The Lonely Way-Intermezzo-Countess Mizzie Part 108

COUNT

But why don't you stay.... That would be delightful ... if you could take lunch with us....

PRINCE

Unfortunately, it isn't possible. We have an appointment at Sacher's.[8]

[8] A fas.h.i.+onable restaurant near the Imperial Palace in the Inner City.

COUNT

That's really too bad. And shall I not see you at all during the Summer?

PRINCE

Oh, we shall not be entirely out of touch.

COUNT

And are you starting to-morrow already?

PRINCE

Yes.

COUNT

Where are you going?

PRINCE

To the sea sh.o.r.e--Ostend.

COUNT

Oh, you are bound for Ostend. I have long wanted to go there.

PRINCE

But that would be fine....

COUNT

What do you think, Mizzie? Let's be fas.h.i.+onable. Let's go to Ostend, too.

MIZZIE

I can't answer yet. But there's no reason why you shouldn't go, papa.

PHILIP

That would be delightful, Countess. It would please me awfully.

MIZZIE (_smiling_)

That's very kind of you, Philip. (_She holds out her hand to him_)

PHILIP (_kisses her hand_)

COUNT (_to the Prince_)

The children seem to get along beautifully.

PRINCE

Yes, that's what I have been thinking. Good-by then. Good-by, my dear Mizzie. And good-by to you, my dear old fellow. I hope at least to see _you_ again at Ostend.

COUNT

Oh, she'll come along. Won't you, Mizzie? After all, you can get studios by the sea sh.o.r.e, too. Or how about it, Mizzie?

MIZZIE (_remains silent_)

PRINCE

Well, until we meet again! (_He shakes hands with the Count and Mizzie_)

PHILIP (_kisses the hand of Mizzie once more_)

COUNT (_giving his hand to Philip_)

It has been a great pleasure.

[_The Prince and Philip go out through the gate and step into the carriage which has been driving up in the meantime, and which now carries them off. The Count and Mizzie come forward again and seat themselves at the table under the tree. Pause._

COUNT

Hasn't this been a queer day?

MIZZIE

All life is queer--only we forget it most of the time.

COUNT

I suppose you're right. (_Pause_)

MIZZIE