WEDGEWOOD. I will be at your service as soon as I have had time to adjust my outward and refresh my inward man.—Necessarily odd! (Seeing the COUNTESS about to retire.) Madam, allow me (takes her hand)—If it is convenient.
[Exit WEDGEWOOD and COUNTESS.
FREDERICA (to COUNT.) Now, brother, that the countess has retired, pray favor us with your confidence. You need not mind Mr. Worrendorf—I have told him all about Sophia Mansfield—I love that poor girl myself, not less for her misfortunes than her genius.
ALBERT.
I love her too—
FREDERICA (aside.)
Oh, dear! what's the matter with me? My head turns round—I am ready to drop!
COUNT (with emotion.)
You love her! Wherefore?
ALBERT.
She is my countrywoman, and for that I love her.
FREDERICA (recovering.)
Well, gentlemen, I must say this is very gallant of you both, to be praising one
lady so highly when there is another in the room. (Aside.) Oh, dear me, how near
I came to betraying myself!
ALBERT. Your pardon, my dear madam. When I look at you, I almost forget there is another woman in the world. (Kisses FREDERICA's hand, who turns away with evident confusion.)—But for the present I must leave you, to join Mr. Wedgewood. [Exit.
COUNT (noticing them.) (Aside.) So, so, Frederica—fairly caught, I perceive! (To Frederica.) Ah, sister, sister! as in all things else, there is a destiny in love.