ily upon a minute Doric column. The DUCHESS turns, frowning
impatiently as she watches the maid's motions about the room._]

DUCHESS

Go, go. How can you take so long to straighten a pair of slippers.

[_The maid retires precipitately. The DUCHESS turns once more
towards the window, glancing across the court._]

There are shadows in Charles's room, wrangling shadows.

[_She puts her finger to her lip, biting it in a meditative
manner._]

Ah, somebody is trying to break away. What a bore it would be----

[_There is a sound of a key clicking in the latch; the door on
stage left opens. PHEDRO comes swiftly into the room. He checks
an exclamation of the DUCHESS, speaking hurriedly._]

PHEDRO

I know, I guessed. Listen, Gwymplane has not had your letter. This was
the only possible way. I have told him his blind girl is in the
palace, in order to draw him hither. Play to that, first.

[_The DUCHESS hastily slips on a mask._]

GWYMPLANE [_entering_]

Where are we now?

DUCHESS [_coming forward graciously_]

I believe you seek--

GWYMPLANE [_hastily_]

The blind girl in my troupe. It appears she is in the palace.

DUCHESS

[_Trying to conceal her joy at his arrival._]

The palace is so amazingly large. Have you an idea in what part of the
palace to look?

GWYMPLANE [_bitterly_]

Some slight idea.

DUCHESS

Then you cannot do better than to send Phedro to the exact spot.

GWYMPLANE

Very well. We both will----

[_He makes a motion of departure._]

DUCHESS

No, no. [_detaining him with her white arm_] Let him go and discover
where she is and if he cannot bring her here, then he shall return and
take you to her.

GWYMPLANE

But that will lose time, I must----

DUCHESS

Mistakes are so much more disastrous than delay. One can pass
unnoticed where two will be remarked. Trust to my better knowledge of
the court.

GWYMPLANE [_reluctantly_]

Very well, Madame. Only speed, Sir, speed, and return to me.

PHEDRO

I will, dear mummer.

[_He exits._]

DUCHESS

[_Turning to GWYMPLANE with gracious triteness._]

Ah, what an unexpected delight that I might tell you what pleasure
your performance gave.

GWYMPLANE [_standing stiffly attentive_]

Then my work is lavishly rewarded, Madame.

DUCHESS

[_In the tone of one who confers by asking a favor._]

Do unmask. It is so very warm in these rooms.

GWYMPLANE