The Royal Bed

Princess Anne:
She's furious now because father is going out. Mother tries to boss everything - well, she not going to boss me! I'm not her husband. I'm going to lead my own life!

Granton:
And may I ask when do you intend to start?

Princess Anne:
As soon as she's safely on her trip to America. One of these days, Mother will pick up a New York paper and discover her daughter has eloped. You *are* going to elope with me, aren't you, Freddy?

Granton:
Oh yes, Anne. I wouldn't let you elope alone.

Princess Anne:
But what were those explosions?

The King:
Shells, my dear. The fact of the matter is, the revolutionaries stole General Northrup's artillery when he wasn't looking.

Princess Anne:
And they're trying to shell the palace?

The King:
It seems that way. [Anne takes off her coat.] What are you doing?

Princess Anne:
Do you think I'd go now?

The King:
But, my dear, you must go. This is your one chance; you can't lose it.

Princess Anne:
Too late, Father. I'm going to stay here because I love you. And because we must be together when they come.

Granton:
Good for you, Anne.

The King:
Well, there's nothing left for me except to burst into tears, I suppose.