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?