KING. I told them that the Princess was waiting for them here. Their
natural disappointment at finding I was mistaken will make the test of
their good nature an even more exacting one. My own impression is that
the Yellow Prince will be the victor.
QUEEN. Oh, I hate that man.
KING (soothingly). Well, well, perhaps it will be the Blue one.
QUEEN. If anything, I dislike him _more_ intensely.
KING. Or even the Red.
QUEEN. Ugh! I can't bear him.
KING. Fortunately, dear, you are not called upon to marry any of them.
It is for our darling that we are making the great decision. Listen! I
hear one coming. I will hide in the cottage and take note of what
happens.
(He disappears into the cottage as the BLUE PRINCE comes in.)
QUEEN. Oh, sir, can you kindly spare a crust of bread for a poor old
woman! Please, pretty gentleman!
BLUE PRINCE (standing stolidly in front of her and feeling in his
pocket). Bread . . . Bread . . . Ah! Bread! (He offers it.)
QUEEN. Oh, thank you, sir. May you be rewarded for your gentle heart.
BLUE PRINCE. Thank you.
(He stands gazing at her. There is an awkward pause.)
QUEEN. A blessing on you, sir.
BLUE PRINCE. Thank you. (He indicates the crust) Bread.
Pages:
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42