SS

How is it possible that he is not returned? How long has he been gone?
Did you notice what o'clock it was when I sent him? Answer me, answer
me something. Don't stand about bemused as if you had never heard of a
clock, or Piccolo, or a letter since you were born.

MAID

He cannot have had your note beyond a few minutes, Madame, but I
think----

[_She bends in an attitude of listening. The DUCHESS is before her
in opening the door on right._]

[_PICCOLO, the same equerry seen before, enters bowing low._]

PICCOLO

Your Grace.

DUCHESS [_with unconcealed impatience_]

Did you find the clown?

PICCOLO

Yes, your Grace.

[_He is obviously disturbed._]

DUCHESS

Could he read my letter? Did he appear to be reading it? [_She walks
swiftly up and down_] Maybe he cannot read.

PICCOLO

He did not receive the letter from me, your Grace.

DUCHESS

How do you mean?

PICCOLO

I think it was he who was standing with Messire Phedro, who took it
from me to give it to him.

DUCHESS

You tasselled ass, why did you let him have it?

PICCOLO [_trying to save himself_]

Nay, your Grace, he gave it at once to the clown, for I know it was
the clown standing with him by the spidery confusion of his limbs.
Messire Phedro said I was to tell your Grace that you were understood
and would be obeyed.

DUCHESS [_half to herself_]

Well, maybe there is some reason. [_she turns to the equerry_] Go
about your business. Don't stand around as if you were expecting the
lash or you will feel it.

[_The equerry rapidly retires. The DUCHESS turns to her maid._]

DUCHESS

Ugh! Rid me of all this glittering discomfort.

[_The maid helps her out of the stiff wonderful dress and into a
lovely azure garment sprayed with silver flowers._]

DUCHESS

[_Fixing the maid with a peremptory eye._]

I will only consent to be disturbed by one person tonight. He will
come alone or with Messire Phedro. He will be stooped, a little below
the medium height, and will probably be in black. If the Prince
command me I am already at rest. If the Queen command me I am ill. Do
you understand that I will be at home to no one save this one visitor?

MAID

Your Grace is obeyed.

[_The DUCHESS walks over to the window and throws it wide open.
Moonlight falls strongly in the garden just outside and water
splashes noisily from the plump hands of a dancing Cupid, poised
air