ACT IV.

Scene I.—The Chevalier and Fiorillo.

Chev. While my father rests, I will visit my sister;tell him this, when he wakes.
Fior. Yes, Signor.
Chev. Do you know whether the Count is at home?
Fior. Yes; I saw him just now going to speak withMadame Dorimene.
Chev. [Aside.] Surely he is not a rival to be feared.At least, I am secure of the heart of Eleonora, and willnot yet despair of gaining her mother. [Exit.
Fior. So, young gentleman! I see how it is with you.I pretty well guess your intentions, and how they arethwarted. Ay, ay, I shall have enough to satisfy thecuriosity of Frontino. [Sits down near the door of hismaster's rooms.]
Scene II.—Enter Count.
Count. [Not seeing Fiorillo.] I am tired, bored!Nothing but indifference; and, instead of perfectsatisfaction, something like contempt. A man likeme, who had but to choose! so advantageous a marriage![Seeing Fiorillo.] Is the Marquis at home?
Fior. Yes, Signor; being rather fatigued with travelling,he is taking a nap.
Count. [Aside.] How amiable is his daughter! Howcharming! I felt affected and confused at the courtesyand kindness with which she and her aunt received me.The visit made me cheerful, happy, and reconciled tomyself. What difference between the politeness of theseladies and the common and trivial manner of Aramintaand her daughter; who neither understand civility norgood breeding. Ah! were the young Marchioness but asrich as she is handsome and engaging—who knows? Ihave a thought—should her father but be reasonableand easy to manage—Here he comes.
Scene III.—Enter the Marquis.
Marq. [Rubbing his eyes and calling.] Fiorillo!
Fior. Signor?
Marq. My son?
Fior. He is gone out.
Marq. Why did not he—where is he gone?
Fior. To visit the Marchioness, his sister.
Marq. I too wish—my coach!
Fior. The horses, Signor—
Marq. [Angry.] Good, good, excellent! My coach!
Fior. I will go and see. [Exit.
Scene IV.—The Count and the Marquis.
Count. Do you wish to go out, Signor Marquis?
Marq. See my daughter—much to say—tell her—Good,good, excellent!
Count. I have just had that honour. It was longsince I had seen her. She fully answers the charmingpromise of her childhood; her sweetness has increasedwith her years, and the progress of her talents iswonderful. Permit me to congratulate you on possessingsuch a treasure.
Marq. Oh, Count—ay, ay; a good girl. She has not,let us confess it—but—character, manners—good, good,excellent!
Count. With such talents, so much merit, and bloomingeighteen, you should think of a husband for her.
Marq. No doubt. For my part, I—apropos: whathas just passed—what did you mean to say when—Didyou not say lend me?
Count. It appears to me that you suddenly changedyour opinion.
Marq. I tell you, no—it was not so. You have not—Andyet I spoke plainly.
Count. In any case, Signor Marquis, I shall be happyto serve you. I have not spoken to Madame Araminta;for, to own the truth, I am not quite pleased with herdaughter. I begin to feel a certain dislike.
Marq. Oh, oh!—That means—Well, why not?
Count. I have done everything to gain their esteemand friendship. A house so richly furnished, carriagesand horses the most rare, diamonds worth a hundredthousand livres—
Marq. Is it possible?
Count. 'Tis true; they were shown. Madame Aramintawas amazed.
Marq. Grand!—Superb!—Good, good, excellent!
Count. Injustice and ingratitude have been my reward.
Marq. Good, good, excellent!
Count. [Aside.] Curse the phrase!
Marq. [Aside.] In that case—if Eleonora—if my son—[Aloud.]If so, Signor Count—candour—frankly andfreely tell them—You understand me? Cut mattersshort.
Count. Had I paid these attentions to a lady of rankand merit, I should have acted much more wisely.
Marq. Ay, ay—if—certainly.
Count. Do you think a man of rank and fashion, aman like yourself for example, would refuse me thehand of his daughter?
Marq. On the contrary. A person of worth—a personthat—oh, what do you mean? Certainly not.
