Countess: Shame to love one’s son?
Wisely: Shame to spoil one’s son.
Countess: You see, sir, that we are educating our son as seems proper.
Wisely: I see only that you are driving everlastingly “Your Highness” into his head.
Countess: And it is proper to call him what he is.
Wisely: He is a child.
Countess: And of what line?
Wisely: A Weakhead.
Countess: I hope that he has much of his father’s blood in him.
Wisely: That is, the Weakheads’.
Countess: And of his mother’s? (The young Count turns away.)
Wisely: There, that is your line, the Whirligigs.
Countess: Count Basil is very lovable, is he not?
Wisely: I do not know if he is lovable, but I see that he is much loved by you.
Count: I am curious to be acquainted with Mr. Flatternot. When could that be?
Wisely: Now, if you wish.
Countess: You would much oblige us.
Wisely (going out): I will drive to him at once.
