[The PRINCE comes down a step and claps his hand to his forehead.]

HOTHAM.

I believe he’s writing verses.

[The PRINCE moves as before, toward the PRINCESS’ door, then sees HOTHAM.]

PRINCE.

What?  Who—­who is this I see?

HOTHAM (surprised).

Do my eyes deceive me?

PRINCE.

Hotham!  Is it possible?  You here in Berlin, friend?

HOTHAM.

Why, what is the matter, Prince?

PRINCE.

Think of meeting you—­you dear, excellent fellow—­and just at the very moment when my despair threatened to overcome me!  Is it really true?  Where do you come from?  From Paris?

HOTHAM.

I’ve just come from England, Prince, with the very best greetings from our mutual friends and a special commission to capture you and bring you back to the race-track, to the hunting field, and the boxing ring, which you so enjoyed.

PRINCE.

Alas, Hotham—­all those pleasures are over for me!

HOTHAM.

Has your father cut you off from the succession?

PRINCE.

Ah, do not touch that sensitive wound!  Fetch me, instead, the Empire of
Morocco.

HOTHAM.

You are ill of a fever, Prince, or else you need a friend to aid you with his sane mind.

PRINCE.

Hotham, you are a genius—­many an intrigue of your country’s foes will be shattered against that brain of yours.  But you cannot help me.

HOTHAM.

I wish that I could, Prince.  I am so deeply in your debt for a hundred good services rendered me during your sojourn in England.  It was your influence that put me in touch with our leading statesmen; you opened the diplomatic career to me.  To you I owe all that I am and have—­my brain is at your service, let it think for you; my arm is at your service, let it act for you.

PRINCE.

Hotham, I’m in a most peculiar situation—­

HOTHAM.

I will devote my very life to your service.  What would I be without you?  To you I owe this flattering mission, to you I owe my very presence here.

PRINCE.

Yes—­why are you here?

HOTHAM (looks about).

It is an affair of the greatest secrecy.  But if you desire I shall not hesitate to tell you what it is.

PRINCE. (absently).

I am not curious.  Will it keep you here long?

HOTHAM.

That depends upon circumstances—­circumstances of a most delicate nature.

PRINCE.

An affair of honor?

HOTHAM (low).

It concerns a possible marriage contract—­between Princess Wilhelmine and the Prince of Wales.

PRINCE (as if beside himself).

You?  You are the ambassador of whom the King spoke to me just now?