COUNT
But why don"t you stay.... That would be delightful ... if you could take lunch with us....
PRINCE
Unfortunately, it isn"t possible. We have an appointment at Sacher"s.[8]
[8] A fashionable restaurant near the Imperial Palace in the Inner City.
COUNT
That"s really too bad. And shall I not see you at all during the Summer?
PRINCE
Oh, we shall not be entirely out of touch.
COUNT
And are you starting to-morrow already?
PRINCE
Yes.
COUNT
Where are you going?
PRINCE
To the sea sh.o.r.e--Ostend.
COUNT
Oh, you are bound for Ostend. I have long wanted to go there.
PRINCE
But that would be fine....
COUNT
What do you think, Mizzie? Let"s be fashionable. Let"s go to Ostend, too.
MIZZIE
I can"t answer yet. But there"s no reason why you shouldn"t go, papa.
PHILIP
That would be delightful, Countess. It would please me awfully.
MIZZIE (_smiling_)
That"s very kind of you, Philip. (_She holds out her hand to him_)
PHILIP (_kisses her hand_)
COUNT (_to the Prince_)
The children seem to get along beautifully.
PRINCE
Yes, that"s what I have been thinking. Good-by then. Good-by, my dear Mizzie. And good-by to you, my dear old fellow. I hope at least to see _you_ again at Ostend.
COUNT
Oh, she"ll come along. Won"t you, Mizzie? After all, you can get studios by the sea sh.o.r.e, too. Or how about it, Mizzie?
MIZZIE (_remains silent_)
PRINCE
Well, until we meet again! (_He shakes hands with the Count and Mizzie_)
PHILIP (_kisses the hand of Mizzie once more_)
COUNT (_giving his hand to Philip_)
It has been a great pleasure.
[_The Prince and Philip go out through the gate and step into the carriage which has been driving up in the meantime, and which now carries them off. The Count and Mizzie come forward again and seat themselves at the table under the tree. Pause._
COUNT
Hasn"t this been a queer day?
MIZZIE
All life is queer--only we forget it most of the time.
COUNT
I suppose you"re right. (_Pause_)
MIZZIE