Part 25 (1/2)

We do not know, but we guess possibly.

[_At the word ”abducted” GWYMPLANE steps menacingly up to the PRINCE. The QUEEN catches the look of hauteur and hatred that is exchanged between them. She hastily discovers some growing discomfort from which she slides away in her usual fas.h.i.+on by pursuing another channel of thought._]

QUEEN

Nevertheless, why does he seek his partner in your Grace's closet?

PRINCE

Josephine, good G.o.d--what are you?

d.u.c.h.eSS

What you are or would be, Charles--a star of the n.o.bility, shedding its single glory for the last time.

QUEEN

Come, come, cease your language. Why was this mountebank in your Grace's closet?

d.u.c.h.eSS

He flew to the nearest door in the opposite direction from whence came your Majesty's voice. I suppose he lost his head in his embarra.s.sment.

That is a quality of the lower cla.s.ses.

QUEEN

Your answers are tedious evasions. They explain nothing save what you wish to conceal--your dishonour. [_she turns to GWYMPLANE_]

Mountebank, I think you have ruined and frustrated the life of a most important personage in our court.

PHEDRO

Hold, hold. A bat has not torn a lily as you suppose, your Majesty.

QUEEN

No? Then what _has_ happened, Phedro? And do drop your metaphor. We are not wise enough so late to do it justice.

PHEDRO

Two stars have blundered together, that is all. Her Grace the d.u.c.h.ess of Beaumont and His Highness Prince Ian of Vaucluse.

PRINCE

My brother? Here? But my brother is dead! Where can you have imagined to have seen my brother?

PHEDRO

[_Approaches GWYMPLANE making him a low bow._]

Prince Ian of Vaucluse.