Alice monologue — Plays by August Strindberg, First Series

Would one of you young gentlemen care to deliver a letter for me? [ALLAN _and the_ LIEUTENANT _exchange glances of mutual distrust_]--to Miss Judith? [ALLAN _and the_ LIEUTENANT _jump up and hasten over to_ ALICE, _but not without a certain dignity meant to disguise their emotion_] Both of you? Well, the more safely my errand will be attended to. [_Hands the letter to the_ LIEUTENANT] If you please, Lieutenant, I should like to have that handkerchief. My daughter is very careful about her things--there is a touch of pettiness in her nature--Give me that handkerchief! I don't wish to laugh at you, but you must not make yourself ridiculous--needlessly. And the Colonel does not like to play the part of an Othello. [_Takes the handkerchief_] Away with you now, young men, and try to hide your feelings as much as you can.