If everything is all right, when the Duchess comes let us think of something especially charming to say to her. Something that will hint, without asserting, our warmer attachment. [both ladies nod their approval] Sh! Here's Phedro.
Phedro
[Enters, looking for the first time during the play as if a ghost had sucked his blood.]
Is the Queen up?
1st Courtier
She is awake, but wishes to remain undisturbed until the Duchess arrives.
Phedro
Ah, then I shall go and polish my bullet a little more officially.
[They all stare at him in amazement.]
But has not her Grace been tearing the Queen's curtains back at dawn?