Chapter 28

_Room of the_ PRINCESS. _Enter_ PRINCESS NATALIE, _followed by two ladies-in-waiting and Captain of Cavalry_, COUNT REUSS.

NATALIE (_precipitantly_). What is it, Count? About my regiment? Is it of moment? Can it wait a day?

REUSS (_handing her a letter_). Madam, a note for you from Colonel Kottwitz.

NATALIE (_opening it_). Quick, give it me! What's in it?

REUSS. A petition, Frankly addressed, though deferentially, As you will note, to our liege lord, his Highness, In furtherance of our chief, the Prince of Homburg.

NATALIE (_reading_). "Petition, loyally presented by The regiment of Princess Orange"--so.

[_Pause._]

This document--whose hand composed it, pray?

REUSS. As the formations of the dizzy script May let you guess, by none but Colonel Kottwitz. His noble name stands foremost on the list.

NATALIE. The thirty signatures which follow it?

REUSS. The names of officers, most noble lady, Each following each according to his rank.

NATALIE. And they sent me the supplication--me?

REUSS. My lady, most submissively to beg If you, our colonel, likewise, at their head Will fill the space left vacant, with your name?

[_Pause._]

NATALIE. Indeed, I hear, the Prince, my noble kinsman, By our lord's own volition shall be freed, Wherefore there scarce is need for such a step.

REUSS (_delighted_). What? Truly?

NATALIE. Yet I'll not deny my hand Upon a document, which, wisely used, May prove a weight upon the scales to turn Our sovereign's decision--even prove Welcome, mayhap, to introduce the issue. According to your wish, therefore, I set Myself here at your head and write my name.

[_She goes to a desk and is about to write._]

REUSS. Indeed, you have our lively gratitude!

[_Pause._]

NATALIE (_turning to him again_). My regiment alone I find, Count Reuss! Why do I miss the Bomsdorf Cuirassiers And the dragoons of Götz and Anhalt-Pless?

REUSS. Not, as perchance you fear, because their hearts Are cooler in their throbbing than our own. It proves unfortunate for our petition That Kottwitz is in garrison apart At Arnstein, while the other regiments Are quartered in the city here. Wherefore The document lacks freedom easily In all directions to expand its force.

NATALIE. Yet, as it stands, the plea seems all too thin.-- Are you sure, Count, if you were on the spot To interview the gentlemen now here, That they as well would sign the document?

REUSS. Here in the city, madam? Head for head! The entire cavalry would pledge itself With signatures. By God, I do believe That a petition might be safely launched Amid the entire army of the Mark!

NATALIE (_after a pause_). Why does not some one send out officers To carry on the matter in the camp?

REUSS. Pardon! The Colonel put his foot on that. He said that he desired to do no act That men might christen with an ugly name.

NATALIE. Queer gentleman! Now bold, now timorous! But it occurs to me that happily The Elector, pressed by other business, Charged me to issue word that Kottwitz, cribbed Too close in his position, march back hither. I will sit down at once and do it!

[_She sits down and writes._]

REUSS. By Heaven, Most excellent, my lady! An event That could not timelier prove for our petition!

NATALIE (_as she writes_). Use it, Count Reuss, as well as you know how.

[_She finishes her note, seals it and rises to her feet again._]

Meanwhile this note, you understand, remains In your portfolio; you will not go To Arnstein with it, nor convey 't to Kottwitz Until I give more definite command.

[_She gives him the letter._]

A LACKEY (_entering_). According to the sovereign's order, madam, The coach is ready in the yard, and waiting.

NATALIE. Go, call it to the door. I'll come at once.

[_Pause, during which she steps thoughtfully to the table and draws on her gloves._]

Count, I desire to interview Prince Homburg. Will you escort me thither? In my coach There is a place I put at your disposal.

REUSS. Madam, a great distinction, I assure you--

[_He offers her his arm._]

NATALIE (_to the ladies-in-waiting_). Follow, my friends!--It well may be that there I shall decide about the note erelong.

[_Exeunt omnes._]