nt for nothing?

JOSEPHINE

For nothing save to be left in peace.

[_The footsteps of the PRINCE are heard receding. Suddenly
through the open French window steps DEA. GWYMPLANE shudders back
with horror. The DUCHESS looks in amazement and anger at the
lovely apparition. GWYMPLANE with a gesture of supplication
implores her to be silent. The DUCHESS returns his look
contemptuously._]

DEA [_advancing into the room_]

Where am I? Someone took me out of one room and pushed me in here.

DUCHESS

I am the Duchess of Beaumont. You are in my room.

DEA

O, I am glad, Madame. I have been terribly frightened all evening.

[_GWYMPLANE stands frozenly against the wall._]

DUCHESS

Really? By what?

DEA

I was looking for the Queen. I was being guided to the Queen's
apartment when suddenly I found myself in a room with some gentleman.

DUCHESS

Ah, what gentleman, I wonder?

DEA

I do not know. I am blind and he would not answer me. But I felt his
hand to see if it was the Court Steward's. It was not the Court
Steward's hand, for this man wore a ring with a gigantic stone.

DUCHESS

[_Always unquestionably upon the right scent of anything damaging
to her vanity._]

An oblong stone?

DEA [_pausing_]

Yes, your Grace, I am sure it was an oblong stone.

DUCHESS [_her face becoming very malicious_]

Well, what did he wish of you?

DEA

He said many things to me. He told me how I appeared to him in all
things beautiful, and that he wished to steal me away forever from the
troop and for himself because he loved me.

DUCHESS [_starts_]

[_GWYMPLANE wrings his hands in impotent fury._]

Strange those bundles we possess, that are of no value to us whatever,
should, nevertheless, when they fall into the river, become precious
as gold. [_she snaps her fingers_] So much for faithfulness! And you
answered this gentleman?

DEA [_looking around abstracted_]

Your Grace, is there anyone else in this room?

DUCHESS

I don't think so.

[_GWYMPLANE starts imperceptibly. The malicious DUCHESS, reading
his thought, shuts the window and locks it. GWYMPLANE looks at
her in terror._]

And what did you reply to your preposterous lover, little gipsy thief?

DEA

Madame!

DUCHESS

Unconscious, charming thief of affection that should tonight, if ever,
have been faithful! So [_half to herself_] one can be jealous of a man
without carin