Part 15

_Count._ I am determined to marry the charming Eleonora.

_Dor._ But if the charming Eleonora should feel no love for you?

_Count._ My dear sister, I do not think myself a person to be despised.

_Dor._ But inclinations are capricious.

_Count._ Has Eleonora told you she cannot love me?

_Dor._ She has not precisely told me, but I have great reason to doubt it.

_Count._ [_To himself, vexed._] This is a little strange.

_Dor._ Why are you angry? If you take in ill part--

_Count._ No, no; you mistake me. Speak freely and sincerely.

_Dor._ You know the confidence you have placed in me. Having discoursed together concerning this family, I wrote to Madame Araminta, inviting her and her daughter to pass a few days at Paris.

_Count._ And they have been a fortnight with you. This I know must give trouble, and bring expense; and as you have done it for my sake--I--my duty--my obligations are eternal.

_Dor._ By no means, brother. The expense is trifling, and the inconvenience small. I love this family, and, beside being related to my husband, am greatly interested in its behalf. Eleonora is the best girl on earth, and her mother is no less respectable. A good heart, economical, and to the most exact economy she unites prudence and regularity of conduct.

_Count._ Excellent; and so has been the education of her daughter. But now tell me--

_Dor._ Sincerely, brother, in my opinion, Eleonora loves you neither much nor little.

_Count._ On what do you found this strange suspicion?

_Dor._ I will tell you. When your name is mentioned, she looks down and gives no answer.

_Count._ Bashfulness.

_Dor._ When she hears or sees you coming, she is in a tremor, and wishes to hide herself.

_Count._ At her age that is not extraordinary.

_Dor._ When this marriage is mentioned, the tears are in her eyes.

_Count._ The tears of a child? Can anything be more equivocal?

_Dor._ And though so equivocal and so full of doubt, will you dare to marry her?

_Count._ Certainly, without the least difficulty.

_Dor._ It seems you love her to distraction.

_Count._ I love--I do not know how much.

_Dor._ You have scarcely seen her twice.

_Count._ Is not that enough to a feeling heart like mine?

_Dor._ Ah, brother, I know you.

_Count._ Your penetration is a little too quick.

_Dor._ I do not wish that you should hereafter have to reproach me.

_Count._ Yonder is Frontino.

_Dor._ If you have business--

_Count._ [_With affected kindness._] Will you go?

_Dor._ We shall meet again soon. I only wish you to think a little on what I have said, and before you marry--

_Count._ Fear nothing, dear sister. Do me the pleasure to dine with me to-day. I will send to invite Madame Araminta and her daughter. We shall have many guests. The notary will be here after dinner, and the contract will be signed.

_Dor._ To-day?

_Count._ No doubt: Madame Araminta has pledged her word.

_Dor._ [_Ironically._] I give you joy.--[_Aside._] I will never suffer Eleonora to sacrifice herself for my sake. If I could but truly understand her heart--I will try. [_Exit._

## SCENE IV.--_The_ Count, _and then_ Frontino.

_Count._ Poor girl! A little too diffident of me. Does not think me capable of subduing a tender and inexperienced heart! Besides, she carries her delicacy rather too far: in marriages of convenience, not the heart, but family interest is consulted. Well, Frontino, what have you to say?

_Front._ The tailor is come, sir.

_Count._ Where is he?

_Front._ At the door, sending away his coach, and giving orders to his servants.

_Count._ His servants?

_Front._ Yes, sir.

_Count._ _Apropos_: that reminds me that you must write immediately to my country steward, that he may send me six handsome youths, tall, well made, the best he can find on the estate, that the tailor may take their measure for liveries.

_Front._ Six clowns in liveries!

_Count._ Yes, to honour my wedding. Tell the steward that all the time they stay here, their country wages shall be continued, besides having their board. You know this sort of people take care not to overload their plates.

_Front._ Never fear, sir, they will not die of indigestion.

_Count._ Hold. Take the key of the closet where the plate is kept; let it be displayed, and all brought on the table.

_Front._ But, sir, your plate is so antique, and so black--it will be necessary at least to have it new polished.

_Count._ Oh, silver is always silver. Here comes the tailor, I suppose.

_Front._ Yes, sir. Enter, Signor, enter.

## SCENE V.--_To them the_ Tailor.

_Tail._ I am the most humble servant of your most illustrious lordship.

_Count._ Come near, sir. I was impatient to see you. I want four suits for myself, and twelve liveries for my servants.

_Tail._ It will do me honour to serve you, and have no doubt but it shall please you.

_Front._ My master pays well.

