Mari. (up C.) He perceives me and kisses his hand.
Jaco. (L. C.) Kiss your’s in return.
Mari. But, uncle—
Jaco. (sternly) I command! (Marietta kisses her hand)
Mari. Ah! he is going to mount the ladder, (she retires from the window)
Jaco. (L.C.) Good!—now observe me. You must receive this man as if I were not present—invite him to supper, and make him sit in that chair. (pointing to chair R. C.; Marietta curtseys submissively; Jacopo crosses to R.) I shall have my eye upon you.
Todd. (outside balcony, C.) This is a terrific ascent!
(Jacopo retires into room, R. 3 E. and observes what passes through the half-open door; Todd is seen slowly coming into view, outside the balcony, C.; he has a red handkerchief tied round his head)
Todd. Beautiful native! You see I am here again! (gets in at window, and falls) Excuse me presenting myself in this miscellaneous manner—my appearance may be startling; but, I trust not, repugnant. The fact is, I couldn’t get a wink of sleep in the fowl-house—the cocks and the hens—the turkeys, and other lively insects, disturbed me so, that I forsook my pea-straw and strolled into the garden, where I beheld you at your window, and discovered the ladder you had placed.
Mrs. Todd shows herself at door, L. 3 E.