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.