3d Courtier
I don't wish to seem unpleasant, but I wonder if you could talk a little less or say something.
2d Courtier [regarding him witheringly]
I should advise you to go off by yourself and drink some fleur d'oranger and bathe your temples in eau de cologne. Isolation is the only resolution for such ill-humour.
1st Lady
Wasn't the Duchess radiant last night? If the marriage is not off I hear she will give a dance, a very small one, to celebrate the first month of her marriage.
[Suddenly she looks rather uncomfortable.]
2d Lady
Ah, you are wondering, shall we be invited, considering we are the Queen's favourite ladies?
1st Courtier