THE MANAGER. Can I take any order? Some tea?

THE PRINCESS. Oh, thank you. Yes: I should like some tea, if I
might--if it would not be too much trouble.

He goes out. The telephone rings. The Princess starts out of her
chair, terrified, and recoils as far as possible from the
instrument.

THE PRINCESS. Oh dear! [It rings again. She looks scared. It
rings again. She approaches it timidly. It rings again. She
retreats hastily. It rings repeatedly. She runs to it in
desperation and puts the receiver to her ear.] Who is there? What
do I do? I am not used to the telephone: I don't know how-- What!
Oh, I can hear you speaking quite distinctly. [She sits down,
delighted, and settles herself for a conversation.] How
wonderful! What! A lady? Oh! a person. Oh, yes: I know. Yes,
please, send her up. Have my servants finished their lunch yet?
Oh no: please don't disturb them: I'd rather not. It doesn't
matter. Thank you. What? Oh yes, it's quite easy. I had no idea--
am I to hang it up just as it was? Thank you. [She hangs it up.]

Ermyntrude enters, presenting a plain and staid appearance in a
long straight waterproof with a hood over her head gear. She
comes to the end of the table opposite to that at which the
Princess is seated.

THE PRINCESS. Excuse me. I have been talking through the
telephone: and I heard quite well, though I have never ventured
before. Won't you sit down?