Car. (Embracing her) O help me love him, dear.
My heart ’s too small.
(Enter Count Charles)
Char. A message.
Car. Oh! a message! I do not want
A message.
Char. The admiral of the port has word
The Emperor’s ship ’s delayed.
Car. Why, we ’ll not weep....
’T is but a day.... (Goes forward, looking out) To-morrow, then—to-morrow!
(To Lady Maria) Why do you weep? A day ’s not worth a tear.
See, I can smile!... But my poor flowers will fade.
I plucked them all.... No more grow by the path....
(Suddenly) Cousin, why wear you black?
Mar. (Confused) I—madam—I—
Car. Such sable hues for this so rosy day?
Go dress your body like our happy hearts!
Dost think a coffin comes across the sea?
A coffin—(Shudders) Go! I can not bear this black!
(Exit Lady Maria)