nds his head between his arms._]

But maybe she has gone against her will.

GWYMPLANE

Yes, that is it. I must find out--O, God, take me to where I can find
out.

PHEDRO

Wait for me here a moment and I will prepare for your entrance into
the palace. It may be very difficult to effect an entrance.

[_He goes out and a few seconds after there is a sound of a
cuckoo calling, followed by the noise of a slammed door.
GWYMPLANE walks up and down in distraction._]

URSUS [_from the cart_]

Gwymplane! Gwymplane! Is there anything the matter?

GWYMPLANE

I am nervous and restless. I have never been so restless.

URSUS

Well, walk far into the night, my son, until the iron clamping your
brain with wakefulness melts, fades into that dew of restfulness
falling upon all things before the dawn.

PHEDRO [_returning abruptly_]

Are you ready?

GWYMPLANE

I am dying of readiness.

[_They go out._]

_CURTAIN_

ACT II

ACT II

SCENE 1

[_In the bedroom of the DUCHESS--exquisite, fantastic, with walls
panelled in odd peacock blue. Upon these walls are crystal
appliques of a bizarre design, looking like strange ear-rings and
holding within them amber lights. In the centre of the room falls
a crystal candelabra with five small slender scarlet candles. On
stage right a slender bed made entirely of the body of a swan--a
canopy over it of pale rose net is attached with three blue
feathers to the ceiling. This canopy drops over the head and foot
of the bed. On stage left is a dressing mirror and table draped
in fresh white muslin and rare lace. Below this table is a
door--another door is directly opposite and behind the bed which
faces the audience. In direct centre is a tall oblong window
draped with a daffodil yellow taffeta faintly striped in mauve. A
little in front, beneath this window, is a directoire sofa
covered with pillows of exquisite brocade. The chairs and other
appointments of furniture are cream-colored, bespattered with
flowers and reminiscent of Venice. On the right, just off centre
a marble faun with grotesque features on a black onyx pedestal.
The DUCHESS has set around its throat many of her priceless
necklaces._

_A maid is seen preparing for the DUCHESS when the curtain
rises._

_Enter the DUCHESS after a few seconds' interval._]

DUCHE