fool like an old one.

MIZZIE

Old...? Do you call yourself old? Why, there can't be much difference
between us.

LOLO

Oh, mercy.... (_With a glance at Mizzie_)

MIZZIE

I am thirty-seven.--No, don't look at me with any pity. There is no
cause for that. None whatever.

LOLO (_apparently relieved_)

I have heard some whispers. Countess--of course, I didn't believe
anything. But I thank heaven it was true. (_They shake hands_)

MIZZIE

I should like to congratulate your fiance right now, if you'll permit
me.

LOLO

That's too sweet of you--but what about the Count--perhaps he wouldn't
like...?

MIZZIE

My dear, I have always been accustomed to do as I pleased. (_They go
together toward the entrance_)

WASNER

You're too kind, Countess....

[_The Count, the Prince and Philip have reappeared in the meantime._

COUNT

Look at that, will you!

WASNER

Good morning, Count. Good morning, Highness.

PRINCE

I say, Wasner, you may just as well take your bride home in that trap
of yours. My son is coming with me.

WASNER

Your son...?

PHILIP

Why haven't you told me that you were engaged, Wasner?

WASNER

Well, there are things you haven't told either ... Mr. von Radeiner!

COUNT (_to Lolo_)

Thank you very much for your friendly visit, and please accept my very
best wishes.

LOLO

The same to you, Count. And I must say, that when one has such a
daughter....

MIZZIE

It's too bad I haven't come to know you before.

LOLO

Oh, really, Countess....

MIZZIE

Once more, my dear Miss Lolo, good luck to you! (_Mizzie embraces
Lolo_)

COUNT (_looks on with surprise and some genuine emotion_)

LOLO

I thank you for the kind reception, Count--and good-by!

COUNT

Good-by, Miss Langhuber. I trust you'll be happy ... indeed I do, Lolo.

LOLO (_gets into the carriage which has driven up to the gate in the
meantime_)

WASNER (_is on the box, hat in hand; they drive off_)

MIZZIE (_waves her hand at them as they disappear_)

PHILIP (_who has been standing in the foreground with the Prince_) Oh,
my dear papa, I can see through the whole story.

PRINCE

You can?

PHILIP

This Miss Lolo must be the natural daughter of the Count, and a sister
of the Countess--her foster-sister, as they say.

PRINCE

No, you would call that a step-sister. But go on, Mr. Diplomat.

PHILIP

And of course, both are in love with you--both the Countess and the
ballet dancer. And t