Count. Signor Marquis, you encourage me.
Marq. Oh, I—If so—I'll go this moment!
Count. Where, signor?
Marq. To my daughter. [Calls.] Fiorillo!
Count. And may I hope?
Marq. [Calls louder.] Fiorillo!
Scene V.—Enter Fiorillo
Marq. My coach.
Fior. The coachman is not here, Signor.
Marq. How so? [To the Count.] Can you lend me—?Soon return.
Count. It is not a hundred yards; you can easily walk.
Marq. Walk!—Hundred yards!——Enough—Adieu—Soonbe back. [Going.] Diamonds! A hundred thousandlivres!
[Exit with Fiorillo.
Scene VI.—The Count, then Frontino.
Count. Courage! The Marquis is enraptured; thedaughter's won. All goes well. But I must not losesight of—[Calls.] Frontino! No, no; she must notget possession of the jewels. Frontino! I say!
Front. [Entering.] I was busy in planning the dessert.
Count. Go immediately, and tell my sister I beg herto come here; I have something interesting to communicate.And add, but in a whisper, that I requestshe will bring me the jewels which I committed to hercare.
Front. But the supper, signor? I must be everywhere,and look to all!
Count. True. Is everything prepared?
Front. According to your wishes; two essentialsexcepted.
Count. Which are——?
Front. Coffee and liqueurs.
Count. Liqueurs inflame the blood.
Front. But coffee?
Count. Blockhead! Coffee at night! It preventssleep.
Front. Surely, Signor!—Not give coffee! Forfeit yourcharacter as a liberal host, for such a trifling expense?
Count. Go, Mr. Liberality; do what I bid you.
Front. [Aside.] No coffee! I would rather pay for itout of my own pocket. Yet no; he would even swearI had filched the money from other articles. [Exit.
Scene VII.—Count alone.
Count. Dreadful! Luxury is come to such a height!Thank Heaven, I have not spent one farthing fromwhim or caprice. I always pay money with prudenceand circumspection. I do not yet know the characterof the Marchioness; but, being once the Countess ofCasteldoro, I will teach her my method; which is toesteem myself, and to despise and laugh at other people.
Scene VIII.—Enter Dorimene.
Dor. I am told you want me, brother.
Count. Pardon this liberty. Where are the diamonds?
Dor. Here. Do you want them back?
Count. [Taking them.] Yes, yes; you shall know why.
Dor. You need not take the trouble to tell me, for itis not possible to persuade Eleonora to accept them.
Count. So much the worse for her; she will repent.I have a secret to tell you.
Dor. You know how greatly I am interested in yourhappiness.
Count. I have seen the Marchioness del Bosco, andhave great reason to believe that, whenever I please, Imay obtain her hand.
Dor. Indeed! What will the Marquis say?
Count. Oh, he will say, "Good, good, excellent!" Iam sure of him.
Dor. You know the disorder of his affairs. Will youmarry her without a portion?
Count. Oh, no. Thank Heaven, I have not lost mywits.
Dor. What will you do, then?
Count. Listen and learn. First, let me tell you, I amneither blind nor foolish. I perceive the affections ofEleonora are given to another, and I do not think I amgreatly mistaken when I suppose the Chevalier herfavourite. Omitting to notice the impertinence offather and son, in visiting me under the mask of friendship,I must tell you it may contribute to aid myproject, which is this. Let you and me persuadeMadame Araminta to give her daughter, with a hundredthousand crowns, to the Chevalier, on condition thathis father receive the money, and that he redeem allhis mortgages. I will request the Marchioness, hisdaughter, from him; with these said lands, and, by thismeans, the son and daughter will both be gratified, andthe Marquis will not disburse a guinea. What say you,sister; is not the plan a good one?
Dor. Well imagined, but difficult to execute.
Count. Do not fear; all will be right. The Marquisis gone purposely in search of his daughter. I willjoin them, and I have no doubt all will be concludedthis very day. These jewels—may be of—Sister, youshall see wonders. [Exit.
Dor. What does he mean? But, if every one be madehappy, I shall be the same.
