Well, that's just why we are at the Springs. Do as the princess does: take the waters religiously.
The princess oughtn't to be climbing up such a steep hill either on a hot day like this.
Well, you know why we are taking all this trouble. If, by good luck, we should happen to meet the princess----
(_Who has been looking through the telescope._) Oh, there it is again!
It's just coming around the turn at the top.
Oh, now I see it! Why, there's no one inside!
See, the princess is coming up on foot, too. And she is just as anæmic as you are.
If I were going to marry a grand-duke, and if I could have my own carriage driven along beside me, I wouldn't complain of having to walk either.
I have been turning it right along, but the telescope won't move.
(_Who has been throwing little wads of paper at_ Rosa _during the preceding conversation._) What are they up to?
It seems to me that you've turned the screw too far, mother.
Permit me to come to your aid, ladies. I've had some experience with these old screws.
Very kind indeed. (Strübel _busies himself with the instrument._)
Listen, mother. If the carriage has almost reached the top the princess can't be far off. Wouldn't it be best, then, to watch for them on the road?
Certainly, if you think that would be best, dear Liddy.
This is not only an old screw, but it's a regular perverted old screw!
Ah, really?--(_Aside to her daughters._) And if she should actually speak to us at this accidental meeting--and if we could present ourselves as the subjects of her noble fiancé, and tell her that we live at her future home--just imagine what an advantage that would give us over the other women of the court!
There, ladies! We have now rescued the useful instrument to which the far-sightedness of mankind is indebted.
Thanks, so much.--Pardon me, sir, but have you heard anything about the report that the princess is going to make the journey up here to-day?
The princess? The Princess of the Springs? The Princess of the lonely villa? The Princess who is expected at the iron spring every morning, but who has never been seen by a living soul? Why, I am enormously interested. You wouldn't believe how much interested I am!
It's reached the top already. It is stopping over there at the edge of the woods.