SCENE VII

_The same._ Fabiani

THE QUEEN.

Ah, here he is!

[_She continues to speak to Simon Renard in a low voice._

FABIANI (_everybody salutes him; he looks around him. Aside_).

What does this mean? There are only my enemies here, this morning!

The Queen is speaking in a low tone to Simon Renard. The devil! She is laughing! It is a bad sign.

THE QUEEN (_graciously to Fabiani_).

G.o.d be with you, my lord!

FABIANI (_seizing her hand which he kisses_).

Madame-- [_Aside._] She smiled at me! The danger is not for me!

THE QUEEN (_still graciously_).

I want to speak to you.

[_She advances to the front of the stage with him._

FABIANI.

And I also, I want to speak to you, madame. I have a right to reproach you! To keep me away, to exile me so long! Ah, it wouldn"t be thus if you thought of me during these hours of absence as I think of you!

THE QUEEN.

You are unjust. Since you left me, I have thought of no one but you!

FABIANI.

Is that really true? Does so much happiness belong to me? Say it to me again!

THE QUEEN (_always smiling_).

I swear it to you!

FABIANI.

Then you do indeed love me as I love you?

THE QUEEN.

Yes, my lord! Truly, I have thought of no one but you. So much so, that I have tried to plan a pleasant surprise for your return.

FABIANI.

What do you mean? What surprise?

THE QUEEN.

A meeting which will give you pleasure!

FABIANI.

A meeting with whom?

THE QUEEN.

Guess! Can"t you guess?

FABIANI.

No, madame!

THE QUEEN.

Turn around!

[_He turns and sees Jane on the threshold of the little door, which is half open._

FABIANI (_aside_).

Jane!

JANE (_aside_).

It is he!

THE QUEEN (_with the same smile_).

My lord, do you know this young woman?

FABIANI.

No, madame!

THE QUEEN.

Young woman, do you know this lord?