Todd. Oh, no! not at all—not in the least. Hadn’t we better postpone the awful ceremony?
Jaco. (crosses at back and down, L. C.—angrily) No!
Todd. Oh! I—I—only thought—the sudden shock—of—so much—happiness—might be too severe for her—for me. (Jacopo touches his pistol with a menacing look) Oh! Come, Marietta! (offers his arm to Marietta, and sees Grimbaldi threatening him with his stiletto) Let us proceed—to execution!
Exit Todd, leaning on Marietta, followed by Jacopo and Grimbaldi, threatening, R. 2 E.
Re-enter Mrs. Todd from door, L. 3 E.
Mrs. T. What a discovery I have made! Samuel, my husband, who I fondly fancied passed his nights watering his lonely pillow with his tears, and his days in writing elegies to the memory of a beloved wife, to have forgotten me so soon. Not three months a widower, and the unconscionable wretch has ideas of entering the marriage state again. I flattered myself my system of matrimonial discipline would have deterred him from a repetition of such folly. But some men are never to be taught. How he got into this house, I can’t imagine—but the object of his visit is apparent; he comes to make love to the Signor’s niece—a pastime that I shall take the liberty of interrupting.
Re-enter Grimbaldi, R. 2 E.
Grim. I can’t stand it any longer. Diavolo! I had a good mind (threatening with dagger) but Terreboli’s eye was upon me, and I durst not move a finger.
Mrs. T. (L.) You seem agitated—what has happened?
Grim. (R. gloomily) Oh, nothing! but—torture!—she is married!