Todd. Marietta! Do you know, Marietta, you bear a striking resemblance to my lost Laura—you have her eyes exactly, only yours are darker—the same nose, only yours differs in shape—the same mouth, only yours is smaller.
Mari. (laughing, aside) A ridiculous creature! but I must try and get him out of the trap, into which he has unconsciously walked. Signor, you must not remain here. If my uncle returns and finds you, it may be worse for you, and where to put you for the night I don’t know. Hah! I have it:—you shall sleep in the fowl house—there (points through window at back) on the opposite side of the garden.
Todd. The fowl house! You could never think of putting me to bed amongst the cocks and hens, consider my feelings. Bless me! what a look of my lost Laura! (aside) I feel I’m on the brink of an adventure!
Mari. There’s some fresh pea straw in the corner, on which you can lie.
Todd. (aside) This tender solicitude for my comfort proves she loves me.
Jacopo. (in his chamber, R. 3 E.) Marietta!
Mari. My uncle! He has awakened from his evening sleep, and is coming here.
Todd. The collector!—Perhaps I’d better retire with my emotions to my pea straw.
Mari. Yes—yes—make haste. By this door, (showing him to door, L. 3 E.) down stairs and across the garden.
Todd. Adieu, too lovely native. Ah! pea straw with those we love. (begins to play concertina)