Phedro [bowing low]
My position in your Majesty's service is far too exhilarating to permit of fatigue. To breathe is occasionally difficult [his voice lowers to something resembling a hiss], consequently to rest does not occur.
[He glances about him as if at a group of neatly despatched marionettes—a glare of furtive hatred distorting his features, which is hastily veiled by his usual laconic humility.
The Queen precipitates his departure with a wave of her hand, to which he instantly submits.]
[Exit Phedro.]
Duchess
[Resuming in a voice of excessive boredom.]
Well, adieu, Charles, I suppose you will go on alternating between vice and sentimentality until the curtain drops. You know, one reason why you never attracted me?
Prince
Josephine, is this quite in taste?