[Hand bell tinkles.]
1st Lady
The Queen's bell.
[She goes to a door on right and timidly knocks.]
The Queen's Voice [off stage]
Is the Duchess attending me yet?
1st Lady
No, Majesty.
Queen
Have me informed immediately upon her arrival. Until then, I wish you would discuss your absorbing trifles in a lower tone. My room is exactly like a sounding board for your idle conversation. However, I tell you all this with a recurring regularity that none of the rest of my life seems to possess.