_Tail._ I have the honour of knowing him. Who is it that does not know the illustrious Count Casteldoro?

_Count._ The occasion requires all possible display of splendour.

_Tail._ I will show you stuffs of gold and silver.

_Count._ No, no; I do not wish to look as if caparisoned in gilded leather. The dresses must be noble and rich, but nothing with a shining ground.

_Tail._ You prefer embroidery?

_Count._ I do; four embroidered suits, but in the best possible taste, the patterns rich and delicate.

_Front._ [_Aside._] Hey-day! I do not know my master.

_Tail._ Rich, but light embroidery?

_Count._ No, sir: Spanish point--ample, massive, and of the best workmanship; well designed, splendid, but nothing that shines.

_Tail._ Everything that you can desire. Shall I take your measure?

_Count._ Yes--on one condition.

_Tail._ What is it?

_Front._ [_Aside._] Ay, let us hear the condition.

_Count._ You must tack on the embroidery slightly, that it may not be spoiled. I would have no buttons of false diamonds. I shall wear my four suits each of them twice during the first eight days of my nuptials, so that your embroidery will still be new, and may again be sold as such. You must now tell me what you will charge for the cloth, the making, and the use of your ornaments.

_Front._ [_Aside._] Yes, yes, he is still himself.

_Count._ But first concerning the liveries.

_Tail._ With your permission, I wish to have the honour of speaking to you in private.

_Front._ [_Angrily to the_ Tailor.] If I must not stay, I can go.

_Count._ By no means. Frontino is part of the family: you may speak before him.

_Front._ [_To the_ Tailor.] You see, sir! Hem!

_Tail._ No, friend; I did not mean you, but--look to see if we have no listeners. [_Slily gives_ Frontino _a crown._]

_Front._ [_Aside._] A crown! It is long since I had so much.

_Tail._ Sir, I comprehend the nature of your project. You are not naturally inclined to pomp; but, sagacious and prudent as you are, you willingly sacrifice to appearance and convenience. I esteem myself most fortunate in having the honour to serve you. I admire gentlemen who think like you, and laugh at those who ruin themselves, while I give them every aid in my power, that they may be ruined in style. In me you have discovered the only man fit for your purpose: set your heart at rest; I have the means to satisfy you.

_Count._ [_Aside._] If I do not mistake, this is a most smooth-tongued, artful--[_Aloud._] Well, then, you will make my four suits!

_Tail._ Pardon me, sir, your idea is not practicable. I could not avoid paying extremely dear for the embroidery; and my delicate conscience would never permit me to sell it again as new.

_Count._ [_Aside._] His delicate conscience! Why did he come to me?

_Tail._ I will confide a secret to you which I have treasured jealously; for, were it known, I cannot tell you how much it would prejudice my character and credit. I, who am the court-tailor, tailor to the principal nobility of Paris, I secretly, and under a borrowed name, carry on a flourishing trade in old clothes.

_Count._ An old clothesman keep his coach?

_Tail._ Which is maintained by that very means.

_Front._ [_To the_ Count.] You see, sir, I have found you a man of sincerity; a man whose heart is as open as his face; a man who merits all your confidence.

_Count._ [_Aside._] I perceive.--[_Aloud._] Should I find this to be to my interest?

_Tail._ I will show you two dozen of most magnificent suits, all new, that never were worn but once or twice at the most.

_Count._ Will they be known again?

_Tail._ No danger of that; everything that enters my magazine assumes a new face. I export the most splendid samples that France produces, and I import the spoils and riches of the principal cities in Europe. You shall see suits the most superb, and stuffs of the greatest rarity. It is a pity you will have neither gold nor silver.

_Count._ Nay, should it be anything of uncommon beauty and taste, gold and silver would not offend me.

_Front._ To be sure, if the streets were to be paved with gold, we must walk.

_Count._ But the price.

_Tail._ See, admire, and select; act just as you please.--[_Aside._] I have found the very man I wished for.--I will soon be back, dear sir.--[_Aside._] Paris is the place; everything a man wants is there to be found.

_Front._ Have you by chance anything that will sit genteel, and make me look like a gentleman's gentleman?

_Tail._ [_Aside._] I will clothe you from head to foot, only be my friend.

_Front._ Your friend! On such conditions, who could refuse?

END OF THE FIRST ACT.

## ACT II.

## SCENE I.--Dorimene _and_ Eleonora.

_Dor._ Come here, my dear Eleonora; I wish to speak to you alone. My brother, I believe, is gone out. [_Looks out._] He is not in his cabinet.

