There is at least a peculiar variety in your demands, Madame——

[The door barely closes upon him as the Queen enters continuing her speech.]

Queen

Consequently, if you are too ill to attend the Queen, it is but human for the Queen to await anxiously upon you. But, my dear—

[The Duchess is biting her lip with ill-concealed rage.]

You do not look ill—you look angry. Have there been disturbing things?

[She plucks the curtain aside, and lets it drop, but continues looking about her with assumed carelessness.]

Duchess

Nothing more disturbing than being continually interrupted—I do not speak of your Majesty's visit—when I wished to remain undisturbed.

Queen