Tell her to wait where she is. I shall be with her presently. Meanwhile you may disperse without formalities.
Lady
Your Majesty is obeyed.
[She comes back into the room and together with all the rest gazes insolently at the Duchess as they file out. The Duchess stands, staring frigidly ahead of her and looking supremely beautiful.]
Duchess [clenching her hands slightly]
Fools! They would look better without their heads.
[Enter the Queen, looking extremely pale and serious, evidently on the verge of some personal climax.]
Queen
Duchess