Scene IX.—Enter Eleonora.
Eleon. [At the door, timidly.] Are you alone, Signora?
Dor. I am, my dear; come in.
Eleon. My mother is busy, writing—
Dor. Have you anything to tell me?
Eleon. Forgive my curiosity; have you taken awaythe jewels.
Dor. Yes; the Count asked for them. Are you vexed?
Eleon. On the contrary, delighted.
Dor. Then you are averse to diamonds?
Eleon. Not at all; but—You know my secret.
Dor. There are things in expectation, my dear—
Eleon. What, what? Ease my heart, if possible.
Dor. My brother feels you do not love him.
Eleon. That I can easily believe.
Dor. And suspects the Chevalier.
Eleon. Heavens! He will tell my mother!
Dor. Your mother, my dear, must and ought to knowit; and you ought to conquer your inclinations.
Eleon. Conquer! Oh, it is not possible!
Dor. I love you, as you know, but cannot—
Eleon. [Suddenly, and looking off.] Ha! I must go.
Dor. What is the matter?
Eleon. [Going.] Don't you see the Chevalier?
Dor. Yes, yes; you are right. Begone!
Eleon. [Aside, and slowly going.] I die to stay.
Scene X.—Enter the Chevalier.
Chev. Signora—[Discovering Eleonora.] Heavens!does Eleonora see me, and yet go? [His eyes fixed onEleonora.]
Dor. Your pleasure, Signor? [Turns and sees Eleonoranot gone.] Young lady, your mother expects you.
Eleon. [Timidly.] Pardon me, I would speak one word.
Dor. Well, speak. Make haste!
Eleon. [Gradually approaching.] The jewels will notbe returned?
Dor. I do not fear the return of the jewels.
Chev. Ladies, if I incommode you, I'll be gone.
Dor. [A little angry.] As you please, Signor.
Chev. [Going slowly aside.] This treatment is severe.
Dor. [Ironically.] Well, Mademoiselle, have you anythingmore to say?
Eleon. No, Signora; but—What offence has theChevalier committed?
Dor. Really, my dear, you make me smile.
Eleon. I—I cannot smile.
Chev. [Returning after looking into his fathers apartment.]My father is not there.
Dor. You will find him at your aunt's.
Chev. I just came from there; my aunt and sister aregone out.
Dor. [More angry.] Young lady!
Eleon. [Mortified and curtseying; her eyes fixed on theChevalier.] Pardon me.
Dor. [Ironically.] Excellent, upon my word!
Scene XI.—Enter Araminta.
Aram. [Surprised, aside.] Ah, ha!—[Aloud.] The millineris waiting, daughter: go and look at what she hasbrought.
[Exit Eleonora, mortified.
Aram. Pray stay, Chevalier: I would speak with you.
Dor. Ay, pray do; it is right I should justify myselfbefore you. I see, Madame, that you know somethingof what is going on; but I assure you I am no partyconcerned, and that, although this meeting was accidental,I am sorry it should have occurred.
Aram. [Kindly taking her hand.] I know you,Madame.
Chev. I am sorry, ladies, if my presence—
Aram. [Softly to Dorimene.] Be so kind as to followmy daughter. Poor child! I vex her sometimes, butI love her dearly! Try to console her.
Dor. Most willingly, madam. [Exit.
Scene XII.—Araminta and the Chevalier.
Chev. I did not think, Signora, that my conduct—
Aram. Let us speak plainly, Signor. What are yourpretensions to my daughter?
Chev. Oh, could I but hope to merit her hand—
Aram. Nothing could be desired better than you:your birth, character, and conduct are all in yourfavour: and I should think it an honour to call youmy son. Permit me only to say that the affairs of yourfamily—
Chev. I own it. My father is the best of men, buthas been greatly misled.
Aram. Then, being sensible of this truth, you, betterthan any person, should be aware of the confusion anddistress which might be brought on a young woman,of a good family, and with no contemptible fortune.Would you willingly expose this fortune to the evidentdanger of being ill managed, and soon dissipated?
