How annoying to have one's solitary reveries continually scattered by people hammering at the door. What did they all want? Who were they?
Duchess
There was Charles.
Queen
And after that?
Duchess
O, various people asking ridiculous questions.
[She plucks a large bit of heliotrope from the bowl and bites it rather vengefully.]
But, my sister, do confide in me the august matter that can necessitate your being abroad at such an unearthly hour.
Queen