Countess. As your Lordship pleases.
Enter the Procession of the two Weddings. A March is played; Doctor Bartholo and Marcelina are preceded by Cryer of the Court, Guards, Doublefee, Counsellors, Don Guzman; after them come Antonio, Figaro, and Susan, followed by the Bridesmen and Maids, and a troop of Dancers. They all salute the Count and Countess as they pass; and after making the tour of the stage, Antonio presents his Niece to the Count; Susan kneels, one of the Bridemaids gives the Count the nuptial Cap; and Susan, while the Count is placing it on her head, plucks him by the cloak, and shews him the Note she had just before written. He pretends to keep adjusting the Cap, and slily reaches to take the Note, which he instantly claps in his bosom, having previously unbuttoned himself for that purpose. While this is transacting a Castanet-Dance is performed. As soon as Susan rises, she purposely places herself before the Countess, to encourage the Count to read the Note, who accordingly steps forward, is going to open it, and pricks his finger with the Pin, which he plucks out and throws angrily on the floor.)
Count. These Women and their curst Pins.
Figaro. (Aside to his Mother laughing) The Count has received a Billet-doux from some pretty Girl, sealed with a Pin! This is a new fashion, which he does not seem to admire.
(The Count reads the Note, is exceedingly pleased, folds it up again, and reads on the outside, “Return the Seal;” he pretends to walk carelessly about the stage, but is all the while looking earnestly for the pin he had thrown away, which he at last finds, picks up and sticks upon his Sleeve.)
Figaro. (To his Mother) Every thing is precious that appertains to a beloved object.—He picks up the very Pin, you see.
(All this while Susan and the Countess remark what is passing with laughter, and private looks and gestures.)
Countess. (Rising) Come with me, Susan. We shall soon be back, my Lord. (Aside to Susan) Let us make haste and exchange dresses.
(Exeunt Countess and Susan.
Crier. “Guards! Guards!—This way, Guards! (Places the Guards at the door, runs up to the Count) My Lord, here’s Mr. Basil coming, my Lord, with the whole Village at his heels; because he has been singing all the way he went.