_Eleon._ [_Aside._] What can she have to say? She has a friendship for me, but I believe her interest is more for her brother. I can expect no consolation.

_Dor._ We are alone, and may speak freely. Permit me first to observe that within these few days you have had a serious, melancholy air, which seems but little to suit your expectations.

_Eleon._ It is natural to me, Madame; more or less, I am always so.

_Dor._ Excuse me; but on your arrival at Paris you had no such gloomy expression. You are entirely changed, and certainly not without cause.

_Eleon._ But really there is no such change.

_Dor._ My good young friend, you conceal the truth, and want confidence in me. Be a little more just, and rest assured that, though I proposed a marriage between you and my brother, no foolish ambition makes me wish it should succeed at the expense of your heart. Tell me openly what are your wishes; speak freely, and you shall see whether I am your friend.

_Eleon._ [_Aside._] If I durst, but--No, no.

_Dor._ Have you any dislike to my brother?

_Eleon._ I have not long had the honour of his acquaintance, Madame.

_Dor._ His age, for example, may seem a little too great when compared with your own.

_Eleon._ The age of a man does not appear to me a thing of great importance.

_Dor._ You perhaps think that my brother is rather too economical.

_Eleon._ You know, Madame, I have been educated in economy.

_Dor._ If so, my dear Eleonora, to my great satisfaction, I have been entirely mistaken, and you will be perfectly happy with my brother.

_Eleon._ I!--Do you think so?

_Dor._ No doubt; it cannot be otherwise. I have questioned you with the best intentions, and you have answered--sincerely, as I must believe.

_Eleon._ Oh, certainly.

_Dor._ Then be at peace; your heart tells me you will be happy.

_Eleon._ [_Affected._] My heart, Madame!

_Dor._ Your heart.

_Eleon._ Ah! I do not understand my own heart.

_Dor._ Why are you so much moved?

_Eleon._ [_Looking off the stage._] Did not some one call me?

_Dor._ Called? Where? By whom?

_Eleon._ [_Going._] Perhaps my mother--perhaps somebody--

_Dor._ No, no; pray stay. Your mother knows you are with me, and therefore cannot be in fear. I have something more to say to you.

_Eleon._ [_Aside._] How difficult to disguise my feelings!

_Dor._ Remember, your heart has told me--

_Eleon._ [_Timorously._] What, Madame?

_Dor._ You are in love with another.

_Eleon._ [_Confused._] I, Madame!

_Dor._ You; your blushes confirm it.

_Eleon._ [_Aside._] Heavens! have I betrayed myself?--[_Aloud._] You will not tell this to my mother? I shall be lost!

_Dor._ No, no; fear nothing. Though you have discovered that you cannot confide in me, I love you tenderly, and am incapable of giving you needless pain. Here your mother comes; let us consider between ourselves.

_Eleon._ Ah, Madame! [_Embracing._]

## SCENE II.--_Enter_ Araminta.

_Aram._ Well, child; I fear you are troublesome.

_Eleon._ Pardon me, but--

_Dor._ We are friends, and I entreated her to keep me company.

_Aram._ You are kinder to her than she deserves. I cannot understand her; she is become so melancholy and dull.

_Dor._ The air of Paris may not agree with her.

_Aram._ Do you think so? Since she left the place of her education, she is no longer the same. Nothing pleases, nothing diverts her. Music, reading, and drawing are all forsaken. I have spared no expense, and have taken no little delight in perceiving her progress; while, at present, I am equally surprised to see her thus negligent. I willingly incur expense for any good purpose; but no one can be more angry than I am at squandering money.

_Eleon._ [_Aside._] It is very true. I no longer know myself.

_Dor._ Nay, Madame.

_Aram._ If she wishes to return to her retirement, why not say so?

_Dor._ Oh, no, Madame; she has no such wish.

_Aram._ But why, then, child, are you so gloomy, so indolent? You are soon to be married, and to direct a family; this requires activity, attention, and order, as you may see by my example. I am busy from morning to evening, here and there, going, coming, helping, commanding, and sometimes obliged to find fault; but, by these means, all goes well.

_Eleon._ [_Aside._] I hoped to do the same, but all my hopes are flown!

_Dor._ Oh, Madame, when your daughter's heart shall be at ease--

_Aram._ At ease! What does she want? Is not the marriage contract to be signed to-day?

_Dor._ Here comes my brother! He can best inform you--

_Eleon._ [_Aside._] How miserable am I!

## SCENE III.--_Enter the_ Count _and a_ Jeweller.

_Count._ I am happy, ladies, to find you together. I came purposely to ask your advice.

