Scene III.
The Prince, Marinelli.
PRINCE.
Here she comes up the avenue. She flies before the servants. Fear gives wings to her feet. She must not suspect our design. She thinks she is escaping from robbers. How long will her mistake last?
MARINELLI.
At least we have her here.
PRINCE.
But will not her mother come in search of her? Will not the Count follow her? What can we do then? How can I keep her from them?
MARINELLI.
To all this I confess I can make no reply. But we must see. Compose yourself, Prince. This first step was, at all events, necessary.
PRINCE.
How so, if we are obliged to recede?
MARINELLI.
But perhaps we need not. There are a thousand things on which we may make further steps. Have you forgotten the chief one?
PRINCE.
How can I have forgotten that of which I never thought? What mean you by the chief one?
MARINELLI.
The art of pleasing and persuading--which in a prince who loves can never fail.
PRINCE.
Can never fail! True, except when it is most needed. I have already made a poor attempt in this art to-day. All my flattery, all my entreaties could not extract one word from her. Mute, trembling, and abashed, she stood before me like a criminal who fears the judge's fatal sentence. Her terror was infectious. I trembled also and concluded by imploring her forgiveness. Scarcely dare I speak to her again--and, at all events, I dare not be present when she arrives. You, Marinelli, must receive her. I will listen to your conversation, and join you when I am more collected.
Scene IV.
Marinelli, presently his servant Battista, and Emilia.
MARINELLI.
If she did not see him fall--and of course she could not, as she fled instantly But she comes, and I too do not wish to be the first to meet her eye (withdraws to a corner of the apartment).
Enter Battista and Emilia.
BATTISTA.
This way--this way--dear lady.
EMILIA (out of breath).
Oh! I thank you, my friend--I thank you. But, Heavens! Where am I? Quite alone, too! Where are my mother, and the Count? They are surely coming? Are they not close behind me?
BATTISTA.
I suppose so.
EMILIA.
You suppose so? Are you not certain? Have you not seen them? Were not pistols fired behind us?
BATTISTA.
Pistols? Was it so?
EMILIA.
Surely. Oh, Heavens! and the Count or my mother is shot.
BATTISTA.
I'll go in search of them instantly.
EMILIA.
Not without me! I'll go with you! I must go with you. Come, my friend.
MARINELLI (approaches as if he had just entered).
Ha! fair lady! What misfortune, or rather what good fortune--what fortunate misfortune has procured us the honour----
EMILIA (astonished).
How!--You here, my lord!--This then is doubtless your house. Pardon my intrusion. We have been attacked by robbers. Some good people came to our assistance,--and this honest man took me out of the carriage and conducted me hither. But I am alarmed to find that I alone am rescued. My mother must be still in danger. I heard pistols fired behind us. Perhaps she is dead,--and yet I live. Pardon me. I must away, I must return to the place, which I ought not to have left.
MARINELLI.
Compose yourself, dear lady. All is well. The beloved persons, for whom you feel this tender anxiety, will soon be here.--Run, Battista; they may perhaps not know where the lady is. See whether you can find them in any of the lodges, and conduct them hither instantly.
(Exit Battista.)
EMILIA.
Are you sure they are all safe? Has nothing happened to them?--Oh, what a day of terrors has this been to me! But I ought not to remain here; I should hasten to meet them.
MARINELLI.
Why so, dear lady? You are already breathless and exhausted. Compose yourself, and condescend to step into this room, where you will find better accommodation than here. I feel certain that the Prince has already found your gracious mother, and is escorting her hither.
EMILIA.
Who do you say?
MARINELLI.
Our gracious Prince himself.
EMILIA (extremely terrified).
The Prince!
MARINELLI.
He flew to your assistance at the first intelligence. He is highly incensed that such a crime should have been committed so near to his villa, nay, almost before his eyes. He has sent in search of the villains, and if they be seized, their punishment will be most severe.
EMILIA.
The Prince!--Where am I then?
MARINELLI.
At Dosalo, the Prince's villa.
EMILIA.
How strange!--And you think he will soon arrive?--But with my mother too?
MARINELLI.
Here he is, already.