Hyacinth—Well, my boy—what do you say to that?
Alexandra—Hyacinth, what did you call him?
Hyacinth—My lad . . . of course, that's what I meant.
Alexandra—You dear! [Embraces him delightedly.]
Hyacinth—[While she embraces him, to Agi.] See that? I understand women.
Agi—[Touched.] She's beautiful . . . and good . . . I've forgiven her long ago.
Alexandra—But I can't forgive myself. Never, never! [With a start.] What are we thinking? [Suddenly.] And poor mother. . . . [She is about to rise.]
Hyacinth—Stay, my child, I wouldn't go up to her now. Compose yourself first, and then we shall go up together.
Agi—[Crosses to the table.' ?] Your mother was very cruel. [Sits at the place where Hyacinth had been sitting.]
Alexandra—I'm sorry for that too. I'm sorry for everything now. And yet I'm so happy here. [Embraces Hyacinth.] And you are sweet . . . and good . . . and strong . . . and you understand one so well.
Hyacinth—The curious thing about you two is that I ought to be severe with you. . . . And I
