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Countess: And what do you say, Prince Egon? I'm really sorry.
If hecher to something now, he’ll surely get into trouble. And I'm
afraid he'll begin something again. He's entirely too young for his
years.
Prince: Yes, yes.
Countess: ( Ilurning towards him) You haven’t been here for
a long time.
Prince: I fear you will not have missed me very much...
Your art..and Lord knows what more.
Countess (simply) And yet...
Prince: V¬ry kind of you. (Pause.)
Countess: Why are you^silent today? Tell me something. Isn't
there anything new in the world?
Prince: (As if he has just thought of it) Our son has passed
his filnals
Countess: (draws back slightly) I hope that have more inter¬
asting news in store.
Prince: More interesting...
Countess: Or at least news that concern me more personally
of a young man entirely unknown to me.
than the career
Prince: Of the more important stages in the Career,
this young man, I believe myself duty- bound to inform you. When he
was confirmed, I also took the liberty of advising you. But we need
not speak further of it. (Pause.
Countess: Has he at least come through?
Prince: With distinction.
Countess: Ah, so the race seems to be improving.
Prince: Let us both hope that.
Countess: And now the great moment is hearing....
Prince: What moment?
Countess: Don't you remember? After theienals you wanted
to blidlose to him that you were his father.
Prince: I have already done that.
Countess: You—have already told him?
Prince: Yes.
Countess: (after a cause, with looking at him) And his