tactless of me to mention it.

ERMYNTRUDE [mastering her emotion and smiling through her tears].
Your Highness is too good.

THE PRINCESS. Do you think you could be happy with me? I attach
such importance to that.

ERMYNTRUDE [gushing]. Oh, I know--I shall.

THE PRINCESS. You must not expect too much. There is my uncle. He
is very severe and hasty; and he is my guardian. I once had a
maid I liked very much; but he sent her away the very first time.

ERMYNTRUDE. The first time of what, Your Highness?

THE PRINCESS. Oh, something she did. I am sure she had never done
it before; and I know she would never have done it again, she was
so truly contrite and nice about it.

ERMYNTRUDE. About what, Your Highness?

THE PRINCESS. Well, she wore my jewels and one of my dresses at a
rather improper ball with her young man; and my uncle saw her.

ERYMNTRUDE. Then he was at the ball too, Your Highness?

THE PRINCESS [struck by the inference]. I suppose he must have
been. I wonder! You know, it's very sharp of you to find that
out. I hope you are not too sharp.