LAFFEMAS (_unrolls the parchment and spreads it out before her eyes_).

Signed by The King!

MARION (_glances at it, then buries her face in her hands_).

Good G.o.d!

LAFFEMAS (_speaking in her ear_).

Will you?

[_Marion shivers and looks him in the face; he fixes his eyes on hers: lowering his voice._

Wilt thou?

MARION (_pushing him away_).

Away!

Foul tempter!

LAFFEMAS (_straightening himself up, sneeringly_).

You will not!

MARION.

I have no fear!

The King can pardon: "tis the King who reigns.

LAFFEMAS.

Go try him. See what his good will is worth!

[_He turns away, then turns back: folds his arms and whispers to her._

Beware of waiting until I refuse!

[_Exits. Duke de Bellegarde enters._

SCENE IV

Marion, Duke de Bellegarde

MARION (_going toward Duke de Bellegarde_).

Here you are captain, my lord duke.

DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.

"Tis you, My beauty! [_Bowing._ Speak! What does my queen desire?

MARION.

To see the King.

DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.

When?

MARION.

Now!

DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.

This is short notice!

Why?

MARION.

For something!

DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_bursting into a laugh_).

We will send for him!

How she goes on!

MARION.

Then you refuse me?

DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.

Nay!

Am I not yours? Have we refused each other Anything?

MARION.

That"s very well, my lord!

When shall I see the King?

DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.

After the Duke.

I promise you shall see him when he pa.s.ses Through this hall. But while waiting, talk with me!

Ah, little woman, are we good? In black?

Lady-in-waiting you might be. You used To laugh so much.