The Queen's Apartment.
QUEEN, DUCHESS OLIVAREZ, PRINCESS EBOLI, COUNTESS FUENTES.

QUEEN (to the first lady as she rises).
And so the key has not been found! My casket
Must be forced open then—and that at once.

[She observes PRINCESS EBOLI, who approaches and kisses her hand.

Welcome, dear princess! I rejoice to see you
So near recovered. But you still look pale.

FUENTES (with malice).
The fault of that vile fever which affects
The nerves so painfully. Is't not, princess?

QUEEN.
I wished to visit you, dear Eboli,
But dared not.

OLIVAREZ.
Oh! the Princess Eboli
Was not in want of company.

QUEEN.
Why, that
I readily believe, but what's the matter?
You tremble——

PRINCESS.
Nothing—nothing, gracious queen.
Permit me to retire.

QUEEN.
You hide it from us—
And are far worse than you would have us think.
Standing must weary you. Assist her, countess,
And let her rest awhile upon that seat.

PRINCESS (going).
I shall be better in the open air.

QUEEN.
Attend her, countess. What a sudden illness!

[A PAGE enters and speaks to the DUCHESS, who then
addresses the QUEEN.

OLIVAREZ.
The Marquis Posa waits, your majesty,
With orders from the king.

QUEEN.
Admit him then.

[PAGE admits the MARQUIS and exit.