Chev. Hear me but a moment; I will speak frankly.I have spent some years in the army, which I have beenobliged to quit, because I could not properly supportmy birth and military rank. Returning home, I havelived privately, without complaint, and concealing mysituation. A family friend, interesting himself in mybehalf, suggested that a proper marriage might enableme to appear again at my post, and thus excited me tomix with the world, and declare my purpose. I heardof you, Madame, of your daughter's merit, and of thefortune which she was to have. I saw her, and was soenraptured by her charms and mental qualities, thatevery interested motive instantly ceased, and love alonetook possession of my heart. I then, indeed, wished Iwere rich, and deeply felt the distress of my family.My friends saw my distress, pitied me, would not forsakeme, spoke of your goodness, and encouraged merespectfully to declare myself and my hopes. I listenedto their advice, or rather to love; and hoped thatgratitude and respect would, some time, acquire for mea daughter's love, and a kind mother's consent.
Aram. I approve your candour; yet, do not hope Ican give you my daughter, though I am greatly affectedby your situation, and disposed to favour you, as far asprudence will permit.
Chev. Your goodness consoles me; but, O heavens!do you refuse me that precious gift, your daughter?
Aram. You must not hope to have her, Signor. Itmay be ten years before you are in a state to marry.Live in freedom, and leave my daughter to her destiny.If you approve it, thus much I offer. I will lend youthe sum necessary to purchase military rank, and evena regiment; depending for repayment upon circumstances,and your word of honour.
Chev. I may die, Madame.
Aram. And I may lose my money; but not the recollectionof having done justice to merit, and a worthygentleman.
Chev. Noble generosity! Yet—your daughter—
Aram. I speak absolutely—you must not think ofher.
Chev. Surely it is possible that love and constancy—
Aram. Let us see, what sum will you want? Youhave friends?
Chev. A few.
Aram. I may increase the number. Let us retirewhere we can speak more freely.
Chev. Wherever you please. [Calls.] Fiorillo!
Aram. Poor youth! The victim of his father'simbecility. [Exit.
Scene XIII.—Enter Fiorillo.
Chev. Listen, Fiorillo! Tell my father—Here hecomes. I have not time to speak to him. Say I amwith Madame Dorimene. [Exit.
Fior. With the ladies! He is unusually gay. Perhapshis affairs have taken a lucky turn.
Scene XIV.—Enter the Marquis.
Marq. Well, the coachman—A rascal!—Returnedyet?
Fior. The coachman is not to blame, Signor.
Marq. How so? I am—Good, good, excellent!—Hadthey gone out?
Fior. Who, Signor?
Marq. My daughter, and—What did the dog say?—Yes,at once—To the devil!
Fior. You should not be angry, Signor. I met himloaded like a porter: his horses were hungry andrestive, he went to buy corn.
Marq. How? Very fine—The Count—The stables—
Fior. Ah, yes, none can be finer; but without asingle oat, nor dares the coachman buy any, without anexpress order from his master. Oh, the miser!
Marq. Who? Who? Good, good, excellent! Amiser!
Fior. There is not such another on earth.
Marq. Who, I say? Blockhead! Fool! The Count—aman!—Go, go, numskull!
Fior. Everybody I have spoken with, in the houseand out of the house, servants, tradesmen, or neighbours,all say the same. Nay, Frontino, his chieffavourite, can stay with him no longer.
Marq. How! Could it be?—He refused me hiscoach?
Fior. From avarice. He walks, for fear of tiringhis horses.
Marq. But—a hundred thousand livres in diamonds!
Fior. Do you mean the jewels he has showed to hisbride—
Marq. Well?
Fior. And which he will never pay for. Frontinotold me they were not bought, but borrowed.
Marq. Borrowed! Damn! Good, good, excellent!—anunderhand miser—hypocrite! Damn, damn!A fellow—odious—despicable—My daughter?—Oaf!Sup with him?—Great feast—No oats for the horses—Goand see the poor beasts.
Fior. Not that way, Signor. The stables are in theother court.
