Part 17

_Count._ I have seen the Marchioness del Bosco, and have great reason to believe that, whenever I please, I may obtain her hand.

_Dor._ Indeed! What will the Marquis say?

_Count._ Oh, he will say, "Good, good, excellent!" I am sure of him.

_Dor._ You know the disorder of his affairs. Will you marry her without a portion?

_Count._ Oh, no. Thank Heaven, I have not lost my wits.

_Dor._ What will you do, then?

_Count._ Listen and learn. First, let me tell you, I am neither blind nor foolish. I perceive the affections of Eleonora are given to another, and I do not think I am greatly mistaken when I suppose the Chevalier her favourite. Omitting to notice the impertinence of father and son, in visiting me under the mask of friendship, I must tell you it may contribute to aid my project, which is this. Let you and me persuade Madame Araminta to give her daughter, with a hundred thousand crowns, to the Chevalier, on condition that his father receive the money, and that he redeem all his mortgages. I will request the Marchioness, his daughter, from him; with these said lands, and, by this means, the son and daughter will both be gratified, and the Marquis will not disburse a guinea. What say you, sister; is not the plan a good one?

_Dor._ Well imagined, but difficult to execute.

_Count._ Do not fear; all will be right. The Marquis is gone purposely in search of his daughter. I will join them, and I have no doubt all will be concluded this very day. These jewels--may be of--Sister, you shall see wonders. [_Exit._

_Dor._ What does he mean? But, if every one be made happy, I shall be the same.

## SCENE IX.--_Enter_ Eleonora.

_Eleon._ [_At the door, timidly._] Are you alone, Signora?

_Dor._ I am, my dear; come in.

_Eleon._ My mother is busy, writing--

_Dor._ Have you anything to tell me?

_Eleon._ Forgive my curiosity; have you taken away the jewels.

_Dor._ Yes; the Count asked for them. Are you vexed?

_Eleon._ On the contrary, delighted.

_Dor._ Then you are averse to diamonds?

_Eleon._ Not at all; but--You know my secret.

_Dor._ There are things in expectation, my dear--

_Eleon._ What, what? Ease my heart, if possible.

_Dor._ My brother feels you do not love him.

_Eleon._ That I can easily believe.

_Dor._ And suspects the Chevalier.

_Eleon._ Heavens! He will tell my mother!

_Dor._ Your mother, my dear, must and ought to know it; and you ought to conquer your inclinations.

_Eleon._ Conquer! Oh, it is not possible!

_Dor._ I love you, as you know, but cannot--

_Eleon._ [_Suddenly, and looking off._] Ha! I must go.

_Dor._ What is the matter?

_Eleon._ [_Going._] Don't you see the Chevalier?

_Dor._ Yes, yes; you are right. Begone!

_Eleon._ [_Aside, and slowly going._] I die to stay.

## SCENE X.--_Enter the_ Chevalier.

_Chev._ Signora--[_Discovering_ Eleonora.] Heavens! does Eleonora see me, and yet go? [_His eyes fixed on_ Eleonora.]

_Dor._ Your pleasure, Signor? [_Turns and sees_ Eleonora _not gone._] Young lady, your mother expects you.

_Eleon._ [_Timidly._] Pardon me, I would speak one word.

_Dor._ Well, speak. Make haste!

_Eleon._ [_Gradually approaching._] The jewels will not be returned?

_Dor._ I do not fear the return of the jewels.

_Chev._ Ladies, if I incommode you, I'll be gone.

_Dor._ [_A little angry._] As you please, Signor.

_Chev._ [_Going slowly aside._] This treatment is severe.

_Dor._ [_Ironically._] Well, Mademoiselle, have you anything more to say?

_Eleon._ No, Signora; but--What offence has the Chevalier committed?

_Dor._ Really, my dear, you make me smile.

_Eleon._ I--I cannot smile.

_Chev._ [_Returning after looking into his fathers apartment._] My father is not there.

_Dor._ You will find him at your aunt's.

_Chev._ I just came from there; my aunt and sister are gone out.

_Dor._ [_More angry._] Young lady!

_Eleon._ [_Mortified and curtseying; her eyes fixed on the_ Chevalier.] Pardon me.

_Dor._ [_Ironically._] Excellent, upon my word!

## SCENE XI.--_Enter_ Araminta.

_Aram._ [_Surprised, aside._] Ah, ha!--[_Aloud._] The milliner is waiting, daughter: go and look at what she has brought. [_Exit_ Eleonora, _mortified._

_Aram._ Pray stay, Chevalier: I would speak with you.

