O, no.

MIRALDA

Some important secret.

JOHN

No, not at all.

MIRALDA

You often talk with Daoud.

JOHN

Yes, he is useful to me.  When he talks sense I listen, but to-day . . .

MIRALDA

What did he come for to-day?

JOHN

O, nothing.

MIRALDA

You have a secret with Daoud that you will not share with me.

JOHN

No, I have not.

MIRALDA

What was it he said?

JOHN

He said there was a king in Babylon who . . .

[Daoud slips into the room.]

MIRALDA

In Babylon?  What has that to do with us?

JOHN

Nothing.  I told you he was not talking sense.

MIRALDA

Well, what did he say?

JOHN

He said that in Babylon . . .

DAOUD

Hist!

JOHN

O, well . . .

[Miralda glares, but calms herself and says nothing.

Exit Daoud.]

MIRALDA

What did Daoud say of Babylon?

JOHN

O, well, as you say, it had nothing to do with us.

MIRALDA

But I wish to hear it.

JOHN

I forget.

[For a moment there is silence.]

MIRALDA

John, John.  Will you do a little thing for me?

JOHN

What is it?

MIRALDA

Say you will do it, John.  I should love to have one of my little wishes granted.

JOHN

What is it?

MIRALDA

Kill Daoud, John.  I want you to kill
Daoud.