Part 11 (2/2)

QUEEN

Josephine, take your prince and await me in the ballroom.

JOSEPHINE [_glancing toward the cart_]

It is very pleasant here, your Majesty. The air is cool so far away from candlelight, and I have an inclination to headache.

QUEEN

Why, a moment ago you said, ”Let us dance,” to which you added as your own a quotation from something you had read.

JOSEPHINE

[_Who has been edging nearer the cart and looking with curiosity about her._]

Idle people are moody, your Majesty, but if ...

QUEEN [_sharply_]

It is my pleasure that you should await me in the ballroom.

JOSEPHINE

Your Majesty....

[_Bowing low and taking the arm of the PRINCE, looks up archly into his eyes._]

We will ask the musicians to play one of those new waltzes, that make me close my eyes quite up with delight.

[_PRINCE gazing enraptured, leads her out._]

QUEEN

[_Furiously, turning to PHEDRO who has flitted in and out since the cessation of the performance, in a low voice._]

I would speak to you. [_to courtiers_] You are at liberty to precede me to the ballroom.

[_Courtiers go out._]

QUEEN [_leaning against a balcony_]

Ah, Phedro!

PHEDRO [_answering her tone_]

My Majesty, my sovereign star.

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