[She goes hastily away. The PRINCESS follows her as far as the door of the cabinet, which is immediately locked after the DUCHESS. She remains a few minutes silent and motionless on her knees before it. She then rises and hastens away, covering her face.
SCENE XXI.
QUEEN, MARQUIS POSA.
QUEEN.
Ah, marquis, I am glad you're come at last!
MARQUIS (pale, with a disturbed countenance and trembling voice,
in solemn, deep agitation, during the whole scene).
And is your majesty alone? Can none
Within the adjoining chamber overhear us?
QUEEN.
No one! But why? What news would you impart?
[Looking at him closely, and drawing back alarmed.
And what has wrought this change in you? Speak, marquis,
You make me tremble—all your features seem
So marked with death!
MARQUIS.
You know, perhaps, already.
QUEEN.
That Carlos is arrested—and they add,
By you! Is it then true? From no one else
Would I believe it but yourself.