUDE. I shall be quite content with what she began on; and
I have no relatives dependent on me. And I am willing to wear my
own dresses at balls.

THE PRINCESS. I am sure nothing could be fairer than that. My
uncle can't object to that, can he?

ERMYNTRUDE. If he does, Your Highness, ask him to speak to me
about it. I shall regard it as part of my duties to speak to your
uncle about matters of business.

THE PRINCESS. Would you? You must be frightfully courageous.

ERMYNTRUDE. May I regard myself as engaged, Your Highness? I
should like to set about my duties immediately.

THE PRINCESS. Oh yes, I think so. Oh certainly. I--

A waiter comes in with the tea. He places the tray on the table.

THE PRINCESS. Oh, thank you.

ERMYNTRUDE [raising the cover from the tea cake and looking at
it]. How long has that been standing at the top of the stairs?