I will only consent to be disturbed by one person tonight. He will come alone or with Messire Phedro. He will be stooped, a little below the medium height, and will probably be in black. If the Prince command me I am already at rest. If the Queen command me I am ill. Do you understand that I will be at home to no one save this one visitor?
Maid
Your Grace is obeyed.
[The Duchess walks over to the window and throws it wide open. Moonlight falls strongly in the garden just outside and water splashes noisily from the plump hands of a dancing Cupid, poised airily upon a minute Doric column. The Duchess turns, frowning impatiently as she watches the maid's motions about the room.]
Duchess
Go, go. How can you take so long to straighten a pair of slippers.
[The maid retires precipitately. The Duchess turns once more towards the window, glancing across the court.]
There are shadows in Charles's room, wrangling shadows.
[She puts her finger to her lip, biting it in a meditative manner.]