and guggle all over the house whenever anyone washes his hands. I
know.

THE MANAGER [gallant]. You are hard to please, mademoiselle.

ERMYNTRUDE. No harder than other people. But when I'm not pleased
I'm not too ladylike to say so. That's all the difference. There
is nothing more, thank you.

The Manager shrugs his shoulders resignedly; makes a deep bow to
the Princess; goes to the door; wafts a kiss surreptitiously to
Ermyntrude; and goes out.

THE PRINCESS. It's wonderful! How have you the courage?

ERMYNTRUDE. In Your Highness's service I know no fear. Your
Highness can leave all unpleasant people to me.

THE PRINCESS. How I wish I could! The most dreadful thing of all
I have to go through myself.

ERMYNTRUDE. Dare I ask what it is, Your Highness?

THE PRINCESS. I'm going to be married. I'm to be met here and
married to a man I never saw. A boy! A boy who never saw me! One
of the sons of the Inca of Perusalem.

ERMYNTRUDE. Indeed? Which son?

THE PRINCESS. I don't know. They haven't settled which. It's a