_Dor._ Ay, pray do; it is right I should justify myself before you. I see, Madame, that you know something of what is going on; but I assure you I am no party concerned, and that, although this meeting was accidental, I am sorry it should have occurred.

_Aram._ [_Kindly taking her hand._] I know you, Madame.

_Chev._ I am sorry, ladies, if my presence--

_Aram._ [_Softly to_ Dorimene.] Be so kind as to follow my daughter. Poor child! I vex her sometimes, but I love her dearly! Try to console her.

_Dor._ Most willingly, madam. [_Exit._

## SCENE XII.--Araminta _and the_ Chevalier.

_Chev._ I did not think, Signora, that my conduct--

_Aram._ Let us speak plainly, Signor. What are your pretensions to my daughter?

_Chev._ Oh, could I but hope to merit her hand--

_Aram._ Nothing could be desired better than you: your birth, character, and conduct are all in your favour: and I should think it an honour to call you my son. Permit me only to say that the affairs of your family--

_Chev._ I own it. My father is the best of men, but has been greatly misled.

_Aram._ Then, being sensible of this truth, you, better than any person, should be aware of the confusion and distress which might be brought on a young woman, of a good family, and with no contemptible fortune. Would you willingly expose this fortune to the evident danger of being ill managed, and soon dissipated?

_Chev._ Hear me but a moment; I will speak frankly. I have spent some years in the army, which I have been obliged to quit, because I could not properly support my birth and military rank. Returning home, I have lived privately, without complaint, and concealing my situation. A family friend, interesting himself in my behalf, suggested that a proper marriage might enable me to appear again at my post, and thus excited me to mix with the world, and declare my purpose. I heard of you, Madame, of your daughter's merit, and of the fortune which she was to have. I saw her, and was so enraptured by her charms and mental qualities, that every interested motive instantly ceased, and love alone took possession of my heart. I then, indeed, wished I were rich, and deeply felt the distress of my family. My friends saw my distress, pitied me, would not forsake me, spoke of your goodness, and encouraged me respectfully to declare myself and my hopes. I listened to their advice, or rather to love; and hoped that gratitude and respect would, some time, acquire for me a daughter's love, and a kind mother's consent.

_Aram._ I approve your candour; yet, do not hope I can give you my daughter, though I am greatly affected by your situation, and disposed to favour you, as far as prudence will permit.

_Chev._ Your goodness consoles me; but, O heavens! do you refuse me that precious gift, your daughter?

_Aram._ You must not hope to have her, Signor. It may be ten years before you are in a state to marry. Live in freedom, and leave my daughter to her destiny. If you approve it, thus much I offer. I will lend you the sum necessary to purchase military rank, and even a regiment; depending for repayment upon circumstances, and your word of honour.

_Chev._ I may die, Madame.

_Aram._ And I may lose my money; but not the recollection of having done justice to merit, and a worthy gentleman.

_Chev._ Noble generosity! Yet--your daughter--

_Aram._ I speak absolutely--you must not think of her.

_Chev._ Surely it is possible that love and constancy--

_Aram._ Let us see, what sum will you want? You have friends?

_Chev._ A few.

_Aram._ I may increase the number. Let us retire where we can speak more freely.

_Chev._ Wherever you please. [_Calls._] Fiorillo!

_Aram._ Poor youth! The victim of his father's imbecility. [_Exit._

## SCENE XIII.--_Enter_ Fiorillo.

_Chev._ Listen, Fiorillo! Tell my father--Here he comes. I have not time to speak to him. Say I am with Madame Dorimene. [_Exit._

_Fior._ With the ladies! He is unusually gay. Perhaps his affairs have taken a lucky turn.

## SCENE XIV.--_Enter the_ Marquis.

_Marq._ Well, the coachman--A rascal!--Returned yet?

_Fior._ The coachman is not to blame, Signor.

_Marq._ How so? I am--Good, good, excellent!--Had they gone out?

_Fior._ Who, Signor?

_Marq._ My daughter, and--What did the dog say?--Yes, at once--To the devil!

_Fior._ You should not be angry, Signor. I met him loaded like a porter: his horses were hungry and restive, he went to buy corn.

_Marq._ How? Very fine--The Count--The stables--

_Fior._ Ah, yes, none can be finer; but without a single oat, nor dares the coachman buy any, without an express order from his master. Oh, the miser!

_Marq._ Who? Who? Good, good, excellent! A miser!

_Fior._ There is not such another on earth.

_Marq._ Who, I say? Blockhead! Fool! The Count--a man!--Go, go, numskull!

_Fior._ Everybody I have spoken with, in the house and out of the house, servants, tradesmen, or neighbours, all say the same. Nay, Frontino, his chief favourite, can stay with him no longer.

