The Marquis in Pale Blue. May it please your Majesty, a gentleman of the court met him to-day. He was standing in a pouring rain, and trying a new sword. The Painter (_to himself_). The Marshal. The Marquis In Pink. (_Half aloud to_ The Painter.) Admit, sir, that his coming is inconvenient to you? The Queen. Do you know him, master? The Painter. Your Majesty, I have never seen him. The Queen. Yet you would like to make his acquaintance? The Painter. That I don't know. The Marquis In Pink. (_Softly to_ The Marquis in Pale Blue.) How the coward betrays himself! The Painter. Too often I have heard his name spoken in wonder, here with disfavour, there with enthusiasm, yet always as if a miracle was happening to me, too often for me not to view with apprehension the nearness of this powerful man. The Marquis In Pink. What did I say? He is afraid. The Marquis in Pale Blue. That is splendid! The Marquis In Pink. We must see to that and profit by it. (_Aloud_.) Yet I advise you, dear master, hold your own. He has a habit sometimes of running people through. Yet---- The Painter. As one impales flies--of an afternoon--on the wall? My felicitations, Marquis! Happily for you, it is plain that he has never been bored. The Marquis In Pink. How do you intend that? The Queen. Gentlemen, I must beg you! At court, the master has good company. It amuses me when he meets your insolence with wit and spirit, and gives you a return thrust. Only try the experiment! I am waiting.... Please, Jean, my handkerchief! The Marquis In Pink. I have a right to be angry! The Marquis in Pale Blue. Yes, indeed, you have been insulted! The Marquis In Pink. Ha! Fearful is a man in anger! What do you think--can the dauber defend himself? The Marquis in Pale Blue. Attack him first from behind, then to his face. The Queen. I thank you, Jean.... Well, now, you dear men, you whisper, sulk, and mutter to each other. What is the use of my kindling your wit? I don't strike even a little spark from the stone. So you are dismissed.... Take a holiday. And do you, my children, go home. But in a little while, master, let us talk together, after our hearts' desire! The ladies of the suite--they will not disturb you. The Marquis In Pink. I believe it. One of them is asleep. The Marquis in Pale Blue. The other can't hear. The Queen.