AGNES. [At the open door.] Gertrude!
GERTRUDE. [Outside.] Yes?
AGNES. [In a low voice.] Remember, in my thoughts I pace that lonely little room of yours with you. [As if to stop GERTRUDE from re-entering.] Hush! No, no. [She closes the door sharply. NELLA appears.]
AGNES. [Pointing to the box on the table.] Portez ce carton dans ma chambre.
NELLA. [Trying to peep into the box as she carries it.] Signora, se
Ella si mettesse questo magnifico abito! Oh! Quanto sarebbe piu bella!
(Signora, if you were to wear this magnificent dress, oh how much more
beautiful you would be!)
AGNES. Sssh! Sssh! [NELLA goes out. FORTUNE enters.] Eh, bien?
[FORTUNE glances over his shoulder. The DUKE OF ST. OLPHERTS enters; the wreck of a very handsome man, with delicate features, a polished manner, and a smooth, weary voice. He limps, walking with the aid of a cane. FORTUNE retires.]
AGNES. Duke of St. Olpherts?
ST. OLPHERTS. [Bowing.] Mrs. Ebbsmith?
AGNES. Mr. Cleeve would have opposed this rather out-of-the-way proceeding of mine. He doesn't know I have asked you to call on me today.