_Marq._ How! Could it be?--He refused me his coach?

_Fior._ From avarice. He walks, for fear of tiring his horses.

_Marq._ But--a hundred thousand livres in diamonds!

_Fior._ Do you mean the jewels he has showed to his bride--

_Marq._ Well?

_Fior._ And which he will never pay for. Frontino told me they were not bought, but borrowed.

_Marq._ Borrowed! Damn! Good, good, excellent!--an underhand miser--hypocrite! Damn, damn! A fellow--odious--despicable--My daughter?--Oaf! Sup with him?--Great feast--No oats for the horses--Go and see the poor beasts.

_Fior._ Not that way, Signor. The stables are in the other court.

_Marq._ Double court--No corn--Great palace--No oats for his horses! [_Exeunt._

## ACT V.

## SCENE I.--_The_ Count _and_ Frontino.

_Count._ Make haste! Place and light those candles, that there may be a splendid illumination!

_Front._ But I want help, Signor.

_Count._ Pshaw! Thy activity and talents, Frontino, are quite sufficient.

_Front._ [_Aside._] So much for compliments.

_Count._ I am vexed at again not finding the Marchioness and her aunt at home. Surely they will come to supper. See how the candles waste; shut the doors and windows.

_Front._ The evening is so warm!

_Count._ No matter; do as I bid you.

_Front._ [_Aside._] He has odd modes of saving.

_Count._ I feel myself quite animated. The supper grand! The illumination grand! The--Some of my guests, and those not mean ones, will acknowledge and do justice to my dessert. I grant the expense is great; but expense, if it is properly incurred, can be borne once in a while.--[_To_ Frontino.] Should any one ask for me, I am here with the Marquis.--[_To himself._] Let me but finish affairs with him, and the difficulty with his daughter will be but little.

## SCENE II.--Frontino, _and then_ Fiorillo.

_Front._ [_Calls._] Fiorillo!

_Fior._ [_Entering._] Here am I. What do you want?

_Front._ [_Giving him a light._] Help me to light the candles.

_Fior._ Willingly. [_Both lighting and chatting at the same time._]

_Front._ Gently! gently! Mind how you turn that chandelier; the candles are only short bits fastened on coloured sticks.

_Fior._ Do not fear. I hope we shall sup together?

_Front._ Should anything be left. The dishes are large; the contents small.

_Fior._ We shall have a bottle at least?

_Front._ Zounds! if we have, I must pay for it.

_Fior._ Among so many, how can one be missed?

_Front._ I will tell you. The Count has a certain number of coloured pellets in his pocket. He draws them out one by one as the bottles are emptied.

_Fior._ Oh, the devil!

_Front._ [_Seeing the_ Count _return._] Hush!

## SCENE III.--_Enter the_ Count.

_Count._ [_Angry and aside._] Could such a thing be expected? A man of my rank and riches? Rudeness so great! Contempt so visible! Tell me his daughter is not for me! Will not come to supper, and then to sneer and laugh at me! He too!--so weak and foolish! Talk of nothing but oats; a reiteration of oats, oats!--[_To_ Fiorillo _haughtily._] Your master wants you. Go!

_Fior._ I have had the honour of helping my comrade, Signor.

_Count._ Have the complaisance now to help yourself, and be gone. [_Exit_ Fiorillo.

## SCENE IV.--_The_ Count _and_ Frontino.

_Front._ [_Aside._] We shall have bad weather; there is something new in the wind.

_Count._ [_To himself._] What a blockhead was I! Absurd design! Is not money worth more than ruined antiquity? Oh yes! I will marry the captious beauty; marry her in despite of her and of myself. No more attentions; no more respectfulness; no more complaisance for any one.--[_To_ Frontino.] Put out the lights.

_Front._ Put them out, Signor?

_Count._ Do as you are bid! Make haste!

_Front._ Very pretty! [_Begins to extinguish._]

_Count._ [_Aside._] Deceive me! Laugh at me! Once more for Madame Araminta.--[_To_ Frontino.] Will you never have done? [_Puts out some candles with his hat._]

_Front._ But the supper? Everything ready.

_Count._ How many dishes?

_Front._ I have brought out all the silver, as you ordered; and large and small, though most of the last, there will be forty.

_Count._ [_Putting out a candle._] They will last forty days.

_Front._ But, Signor--

_Count._ Silence babbler! [_Puts out the last, and they are in the dark._]

_Front._ So, here we are, and here we may stay.

_Count._ Why did you put out the last candle?

_Front._ I do not think it was I, Signor.

_Count._ Go for a light.

_Front._ Nay, but how to find the door.

_Count._ Stop! stop! I hear somebody.