_Aram._ On what subject? Ladies are sometimes excellent advisers.

_Count._ [_To the_ Jeweller.] Show your case of jewels.

_Aram._ [_Aside._] Jewels! He may well ask advice in such articles; it is easy to be cheated.

_Jew._ [_Presenting the case to_ Dorimene.] Please examine if there can be purer and more perfect diamonds.

_Count._ Pray give me your opinion.

_Dor._ I think them admirable! What say you, Eleonora?

_Eleon._ [_With indifference._] I do not understand such things.

_Aram._ I do--show them to me. Though I never wore any diamonds, trade has made me well acquainted with them. [_Taking the case._] These are fine, indeed! Perfectly assorted, and of a beautiful water. What is their price?

_Count._ Oh, that is a secret between ourselves. [_To the_ Jeweller.] Is it not?

_Jew._ My lord--I have nothing to say.

_Aram._ [_Aside._] So much the worse; the Count will be the more easily imposed upon. He comes to ask advice, and then refuses to hear it.

_Count._ [_Apart, to the_ Jeweller.] My good friend, will you trust your diamonds with me three or four days?

_Jew._ [_To the_ Count.] If the ladies think them good, and well chosen, I should prefer--

_Count._ Nay, friend; jewels of this value must not be purchased without reflection. Knowing me, you cannot be afraid.

_Jew._ By no means! They are at your service.

_Count._ Be pleased to return at the end of the week. I know the price, and you shall then have the money or the diamonds.

_Jew._ I am much obliged to you, Signor. [_Exit._

## SCENE IV.

_Count._ [_Aside._] Excellent! just as I wished!--[_To_ Eleonora.] Will you do me the favour, Madame, to wear the jewels I have the honour to present you, at least for to-day.

_Dor._ To-day?

_Count._ It is the day on which we are to sign the contract, and we shall have thirty persons at table.

_Aram._ Thirty!

_Count._ At least, Madame.

_Aram._ [_Aside._] He will ruin himself! But I will hear more.

_Count._ [_Presenting the case to_ Dorimene.] Dear sister, let me request you to take this case, and to kindly be present at the toilet of this lady, to assist in arranging the diamonds. Will you do me the pleasure, charming Eleonora, to accept my sister's aid?

_Eleon._ [_Coldly._] My mamma never wears diamonds.

_Aram._ Do not be silly, child. I did not wear diamonds, because my husband was too prudent to indulge in such expenses; but, if the Count think differently, complaisance requires your acquiescence.

_Eleon._ But, you know, mamma--

_Aram._ Oh, I know--I know, child! You do not know good breeding. Accept them gratefully.

_Eleon._ [_Aside._] Unhappy me!--[_To the_ Count.] Signor--I am greatly obliged.

_Dor._ [_Apart to the_ Count.] Are you satisfied with such a cold manner?

_Count._ Perfectly.

_Dor._ Have you no dissatisfaction; no fears?

_Count._ Not the least.

_Dor._ [_Aside._] What a singular man is my brother?

## SCENE V.--_Enter_ Frontino.

_Front._ Here is a letter, sir.

_Count._ With your permission, ladies.

_Aram._ By all means. [_To_ Dorimene.] Let us examine the jewels a little.

_Count._ [_To himself, having read the letter._] The marquis comes at an ill time! After a dinner of thirty guests, I must give him a supper! He asks it with so little ceremony too! How can it be managed?

_Dor._ What is the matter, brother?

_Count._ [_Affecting cheerfulness._] Nothing, nothing. I have just received news which gives me pleasure. The Marquis del Bosco is arrived, and coming to sup with me this evening.

_Eleon._ [_Agitated._] What do I hear?

_Aram._ I know the Marquis; his county seat is not three miles distant from mine.

_Count._ You will see him this evening, with the Marchioness his daughter, and the Chevalier his son.

_Eleon._ [_Still more agitated._] The Chevalier! O Heaven!

_Count._ I hope they will be in time to be present, when we sign the contract.

_Eleon._ [_Still aside._] Fatal trial! How shall I support it?

_Aram._ What is the matter, daughter?

_Eleon._ Nothing--not much--a sudden giddiness.

_Count._ [_To_ Araminta.] For Heaven's sake, take care of--[_To_ Frontino.] Don't go.

_Aram._ The open air will revive her.

_Dor._ Let us walk into the garden.

_Aram._ By all means.

_Dor._ Is the door open, brother?

_Count._ No; but here is the key.

