afford to be a little ridiculous, can it not?
[_rises_] Well, it has all been very entertaining. I have really
immensely enjoyed myself.

[_Turning to her courtiers and taking a brooch from her lace._]

I think we should give the clown some token of tonight's amusement.
[_to a servant_] Go and tell Messire Gwymplane to attend us.

PRINCE

The performance of this mountebank has agitated me. [_passing his hand
over his brow._] I want to forget something in motion, in motion.

JOSEPHINE

[_Looking at him and at the QUEEN, and twinkling with a sort of
spiteful mischief._]

It will be delicious to dance tonight. The starving should dance, the
replete should dream! Come! [_takes his arm_]

PRINCE

What an exquisite thing for you to say to me--just at this moment.

[_QUEEN glances at them with an expression of pain and hatred. An
attendant approaches the QUEEN, who breaks sharply out of her
reverie._]

QUEEN

You have not brought the clown?

ATTENDANT

The owner of the van begs indulgence of your Majesty. The clown has
wandered off somewhere, as is his habit, and cannot be found.

QUEEN

How annoying! Well, the amusement I should have had in giving him this
is really the only reason for such a gift.

[_Replaces her brooch and turns to an attendant._]

Tell these mountebanks to leave the palace grounds before dawn.

ATTENDANT

Yes, your Majesty. [_bows himself out_]

JOSEPHINE

I am glad he did not appear. He would have been horrible to look at
closely.

PRINCE

You are cold. Let me arrange your cloak more closely about your
shoulders.

QUEEN

Wrap my dear sister by all means, Charles, but if you can--from the
inside out.

[_Continues her conversation with a courtier._]

JOSEPHINE [_in a low voice_]

How she dislikes me! But dislike is amusing when the hours are just
ending that make one the slave of its temper.

PRINCE [_bending over her_]

Tomorrow, Josephine.... Tomorrow you will be safe forever from her
rudeness. She will need us; our united fortunes will be the bank for
her gambling.

JOSEPHINE

Ah! tomorrow--tomorrow!

QUEEN

Josephine, take your prince and await me in the ballroom.

JOSEPHINE [_glancing toward the cart_]

It is very pleasant here, your Majesty. The air is cool so far away
from candlelight, and I have an inclination to headache.

QUEEN

Why, a moment ago you said, "Let us dance," to which you added as your