I leave my son to thee--'"

[_General embarra.s.sment._]

H'm--yes--

MARIA LOUISA.

Let's try Some other volume. Take--

THERESA.

The "Meditations"?

MARIA LOUISA.

I know the author! 'Twill not be so dull.

He dined with us. [_To_ SCARAMPI.] The Diplomat, you know.

THERESA.

[_Reads._]

"Never had hymns more strenuous and high From seraph lips rung through the listening sky: Courage! Oh, fallen child of G.o.dlike race--"

THE DUKE.

[_Who has entered unnoticed._]

Forgive the interruption, Lamartine!

MARIA LOUISA.

Well, Franz? A pleasant ride?

THE DUKE.

Delightful, mother.

But, Mademoiselle, where did my entrance stop you?

THERESA.

[_Looking at him with emotion._]

"Courage! Oh, fallen child of G.o.dlike race, The glory of your birth is in your face!

All men who look on you--"

MARIA LOUISA.

That's quite sufficient.

THE ARCHd.u.c.h.eSS.

[_To the children._]

Go, bid good morrow to your cousin.

[_The children run up to the_ DUKE, _who is seated, and surround him._]

SCARAMPI.

[_To_ THERESA.]

Fie!

THERESA.

Why, what?

A LADY.

[_Looking at the_ DUKE.]

How pale he is!

ANOTHER LADY.

He looks half dead!

SCARAMPI.

[_To_ THERESA.]

You chose such awkward pa.s.sages.

THERESA.

The book Fell open by itself. I did not choose.

GENTZ.

[_Who has overheard._]

Books always open where most often read.

THERESA.

[_Looking at the_ DUKE.]

Archdukes upon his knees!