COUNT.
I fly.—Beautiful Amelia, it is a sacrifice I make to your father, that I leave for a few hours his amiable daughter. [Exit.
BARON.
My dear Amelia, I think it scarcely necessary to speak to Mr. Anhalt, or that he should speak to you, on the subject of the Count; but as he is here, leave us alone.
AMELIA.
[as she retires]. Good morning, Mr. Anhalt.—I hope you are very well. [Exit.
BARON.
I’ll tell you in a few words why I sent for you. Count Cassel is here, and wishes to marry my daughter.
MR. ANHALT.
[much concerned]. Really!
BARON.
He is—he—in a word I don’t like him.
MR. ANHALT.
[with emotion]. And Miss Wildenhaim ——
BARON.
I shall not command, neither persuade her to the marriage—I know too well the fatal influence of parents on such a subject. Objections to be sure, if they could be removed—But when you find a man’s head without brains, and his bosom without a heart, these are important articles to supply. Young as you are, Anhalt, I know no one so able to restore, or to bestow those blessings on his fellow-creatures, as you. [Anhalt bows.] The Count wants a little of my daughter’s simplicity and sensibility.—Take him under your care while he is here, and make him something like yourself.—You have succeeded to my wish in the education of my daughter.—Form the Count after your own manner.—I shall then have what I have sighed for all my life—a son.
MR. ANHALT.
With your permission, Baron, I will ask one question. What remains to interest you in favour of a man, whose head and heart are good for nothing?
BARON.
Birth and fortune. Yet, if I thought my daughter absolutely disliked him, or that she loved another, I would not thwart a first affection;—no, for the world, I would not. [sighing.] But that her affections are already bestowed, is not probable.