Marq. Double court—No corn—Great palace—Nooats for his horses! [Exeunt.

ACT V.

Scene I.—The Count and Frontino.

Count. Make haste! Place and light those candles,that there may be a splendid illumination!
Front. But I want help, Signor.
Count. Pshaw! Thy activity and talents, Frontino,are quite sufficient.
Front. [Aside.] So much for compliments.
Count. I am vexed at again not finding the Marchionessand her aunt at home. Surely they will come tosupper. See how the candles waste; shut the doorsand windows.
Front. The evening is so warm!
Count. No matter; do as I bid you.
Front. [Aside.] He has odd modes of saving.
Count. I feel myself quite animated. The suppergrand! The illumination grand! The—Some of myguests, and those not mean ones, will acknowledge anddo justice to my dessert. I grant the expense is great;but expense, if it is properly incurred, can be borne oncein a while.—[To Frontino.] Should any one ask for me,I am here with the Marquis.—[To himself.] Let me butfinish affairs with him, and the difficulty with hisdaughter will be but little.
Scene II.—Frontino, and then Fiorillo.
Front. [Calls.] Fiorillo!
Fior. [Entering.] Here am I. What do you want?
Front. [Giving him a light.] Help me to light thecandles.
Fior. Willingly. [Both lighting and chatting at thesame time.]
Front. Gently! gently! Mind how you turn thatchandelier; the candles are only short bits fastened oncoloured sticks.
Fior. Do not fear. I hope we shall sup together?
Front. Should anything be left. The dishes arelarge; the contents small.
Fior. We shall have a bottle at least?
Front. Zounds! if we have, I must pay for it.
Fior. Among so many, how can one be missed?
Front. I will tell you. The Count has a certainnumber of coloured pellets in his pocket. He drawsthem out one by one as the bottles are emptied.
Fior. Oh, the devil!
Front. [Seeing the Count return.] Hush!
Scene III.—Enter the Count.
Count. [Angry and aside.] Could such a thing beexpected? A man of my rank and riches? Rudenessso great! Contempt so visible! Tell me his daughteris not for me! Will not come to supper, and then tosneer and laugh at me! He too!—so weak and foolish!Talk of nothing but oats; a reiteration of oats, oats!—[ToFiorillo haughtily.] Your master wants you. Go!
Fior. I have had the honour of helping my comrade,Signor.
Count. Have the complaisance now to help yourself,and be gone.
[Exit Fiorillo.
Scene IV.—The Count and Frontino.
Front. [Aside.] We shall have bad weather; there issomething new in the wind.
Count. [To himself.] What a blockhead was I!Absurd design! Is not money worth more than ruinedantiquity? Oh yes! I will marry the captious beauty;marry her in despite of her and of myself. No moreattentions; no more respectfulness; no more complaisancefor any one.—[To Frontino.] Put out the lights.
Front. Put them out, Signor?
Count. Do as you are bid! Make haste!
Front. Very pretty! [Begins to extinguish.]
Count. [Aside.] Deceive me! Laugh at me! Oncemore for Madame Araminta.—[To Frontino.] Will younever have done? [Puts out some candles with his hat.]
Front. But the supper? Everything ready.
Count. How many dishes?
Front. I have brought out all the silver, as youordered; and large and small, though most of the last,there will be forty.
Count. [Putting out a candle.] They will last fortydays.
Front. But, Signor—
Count. Silence babbler! [Puts out the last, and theyare in the dark.]
Front. So, here we are, and here we may stay.
Count. Why did you put out the last candle?
Front. I do not think it was I, Signor.
Count. Go for a light.
Front. Nay, but how to find the door.
Count. Stop! stop! I hear somebody.
Scene V.—The stage dark. Enter Fiorillo.
Fior. What can this mean? All in total darkness!Perhaps there will be no supper?
Front. [Aside to the Count.] I think it is Fiorillo.
Count. [Softly, and holding Frontino by the arm.]Stay where you are, and speak as if I were gone.—[Aside.]I may make some discovery.
Fior. [Stumbling on Frontino.] Who is there?
