how to do without her. I've tried my very best; but somehow it doesn't answer: everybody cheats me; and in the end it isn't any saving. So I've made up my mind to sell my piano and have a maid. That will be a real saving, because I really don't care a bit for music, though of course one has to pretend to. Don't you think so?
ERMYNTRUDE. Certainly I do, Your Highness. Nothing could be more correct. Saving and self-denial both at once; and an act of kindness to me, as I am out of place.
THE PRINCESS. I'm so glad you see it in that way. Er—you won't mind my asking, will you?—how did you lose your place?
ERMYNTRUDE. The war, Your Highness, the war.
THE PRINCESS. Oh yes, of course. But how—
ERMYNTRUDE [taking out her handkerchief and showing signs of grief]. My poor mistress—
THE PRINCESS. Oh please say no more. Don't think about it. So tactless of me to mention it.
ERMYNTRUDE [mastering her emotion and smiling through her tears]. Your Highness is too good.
THE PRINCESS. Do you think you could be happy with me? I attach such importance to that.
ERMYNTRUDE [gushing]. Oh, I know—I shall.
THE PRINCESS. You must not expect too much. There is my uncle. He is very severe and hasty; and he is my guardian. I once had a maid I liked very much; but he sent her away the very first time.
ERMYNTRUDE. The first time of what, Your Highness?
THE PRINCESS. Oh, something she did. I am sure she had never done it before; and I know she would never have done it again, she was so truly contrite and nice about it.
ERMYNTRUDE. About what, Your Highness?
