The Marquis in Pale Blue.
At any rate, she wishes to excite him.
The Queen.
There, Jean, _merci_.... Yet what was I about to say, has no one seen
anything of our Marshal?
The Marquis in Pink (_softly_).
Is he still missing?
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
Why does she want _him_, too?
The Queen.
I really believe the good Marshal is offended. It is three days since I
spoke to him graciously at the state reception.... That seems long to
me.
The Painter (_turning to_ The Queen).
Is the Marshal back? The Marshal here?
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
May it please your Majesty, a gentleman of the court met him to-day. He
was standing in a pouring rain, and trying a new sword.
The Painter (_to himself_).
The Marshal.
The Marquis In Pink.
(_Half aloud to_ The Painter.) Admit, sir, that his coming is
inconvenient to you?
The Queen.
Do you know him, master?
The Painter.
Your Majesty, I have never seen him.
The Queen.
Yet you would like to make his acquaintance?
The Painter.
That I don't know.
The Marquis In Pink.
(_Softly to_ The Marquis in Pale Blue.) How the coward betrays himself!
The Painter.
Too often I have heard his name spoken in wonder, here with disfavour,
there with enthusiasm, yet always as if a miracle was happening to me,
too often for me not to view with apprehension the nearness of this
powerful man.
The Marquis In Pink.
What did I say? He is afraid.
The Marquis in Pale Blue.
That is splendid!
The Marquis In Pink.
We must see to that and profit by it. (_Aloud_.) Yet I advise you, dear
master, hold your own. He has a habit sometimes of running people
through. Yet----
The Painter.
As one impales flies--of an afternoon--on the wall? My felicitations,
Marquis! Happily for you, it is plain that he has never been bored.
The Marquis In Pink.
How do you intend that?
The Queen.
Gentlemen, I must beg you! At court, the master has good company. It
amuses me when he meets your insolence with wit and spirit, and gives
you a return thrust. Only try the experiment! I am waiting.... Please,
Jean, my handkerchief!
The Marquis In Pink.