e likes them. Ah, how
fascinating it is in him to be like that!

[_PHEDRO bows over her hand, and she goes out. Sound of DEA'S
singing comes very near the stage. PHEDRO hides behind some tall
shrubbery. DEA steps out, tenderly sniffing the air._]

DEA

At last the Queen is gone; the night is mine. What a fragrance, what
an exciting fragrance! It is as if all the rose petals in the world
were fighting in the air!

PHEDRO [_stepping out, masked_]

Fighting in the air and in the dark, but that is human destiny, my
dear young lady.

DEA [_starting_]

Who are you?

PHEDRO

A deep and disinterested friend of yours.

DEA

It is late.... I must be ... [_attempts to leave_]

PHEDRO

Tell me ... whom would you like to help most in the world?

DEA [_gaily and innocently_]

Him whom I love most in the world.

PHEDRO

Ah, that is Gwymplane.

DEA

How did you guess?

PHEDRO

You are too innocent to understand the keeping of secrets, but if you
wish to render Gwymplane a service ...

DEA

I should like to more than to live ...

PHEDRO

Well, take this letter in your hands tonight ... to where I shall lead
you, and give it to whom I shall appoint to receive it.

DEA

But explain ...

PHEDRO

There is little I may tell you, and much that you will have to
believe. I know of Gwymplane unknown facts that would make him
respected and rich to the end of his days, and of course you would not
wish him always to remain a clown.

DEA

I love him too much to detain him in the little area of my wishes. Yet
why should _I_ carry this note?

PHEDRO

Because it must reach her Majesty by you before dawn.

DEA

Her Majesty? Shall I approach her Majesty?

PHEDRO

You will observe many distinguished persons tonight, and at close
range.

DEA

What shall I say?

PHEDRO

That you know, that you carry proof that Gwymplane is fully entitled
to all the immediate riches and respect this letter begs for him.

DEA

Oh, it will be wonderful to tell the Queen that Gwymplane is entitled
to immediate riches and respect. How happy he shall be made at my
hands!

PHEDRO [_half aside_]

Just so much chance have any of us got at the hands of those who love
us.

[_Sound of a flute is heard._]

DEA

Gwymplane is coming!

PHEDRO [_walking swiftly to DEA_]

Mind what I tell you. Walk, feel your way down this long avenue of
cypress to your right, and stop at the first white marb