Part 45 (1/2)

What don't they know?--But that's a mere detail--it doesn't concern me. Even the fact that in six months she will become the bride of a grand-duke--even that can make no difference to me. For the present she is _my_ princess.--But you're not listening to me!

The Princess.

Oh, yes I am!

Strubel.

Do you know what that means--_my_ princess? I'll not give up _my_ princess--not for anything in all the world!

The Princess.

But--if you don't even know her----?

Strubel.

I don't know her? Why, I know her as well as I know myself!

The Princess.

Have you ever met her, then?

Strubel.

I don't know of any one who has ever met her. And there's not a soul that can tell what she looks like. It is said that there were pictures of her in the shop-windows when she first came, but they were removed immediately. In the morning a great many people are always lurking around the Springs trying to catch a glimpse of her. I myself have gotten up at six o'clock a couple of times--on the same errand--and if you knew me better, you'd realise what that meant. But not a sign of her! Either she has the stuff brought to her house, or she has the power of making herself invisible. (The Princess _turns aside to conceal a smile._) After that, I used to hang around her garden--every day, for hours at a time. Until one day the policeman, whom the managers of the Springs have stationed at the gates, came up to me and asked me what on earth I was doing there. Well, that was the end of those methods of approach! Suddenly, however, a happy thought struck me. Now I can see her, and have her near to me as often as I wish.

The Princess.

Why, that's very interesting. How?

Strubel.

Yes, that's just the point. H'm, should I risk it? Should I take you into my confidence?

The Princess.

You promised me some time ago that you would show her to me.

Strubel.

Wait a second. (_Looks through the telescope._) There she is. Please look for yourself.

The Princess.

But I am-- (_She, too, looks through the telescope._) Actually, there is the garden as plain as if one were in it.

Strubel.

And at the corner window on the left--with the embroidery-frame--that's she.

The Princess.

Are you absolutely certain that that is the princess?