Front. 'Tis I.
Fior. Frontino! Why have you put out the lights?
Front. Because—because it was too early.
Fior. 'Sblood! Your master is a miser indeed.
Front. How? Jackanapes! My master a miser!
Fior. Why, you told me so yourself.
Count. Ah, rascal! [Shaking Frontino.]
Front. Oh, the liar! I capable of—
Fior. Hold your tongue, and listen patiently. I havethought of a way by which you may crib a bottle ofwine, in spite of the pellets.
Front. Vile cheat! What are you talking about?
Fior. Really, my dear Frontino, you are no longerthe same. Change thus in a minute! You speak as ifyour master were here.
Front. I speak as I have always spoken. I love mymaster, obey my master, respect my master, and—and—he'sa gentleman.
Count. [Shaking him with great anger.] Scoundrel!
Fior. And all you have said of his avarice is false?
Count. Villain! [Shaking Frontino till he falls.]
Fior. What now? Where are you? What hasfallen?
[Exit the Count, feeling till he finds the door.
Scene VI.—Frontino and Fiorillo, then the Count.
Front. [Aside.] The devil take you!—[Feeling about.]Where are you, Signor?
Fior. Who are you talking to?
Front. Signor, where are you?
Fior. Hey-day! You have taken a cup already, myfriend.
Front. Ah! ah! Here he comes. God help my poorback.
Count. [Entering with a candle, speaks softly.] Traitor!Dog!—[Aloud.] Hark you, Frontino!
Front. [Afraid.] Ye—ye—yes!
Count. [Aside.] If we were alone!—[Aloud.] Go andtell Madame Araminta I wish to speak to her, either inher room or my own.
Front. Yes, Signor.—[Aside.]—I will not trust hislooks.—[To the Count.] Do not think—
Count. [Disdainfully.] Deliver your message.
Front. [Aside.] I see how it is. You must pack off,my friend Frontino. [Exit.
Scene VII.—The Count and Fiorillo.
Fior. You have a faithful servant there, Signor.
Count. You do not know him, friend. An ungratefulfellow, to whom I have been kind and generous in vain.A professed liar! I discovered him, gave him warning;and, to revenge himself, the rascal speaks ill of me.[Going with the light he brought.]
Fior. Excuse me; this room is dark: permit me tolight another candle.
Count. Certainly. I can't tell why they were all putout.
Fior. Frontino is a good servant, and knows how tomanage.
Count. [Aside.] The hound! I would send him to thedevil if I could find a servant for as little wages. [Exit.
Scene VIII.—Fiorillo and the Marquis.
Fior. If I had not got this light, here I might havestayed.
Marq. [Entering.] I should like to know—? [ToFiorillo.] Did you not say—? Tell him to come here.
Fior. Who, Signor?
Marq. My son.
Fior. Yes.—[Aside.] He is not always to be understood.—[Aloud.]First suffer me to light a candle.
Marq. Another—I love—Good, good, excellent! Seeclear. [Lights a third himself.]
Fior. Some one may come to put them out.
Marq. Out! Who?
Fior. [Laughing.] The illustrious Count! [Exit.
Marq. True! Without a grain of oats!
Scene IX.—Enter Araminta.
Aram. [Speaking as she enters.] He is in his room.Marquis, your obedient—
Marq. Humble servant.—All well? All well?
Aram. At your service.
Marq. Good, good, excellent! I wished to—My sonwill tell you.
Aram. Your son, my daughter, and Dorimene, haveso stunned and tormented me that I can hear nomore.
Marq. If so, Madame—But—you know me—I havenot—Very true; but—my property—my estates—Forest,lordship, seven springs—High lands, low—Pasture,arable—A barony. Good, good, excellent!Two millions, Madame!
Aram. What matter your millions? My husbandmade a fortune from nothing; you, with millions, areruined! He took care of his own affairs; I managedthe house. But permit me to say, Signor Marquis, inyour family all has been disorder.
