The maids enter, one after the other, and stand in front of the STEPMOTHER.
STEPMOTHER. Where is Lady Swanwhite?
SIGNE folds her arms across her breast and makes no reply.
STEPMOTHER. You do not know? What see you in my hand?—Answer, quick! [Pause] Quick! Do you hear the whistling of the falcon? It has claws of steel, as well as bill! What is it?
SIGNE. The wire-lashed whip!
STEPMOTHER. The wire-lashed whip, indeed! And now, where is Lady Swan white?
SIGNE. How can I tell what I don't know?
STEPMOTHER. It is a failing to be ignorant, but carelessness is an offence. Were you not placed as guardian of your young mistress?—Take off your neckerchief!—Down on your knees!
The DUKE turns his back on her in disgust.
STEPMOTHER. Hold out your neck! And I'll put such a necklace on it that no youth will ever kiss it after this!—Hold out your neck!—Still more!