The play Philip writes is based off the Barbie Princess and the Pauper film.


The rehearsals begin, and so far, everything is fine. Christine and Meg's natural friendship make it easy to practice the scene where they meet, and become friends. When Philip brings Caroline and Helen to the Opera House to hear their opinion of it, after the scene finishes, Caroline gets up, heads to the stage, and says, ''It's nice, but perhaps we could have a bit of dancing? I don't think they would want to stand still during the song. Perhaps-'' she does an arabesque up the stairs, turns around.

''Something like that? Simple but pretty?''

Philip laughs and ruffles Caroline's hair. ''I like that. What do you think, Comtesse?''

Christine says she wouldn't mind, and rehearsals go ahead.

Raoul practices his part as best he can, for he is not used to acting on the stage like Christine and Meg are. Philip helps him out if he needs help, of course.

And then there is the love duet between the seamstress and the visiting king, who believes she is the princess.

XXX

Philip sits down at the piano in Raoul and Christine's house, and Meg stands nearby, where she is supposed to. She looks at the paper that holds her lines, and Philip, after counting to three, plays the beginning of the song.

Meg opens her mouth, but forgets the words.

''Go on, darling.'' Caroline says, as she is reading the queen's lines.

Philip plays the beginning again.

Meg finally remembers the words, and begins to sing.

Once a lass met a lad,

You're a gentle one, said she.

In my heart I'd be glad if you loved me for me.

You say your love is true, and I hope that it will be.

I'd be sure, if I knew.

Then Philip joins in.

If you loved me for me.

Meg knows her voice is not Christine's, angelic and crystal-like, but it is what she has, and Caroline whispers to Helen that it is very pretty indeed. Philip gives her a nod, and encouraged thus, she continues, stepping away from the piano.

Could I be the one you're seeking?

Will I be the one you choose?

Can you tell my heart is speaking?

My heart will give you clues.

Philip takes Meg's hand, and she blushes, to have a man so close. But his grip is gentle, and one look at his face assures her there's nothing to be afraid of. He begins his bit.

What you see may be deceiving.

Truth lies underneath the skin.

She smiles, and turns to face him.

Hope will blossom by believing the heart that lies within.

They take each other's hands as Caroline and Helen smile at each other, looking on, and sing together.

I'll be yours, together we shall always be as one if you love me for me.

I'll be yours!/Who can say where we'll go,

Together we shall always be as one/Who can promise what will be, but I'll stay by your side,

If you love me for me.

Caroline and Helen start to clap, but Philip holds up his hand to silence them. There is one more line.

If you love me for me.

When that is over, Philip turns to Caroline and Helen, and tells them, ''You can clap now.'' And they clap very excitedly.

''That was beautiful! I can't wait to see it on stage, and you in your costume-'' Helen says, and Philip smiles proudly.

''It is a lovely song.'' Meg tells Philip. ''You could be an opera composer if you wanted to.''

He shakes his head. ''I'd rather write plays or operettas. I want to make people laugh, not cry. There's enough sadness in the world already.''