Prince [in a slightly frantic voice]
I, Josephine. Did anyone pass in by this window a few minutes ago?
Duchess
[Looking at the Queen, whose ironic countenance struggles with real emotion.]
Who should? You perceive the curtains are drawn.
Prince
A girl—one of the troupe of mountebanks—a blind girl. Phedro brought her in with a most important letter for the Queen. He left her a moment, returned, and she was gone. He hesitated to disturb you at this late hour; so I told him I would come myself and ask.
Queen [suddenly speaking in a tone of relief]
Ah, with a note for me. Is it only that? For Heaven's sake, don't go on talking through a closed window, Charles. It gives such an air of tension to everything. Josephine, open the window to Charles.