Part 14 (2/2)

[_He bows low and hands him the note._]

PHEDRO [_in a grand voice_]

You may leave. I will deliver your note. [_then in a low voice for the equerry alone_] Wait behind the hedge and I will give you an answer.

[_Exit equerry. GWYMPLANE starts to depart. PHEDRO puts his arm on his, detaining him, while he opens the letter and reads it. A smile of malicious joy crosses his countenance which he quickly cloaks with a look of alarm. He speaks aside:_]

How strange this is! Strange as if a precious bird long waited for in the night were to suddenly fly down and peck at my very gun.

However ...

[_He returns to himself with a start, walks over to the hedge where the equerry is waiting for the reply._]

Say to her Grace that she is understood, and shall be almost instantly obeyed. [_He turns to GWYMPLANE._]

GWYMPLANE

I beg of you, sir, permit me to depart.

PHEDRO

There is trouble abroad and it concerns you.

GWYMPLANE

Me?

PHEDRO

Still there is probably much time.

GWYMPLANE

Explain.

PHEDRO

What do you call the blind girl?

GWYMPLANE

Dea. It is not anything about Dea? There was not anything about Dea in that letter, was there?

PHEDRO

It was all about her.

GWYMPLANE

<script>