Marq. The Marchioness, heaven bless her! was alittle too fond—Poor woman! Always lost. For mypart—the chase—good hounds—fine horses—Then—myson—Good, good, excellent! Oh, a brave boy!—Who,some day or other—our estates—our lands—
Aram. Had I the management of them, they wouldsoon free themselves.
Marq. Good, good, excellent! Take—act—give 'emup—Oh, with all my heart!
Aram. Surely you do not imagine, Signor Marquis,that it becomes me to be an agent?
Marq. No; I did not say that. You are still—I amnot old—Understand me.
Aram. You are jesting.
Marq. Jest when I—? Good, good, excellent!
Aram. I have no intention to marry; and, if I had,it would not be vain titles, but happiness that I shouldseek.
Marq. Right—if you—no one interfere—mistress ofeverything—carte blanche. Good, good, excellent!
Aram. Carte blanche?
Marq. Without restriction.
Scene X.—Enter the Chevalier.
Chev. My father sent for me.
Marq. You see, Madame! only son—good youth.
Aram. I know it, and know his merit.
Chev. Ah, Madame!—[To the Marquis.] Did you, sir,know the kindness, the liberality, with which this ladyoverwhelmed me, how you would be surprised!
Marq. All is concluded? Eleonora—thine? [Overjoyed.]
Aram. Not too fast, Signor Marquis; I have told youhow tenderly I love her, and that I will not risk eitherher happiness or her fortune.
Marq. But—speak, boy—our affairs—Good, good,excellent! Speak the truth; this lady may—as forme—here I am—my heart, my hand, carte blanche.
Chev. To which, dear father, I willingly subscribe.I leave everything to your discretion. [Flying to the sidescene.] Approach, dear Eleonora; conquer your fears;join your prayers to ours, and move the heart of amother, who doubts only through delicacy.
Enter Eleonora and Dorimene, who remains inthe background.
Eleon. [Falling at her mother's feet.] Oh, my mother!you know my heart, and how religiously I have alwaysobeyed your commands. You would unite me to a manwhom I can never love; virtuous affection has takenpossession of my soul. I ought to have told you, butfear and respect forbade me; yet my feelings, howeverardent, I was determined should be sacrificed toobedience to that affection which I have ever felt foryou, and that tender attachment in which I have beeneducated. Ah, do not force me to a marriage I detest!and which will render me the most disconsolate andwretched woman on earth.
Aram. [Aside.] Poor child! Did she know my heart!
Marq. [Wiping his eyes.] Now—if—Good, good,excellent!
Aram. Be it so on one condition. The carte blanche—
Marq. [Presenting his hand.] Sign it—pray accept—
Aram. Your hand?
Eleon. My dear mother, your superintending prudenceand goodness will secure our felicity.
Chev. Oh yes. Your orders shall be respected; yourexample the rule for our conduct; your advice our guide.
Aram. [Aside.] My child! my child!
Marq. [Still tenderly presenting his hand.] Madame!
Aram. [Cheerfully.] Signor Marquis—I am yours.
Marq. And I—Good, good, excellent!
Dor. [Coming forward.] Permit me, ladies and gentlemen,to say I have thus far been silent, being desirousto promote this young lady's happiness; but I thinkyou will remember my brother ought to be, in somedegree, consulted in this affair.
Eleon. Heavens! what say you, Madame?
Aram. My daughter should have been his, had hebeen less of a spendthrift.
Marq. I would have given him mine if he had notbeen a miser.
Eleon. [Sees the Count coming.] Oh, my mother!
Marq. Fear nothing—I'll speak—Yes, I—quite clearly—Good,good, excellent!
Scene XI.—Enter the Count, and afterwardsFrontino.
Count. [Aside.] She is here; now is the time to obligeher to determine.—[To Araminta.] I sent a request,Madame—
Aram. I was coming, but was stopped by the Marquis.
Marq. Yes, Signor Count, I have to inform you—
Count. Pardon me, Signor; I have business with thislady.—[To Araminta.] The notary will soon be here,and we must sign the contract.
Aram. And do you still persist in claiming mydaughter? Have you not renounced her?
