To surprise Josephine! But nothing could surprise Josephine.
Queen
You are probably mistaken. I believe any reality would surprise her. All her life she has watched life passing in a mirror. She has never touched a thing—I think she has very curious hands. But let us——
[She perceives that some of the courtiers are still lingering about. Turns to them.]
I have several times intimated that you may disperse.
[Courtiers go out swiftly.]
[Looking at Prince wistfully.] You can imagine that I am a little sad today. There is a mist between me and everything else, the gardens are dull, the flowers have lost their fragrance. A sirocco seems blowing up from the graves of all young people who have never been given a chance. Tell me, do you care much for Josephine?
Charles [pompously]
My Cousin, my Sovereign, this marriage has been arranged, I presume in lieu of my lost brother, the Prince of Vaucluse, and apparently in order further to quilt your Majesty's exchequer.
Queen [interrupting him]