How I am.

PHEDRO

She has never known?

GWYMPLANE

Why should she? [_half to himself_] It was sweet that she should love what I am--not what I appear.

PHEDRO

Perhaps he has told her, and her hands have travelled over his face and found that it is very fair.

[_GWYMPLANE bends his head between his arms._]

But maybe she has gone against her will.

GWYMPLANE

Yes, that is it. I must find out--O, G.o.d, take me to where I can find out.

PHEDRO

Wait for me here a moment and I will prepare for your entrance into the palace. It may be very difficult to effect an entrance.

[_He goes out and a few seconds after there is a sound of a cuckoo calling, followed by the noise of a slammed door.

GWYMPLANE walks up and down in distraction._]

URSUS [_from the cart_]

Gwymplane! Gwymplane! Is there anything the matter?

GWYMPLANE

I am nervous and restless. I have never been so restless.

URSUS

Well, walk far into the night, my son, until the iron clamping your brain with wakefulness melts, fades into that dew of restfulness falling upon all things before the dawn.

PHEDRO [_returning abruptly_]

Are you ready?

GWYMPLANE

I am dying of readiness.

[_They go out._]

_CURTAIN_

ACT II

ACT II

SCENE 1

[_In the bedroom of the d.u.c.h.eSS--exquisite, fantastic, with walls panelled in odd peac.o.c.k blue. Upon these walls are crystal appliques of a bizarre design, looking like strange ear-rings and holding within them amber lights. In the centre of the room falls a crystal candelabra with five small slender scarlet candles. On stage right a slender bed made entirely of the body of a swan--a canopy over it of pale rose net is attached with three blue feathers to the ceiling. This canopy drops over the head and foot of the bed. On stage left is a dressing mirror and table draped in fresh white muslin and rare lace. Below this table is a door--another door is directly opposite and behind the bed which faces the audience. In direct centre is a tall oblong window draped with a daffodil yellow taffeta faintly striped in mauve. A little in front, beneath this window, is a directoire sofa covered with pillows of exquisite brocade. The chairs and other appointments of furniture are cream-colored, bespattered with flowers and reminiscent of Venice. On the right, just off centre a marble faun with grotesque features on a black onyx pedestal.

The d.u.c.h.eSS has set around its throat many of her priceless necklaces._

_A maid is seen preparing for the d.u.c.h.eSS when the curtain rises._

_Enter the d.u.c.h.eSS after a few seconds' interval._]

d.u.c.h.eSS

How is it possible that he is not returned? How long has he been gone?

Did you notice what o'clock it was when I sent him? Answer me, answer me something. Don't stand about bemused as if you had never heard of a clock, or Piccolo, or a letter since you were born.

MAID

He cannot have had your note beyond a few minutes, Madame, but I think----

[_She bends in an att.i.tude of listening. The d.u.c.h.eSS is before her in opening the door on right._]

[_PICCOLO, the same equerry seen before, enters bowing low._]

PICCOLO

Your Grace.

d.u.c.h.eSS [_with unconcealed impatience_]

Did you find the clown?

PICCOLO

Yes, your Grace.

[_He is obviously disturbed._]