[_He seems to commune upon and decide something within himself.
His voice breaks clearly over a long pause._]

Good-night, Ursus, I am going up into the prow to seek some fresher
air.

[_URSUS sits with his head on his arms, which are resting on
DEA'S coverlet. There is a faint shrill of sighing wind, with the
voices of the sailors rising beneath it, and the ascending sun
commences to throw red bars across the water._

_Suddenly the singing voices cease abruptly and a sailor hurries
in._]

SAILOR

Sir, sir, a man has fallen into the sea!

URSUS

[_Starting out of his lethargy and speaking in a strange, numb
voice._]

Then put the ship about. We return.

SAILOR

Shall we not lower boats and make search for this man--[_he shudders
and crosses himself_] for this man who has fallen into the sea?

URSUS [_half to himself_]

Let a man rest where he has gone by his own will.

_CURTAIN_

SCENE 3

[_An antechamber communicating with the QUEEN'S bedroom._]

1ST COURTIER

The air is very heavy this morning.

2D COURTIER

It is as if the clouds had dropped down out of the sky, entered into
this palace, and turned into leaden wheels, running over one, no
matter where one hides.

3D COURTIER

You are lucky to be able to talk. I am too depressed even to breathe.

1ST COURTIER

I am terribly depressed,--but I am still curious. What do you suppose
it is all about?

2D COURTIER

It is all about passions. There have been several conflicting kinds
rushing through the atmosphere lately. Naturally the sea is a bit
choppy for our painted sort of barks.

[_He nods about him rather contemptuously._]

3D COURTIER

You can at least talk no matter what happens.

1ST COURTIER

Well, we don't seem any nearer knowing the truth.

[_Enter two ladies in a state of great excitement._]

1ST LADY

What could you have possibly expected? I suppose the marriage is off.
Josephine could never be interested in anything, and as for the
Prince----

2D LADY

His self-interest would push anything else out of him.

1ST LADY

Of course, if it _is_ off, Josephine must have made him appear
unbecoming and _she_ probably brought all the candles in the palace
to help illuminate Josephine's mistake. Phew! they are all quite
dreadful.

1ST COURTIER

Sh! It is unwise to be so indiscreet, even in a crisis. Remember, we
have to face each other, and all o