nd returns._]

You have had a strange evening for a mountebank--an evening filled
with such events as to strain almost any amount of discretion.

GWYMPLANE

I shall not talk.

DUCHESS

Not of ourselves, of course. No man, not even a clown, but draws a
veil across his rejected flesh.

GWYMPLANE

Well then?

DUCHESS

But in that spiritual condition which follows being repudiated your
muscles will probably be seeking, straining, to express your mind and
the direction will probably be to avenge your blind girl.

GWYMPLANE

All that in my own way, Madame.

DUCHESS

And your way will be? Come.

GWYMPLANE

Ah, Madame, I am weary of your commands. Over my actions you have a
certain power, but, as my mind and what shall come out of it is still
mysterious to me, I am afraid you must share the discomfort of my own
ignorance.

DUCHESS [_in a more kindly tone_]

Listen to me, clown. You were brought to me tonight to relieve me of a
whim, I admit that. And you brought me no relief.

GWYMPLANE [_with sophistication_]

The question interests me dispassionately, Madame. But, considering
you waived my personal defects [_he winces_], just why did I
not--please you?

DUCHESS

But I told you before--I wanted a clown, and you talk like the very
essence of all these lords and poets. But that is aside--I am to be
married tomorrow.

GWYMPLANE

I know,--to him--and you wish him spared the public lash of scandal, I
suppose.

DUCHESS

He need not be spared it entirely--I do not ask that. You can make
plea to the Queen, if you wish, the day after the ceremony--only not
tomorrow. Much rests on that for me.

GWYMPLANE

Madame, with the insolence of your class, you are asking favours of
one whose degradation you have sought and shared.

DUCHESS

Perhaps, but you must remember that I am the sister of the Queen and
can impose obedience to the most insolent favours I choose to demand.

[_A loud knock from the door leading into the conservatory.
GWYMPLANE starts towards the door. The DUCHESS holds him back._]

Truly an eventful hour. [_she raises her voice_]

Ah, what now?

VOICE OF THE QUEEN

I heard you were so indisposed you could not come to me even upon the
most urgent matter.

[_The DUCHESS signifies with a gesture of fury that she is aware
of being fatally played against. In the meantime the QUEEN is
putting her own key into the lock. JOSEPHINE turns with
supplicat