Countess. Oh Heavens, if it is a man, take him out of the room or I shall faint.
Marquis. Sister Isabella, when I shall relate to you the strange reception I have met with in this house, you will be amazed—but I think you will sincerely rejoice at the final event of my visit, when I tell you it is a solemn promise from this Lady to become my wife.
Isabel. I give you joy most unfeignedly. ( Pulls off her veil. ).
Countess. It is a woman.
Antonio. Aye, that it is—Madam, let me bid you welcome to the castle. ( Goes and salutes her. )
Countess. ( To the Marquis. ) Why, what are you—( After trembling as if much terrified ) an't you a woman?
Isabel. Countess, I knew you never would have consented to have seen the Marquis, had he been introduced into the house as a man, therefore I formed this stratagem, unknown to him, thus to bring you together.
Marquis. ( To the Countess. ) Do not droop, my dearest wife.
Countess. And are you really the Marquis? What a strange blunder have I made!
Marquis. I am the Marquis—and it shall be my future care to banish for ever from your memory, the recollection of that marriage which has been the source of so much woe to you.