_Dor._ [_Aside._] He will trust it to nobody, but has it always in his pocket.--Come, Eleonora.--[_Aside._] This may be a proper opportunity. [_Retiring with_ Eleonora.]

_Count._ [_To_ Araminta.] I hope, Madame, this attack is trifling; but the young lady should not be exposed to the least danger. If you think proper, we will defer the dinner of to-day, and have a supper instead.

_Aram._ Just as you please--but your dinners and suppers--I have much to say to you on such subjects. My daughter may want me; I will return presently.

## SCENE VI.

_Count._ [_Earnestly._] Hark ye, Frontino! send messengers immediately, to inform the guests I have invited that, instead of dinner, I entreat them to honour me with their company at supper.

_Front._ So, so! But it will be difficult to find them all, so late in the day.

_Count._ No matter. Those who may come to dinner must be told of the change. They will return to supper, or not, as they please.

_Front._ Yes, Signor.--[_Aside._] Admirable! quite in character! [_Exit._

_Count._ This visit comes at a lucky time! Nothing could be more fortunate.

## SCENE VII.--_Enter_ Araminta

_Count._ Well, dear Madame? Eleonora?

_Aram._ All, I hope, will be well.

_Count._ Then I shall be happy; for health should be our first care. I have sent round to the guests, with an invitation to supper this evening.

_Aram._ Thirty persons at supper!

_Count._ I hope so, Madame.

_Aram._ Permit me to speak openly, and tell you all I think.

_Count._ You cannot give me greater pleasure.

_Aram._ Is it not extreme folly to assemble thirty persons, twenty of whom, at least, will make a jest of you?

_Count._ A _jest_ of _me_?

_Aram._ Beyond all doubt. Do not think I am avaricious; thank heaven, that is not my defect; but I cannot endure to see money squandered.

_Count._ But, on such a day, and under such circumstances.

_Aram._ Are they your relations, whom you have invited?

_Count._ By no means. A select company; the nobility! the literati! the magistracy! all persons of distinction.

_Aram._ Worse and worse! Vanity, ostentation, folly! My good friend, you do not know the value of money.

_Count._ [_Smiles._] I do not know the value of money!

_Aram._ Alas, you do not! Your sister made me believe you were economical; had I known the truth, I should never have married my daughter to a spendthrift.

_Count._ So you think me a spendthrift!

_Aram._ I first perceived it by the considerable sum you threw away in the purchase of a title; which sacrifice to vanity has no beneficial end.

_Count._ How! Are you not aware the rank I have acquired will impress a character of respect on myself, your daughter, and our descendants?

_Aram._ Quite the reverse. I would have rather given my daughter to you, as Signor Anselmo Colombani, a well-known merchant, than to the Count of Casteldoro, a newly-made nobleman.

_Count._ But, Madame--

_Aram._ Your ancestors have saved what you will scatter.

_Count._ Scatter! I! You are mistaken, Madame. You do not know me.

_Aram._ Oh yes, yes. I saw the manner in which, without any knowledge of diamonds, or asking the least advice, you were led away by the jeweller.

_Count._ Oh, with respect to the diamonds--

_Aram._ Ah, ay! I know your answer. They are to decorate the Countess of Casteldoro. And who is the Countess of Casteldoro? My daughter, Signor, has been well educated, but with no such expectations. Everything has been done in abundance, that could contribute to convenience, decency, and information; but nothing to pomp and vanity. The ornaments of my daughter ever will be modesty, obedience, and that self-respect which she could not but acquire from such an education.

_Count._ [_A little moved._] But, Madame--

_Aram._ [_Very warmly._] But, Signor--[_softening_]--I ask your pardon--Perhaps you may think me too warm; but I see you hurried into a gulf of expense that makes me tremble. My daughter's happiness is concerned: I give her a hundred thousand crowns in marriage.

_Count._ [_Somewhat haughtily._] Am I not able to settle an equal sum upon her?

_Aram._ Yes, at present. But wealth will diminish; and especially when we have the vanity to be profuse, grand, and magnificent.

_Count._ I once more assure you, Madame, you do not know me.

_Aram._ Signor, had you been a different person, I had conceived an excellent plan. My annual income is five-and-twenty thousand livres: I might have lived with you and my daughter, and the two families might have become one; but, at present, Heaven preserve me from taking such a step!

_Count._ [_Aside._] She will drive me mad!--[_To_ Araminta.] Pray hear me. [_Whispering and cunningly._] You mistake my character. Few people indeed understand economy so well as I do, as you will soon be convinced. I willingly close with your proposal, and--