Count. No, Signora. My design, of which my sistermay have informed you, was to propose conditionshonourable to all parties; but these the Marquis disapproves.
Marq. Hear me speak. You asked me—yes—I wouldhave—why not? But—be so kind—Good, good,excellent! No anger—a hundred thousand livres,diamonds, and not a grain of oats!
Count. Why do you thus reiterate oats? I cannotunderstand; can you, ladies?
Dor. [To the Count.] Your coachman, brother, mayhave refused—
Count. [To the Marquis.] How! have your horses notbeen fed? If so, am I responsible for my coachman'serror? Must I be thought a miser—I!—[Aside.] Myservants have babbled, and I shall lose my reputation.
Front. [Entering to the Count.] Persons without areasking for you, signor.
Count. [Aside.] My supper guests perhaps; themoment is favourable to the support of my honour.—[Aloud.]Is the notary among them?
Front. Yes, Signor.
Count. Bid him come in. Show the other personsinto the card-room. Let the house be illuminated andthe supper served.
[Exit Frontino.
Marq. Good, good, excellent!
Scene.—The last.
Enter the Notary, the Jeweller, Giacinto, and others.
Count. [To the Notary.] Signor, please to read the contract,that it may be signed. So, Signor Giacinto, youhave discovered that my bride is better, and that thesupper will take place.
Giac. No, Signor, I have made no such discovery.But I have discovered some literary gentlemen, who,since I am not enabled to print my comedy and yourgenealogy, will publish the genealogy at their ownexpense, with all necessary and some remarkableannotations.
Count. [Enraged.] I understand the insult. [Dissembling.]Have you the genealogy in your pocket?
Giac. Here it is, Signor.
Count. [Receiving and concealing the MS.] Signor—Ihave a proper esteem for talents—they have ever beenencouraged and recompensed by me.—[Aside.] A mercenaryscoundrel!—[Whispers Giacinto.] Accept thesefive-and-twenty louis, and let me hear no more.—[Tearsthe paper.]
[Exit Giacinto.
Aram. [Aside.] What a man! He would quicklyhave scattered my daughter's fortune.
Count. [To the Notary.] Once more, the contract.
Jew. [Advancing with a bow.] Signor Count.
Count. How now! What do you want?
Jew. Permission to speak.
Count. [Softly to the Jeweller.] I desired you to comein a week.
Jew. 'Tis true. But hearing you are this eveningto be affianced, permit me to observe that, after myjewels have been seen—
Count. Ay, ay.—[Vexed and aside.] The rascal knowswhat he is about.—[Privately returns the jewels andangrily whispers,] Here, take your diamonds, and troubleme no more.
[Exit Jeweller.
Front. [Entering.] The supper is ready; must it beserved?
Count. Wait till I call you. Once more, the contract;with your leave, madam, we will read it, that it maybe signed.
Aram. Signor, while I was a widow the power wasmy own, but now I am once more married.
Count. Married! Who is your husband, Madame!
Marq. Good, good, excellent! Yes, signor, 'tis I.
Count. [Aside.] Here is a blow! Oh, all hopes aregone!—[Aloud.] Then Eleonora—
Aram. I love my daughter too much to willinglypart with her; once to-day you have refused her hand,which I shall now give to—
Marq. Good, good, excellent!—To my son.
Count. [To Dorimene indignantly.] I am derided,sister, disdained.
Dor. I warned you, brother, yet you would persist.Be prudent; you are in the presence of many people;do not risk your reputation.
Count. [Aside.] Very true. Come what will, I mustdissemble.—[Aloud.] You're happily come, ladies andgentlemen, to witness the signing of a contract between—the—Chevalierdel Bosco and this young lady.—[Aside.]My tongue is parched; I have not the powerto proceed.—[Aloud.] The honour of contributing tothis—ceremony—is mine.—[Aside.] Oh that the housewere on fire!—[Aloud.] Let us walk into the librarytill the supper is ready.
Aram. Long live the spendthrift!
Marq. And down with the miser!
[Exeunt omnes.

THE END OF "THE SPENDTHRIFT MISER."