Servant (enters). The commanders!
Tertsky (to the Countess). Take care you heat his fancy and affections—
Possess him with a reverie, and send him,
Absent and dreaming, to the banquet; that
He may not boggle at the signature. [25]
Countess. Take you care of your guests!—Go, send him hither.
Tertsky. All rests upon his undersigning.
Countess. Go to your guests! Go——
Illo (comes back). Where art staying, Tertsky?
The house is full, and all expecting you. 30
Tertsky. Instantly! Instantly! [To the Countess.
And let him not
Stay here too long. It might awake suspicion
In the old man——
Countess. A truce with your precautions!
[Exeunt Tertsky and Illo.