Albert I've circled the house, all night long, and found everybody asleep. This will foil the efforts of my enemies. I've even patrolled outside. Thank heaven, everything is all right. A secret terror disquiets me, despite my efforts. I've seen a certain inquisitive person prowling around here, from a distance, who seems to me to be examining the place. For nearly six months, my cowardly complacence has endangered my prudent action, and to let Arabella breathe easily disquiets my soul, so I must shut her up. You don't make girls wise by softness. I am going to bar the windows—with bars as big as my hand—to foil all human efforts. But, I hear some noise! I see an object which walks and turns about in the half light. Who goes there? . . . Nobody answers. This affected silence bodes no good.
Jenny
I tremble.
Albert
It's jenny. Arabella is with her.
Arabella
So, it's you, sir, playing sentinel?
Albert Yes, yes, it's me, it's me. But at this time of day, what are you doing in this place, if you please?
Arabella Neither Jenny nor I sleep in the morning, so we came here to be under the trees and to see the sun rise and take the air.
Jenny (trying to be helpful)
Yes.
Albert You are to watch the dawn and take the air from your window. You are conspiring here to betray me.
Jenny (aside)
That wouldn't be a bad idea!
Albert
What do you say?