Mingled hands, at least, for she said: "He told me that he wanted me for himself and forever, nor was he the Court Steward, for he wore a great oblong stone upon his hand." I hope she comes back with my intended, and tells to your Majesty the story of Charles's little lapse into the romantic. O, listening to her one must believe her, for she has all that obvious lack of fancy only to be found among rarely good people. Her face is quite open and classic, unbroken by the slightest hint of imagination. A lie couldn't possibly twist up through such regular lines.
Queen
[Over her face has gradually grown a singular change.]
Mingling hands, ah, that was why—[she bites her lip, passing her hand across her brow.] However, to that later. Josephine—[in a kinder tone] I have made you acquainted with our disposition. Go now and prepare to become the Duchess of Vaucluse.
[Josephine is about to exit, when Phedro enters hurriedly.]
Phedro
Your Majesty.
Queen
Oh, what an air of rush there is about everything this morning. Well, speak, speak.
Phedro