And who may that be?
Strubel.
Why, Princess Marie Louise.
The Princess.
Of Geldern?
Strubel.
Of course.
The Princess.
Do you know her?
Strubel.
Why, certainly.
The Princess.
Really? I thought that she lived in great retirement.
Strubel.
Well, that doesn"t do her any good. Not a bit of it. And because you are such a jolly, good fellow, I"m going to tell you my secret. I"m in love with this princess!
The Princess.
Oh!
Strubel.
You can"t imagine what a comfort it is. The fact is, every young poet has got to have a princess to love.
The Princess.
Are _you_ a poet?
Strubel.
Can"t you tell that by looking at me?
The Princess.
I never saw a poet before.
Strubel.
Never saw a poet--never saw a princess! Why, you"re learning a heap of things to-day!
The Princess (_a.s.senting_).
H"m--And have you written poems to her?
Strubel.
Why, that goes without saying! Quant.i.ties of "em!
The Princess.
Oh, please recite some little thing--won"t you?
Strubel.
No, not yet. Everything at the proper time.
The Princess.
Ah, yes, first I should like to see the princess.
Strubel.
No, first I am going to tell you the whole story.
The Princess.
Oh, yes, yes. Please do. (_Sits down._)
Strubel.
Well, then--I had hardly heard that she was here before I was dead in love with her. It was just as quick as a shot, I tell you. Just as if I had waited all my life long to fall in love with her. Besides, I also heard about her beauty--and her sorrow. You see, she had an early love affair.
The Princess (_disconcerted_).
What? Are they saying that?
Strubel.
Yes. It was a young officer who went to Africa because of her--and died there.
The Princess.
And they know that, too?
Strubel.