[[28]]
Countess (interrupting him). 1800, 1828, 1829.
Scene III
Countess, Max Piccolomini.
Max. Aunt Tertsky? may I venture?
[Advances to the middle of the stage, and looks around him with uneasiness.
She's not here!
Where is she?
Countess. Look but somewhat narrowly
In yonder corner, lest perhaps she lie
Conceal'd behind that screen.
Max. There lie her gloves![642:1]
[Snatches at them, but the Countess takes them herself.
You unkind Lady! You refuse me this— [5]
You make it an amusement to torment me.
Countess. And this the thanks you give me for my trouble?
Max. O, if you felt the oppression at my heart!
Since we've been here, so to constrain myself—
With such poor stealth to hazard words and glances— 10
These, these are not my habits!