## SCENE V.--_The stage dark. Enter_ Fiorillo.

_Fior._ What can this mean? All in total darkness! Perhaps there will be no supper?

_Front._ [_Aside to the_ Count.] I think it is Fiorillo.

_Count._ [_Softly, and holding_ Frontino _by the arm._] Stay where you are, and speak as if I were gone.--[_Aside._] I may make some discovery.

_Fior._ [_Stumbling on_ Frontino.] Who is there?

_Front._ 'Tis I.

_Fior._ Frontino! Why have you put out the lights?

_Front._ Because--because it was too early.

_Fior._ 'Sblood! Your master is a miser indeed.

_Front._ How? Jackanapes! My master a miser!

_Fior._ Why, you told me so yourself.

_Count._ Ah, rascal! [_Shaking_ Frontino.]

_Front._ Oh, the liar! I capable of--

_Fior._ Hold your tongue, and listen patiently. I have thought of a way by which you may crib a bottle of wine, in spite of the pellets.

_Front._ Vile cheat! What are you talking about?

_Fior._ Really, my dear Frontino, you are no longer the same. Change thus in a minute! You speak as if your master were here.

_Front._ I speak as I have always spoken. I love my master, obey my master, respect my master, and--and--he's a gentleman.

_Count._ [_Shaking him with great anger._] Scoundrel!

_Fior._ And all you have said of his avarice is false?

_Count._ Villain! [_Shaking_ Frontino _till he falls._]

_Fior._ What now? Where are you? What has fallen? [_Exit the_ Count, _feeling till he finds the door._

## SCENE VI.--Frontino _and_ Fiorillo, _then the_ Count.

_Front._ [_Aside._] The devil take you!--[_Feeling about._] Where are you, Signor?

_Fior._ Who are you talking to?

_Front._ Signor, where are you?

_Fior._ Hey-day! You have taken a cup already, my friend.

_Front._ Ah! ah! Here he comes. God help my poor back.

_Count._ [_Entering with a candle, speaks softly._] Traitor! Dog!--[_Aloud._] Hark you, Frontino!

_Front._ [_Afraid._] Ye--ye--yes!

_Count._ [_Aside._] If we were alone!--[_Aloud._] Go and tell Madame Araminta I wish to speak to her, either in her room or my own.

_Front._ Yes, Signor.--[_Aside._]--I will not trust his looks.--[_To the_ Count.] Do not think--

_Count._ [_Disdainfully._] Deliver your message.

_Front._ [_Aside._] I see how it is. You must pack off, my friend Frontino. [_Exit._

## SCENE VII.--_The_ Count _and_ Fiorillo.

_Fior._ You have a faithful servant there, Signor.

_Count._ You do not know him, friend. An ungrateful fellow, to whom I have been kind and generous in vain. A professed liar! I discovered him, gave him warning; and, to revenge himself, the rascal speaks ill of me. [_Going with the light he brought._]

_Fior._ Excuse me; this room is dark: permit me to light another candle.

_Count._ Certainly. I can't tell why they were all put out.

_Fior._ Frontino is a good servant, and knows how to manage.

_Count._ [_Aside._] The hound! I would send him to the devil if I could find a servant for as little wages. [_Exit._

## SCENE VIII.--Fiorillo _and the_ Marquis.

_Fior._ If I had not got this light, here I might have stayed.

_Marq._ [_Entering._] I should like to know--? [_To_ Fiorillo.] Did you not say--? Tell him to come here.

_Fior._ Who, Signor?

_Marq._ My son.

_Fior._ Yes.--[_Aside._] He is not always to be understood.--[_Aloud._] First suffer me to light a candle.

_Marq._ Another--I love--Good, good, excellent! See clear. [_Lights a third himself._]

_Fior._ Some one may come to put them out.

_Marq._ Out! Who?

_Fior._ [_Laughing._] The illustrious Count! [_Exit._

_Marq._ True! Without a grain of oats!

## SCENE IX.--_Enter_ Araminta.

_Aram._ [_Speaking as she enters._] He is in his room. Marquis, your obedient--

_Marq._ Humble servant.--All well? All well?

_Aram._ At your service.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent! I wished to--My son will tell you.

_Aram._ Your son, my daughter, and Dorimene, have so stunned and tormented me that I can hear no more.

_Marq._ If so, Madame--But--you know me--I have not--Very true; but--my property--my estates--Forest, lordship, seven springs--High lands, low--Pasture, arable--A barony. Good, good, excellent! Two millions, Madame!

_Aram._ What matter your millions? My husband made a fortune from nothing; you, with millions, are ruined! He took care of his own affairs; I managed the house. But permit me to say, Signor Marquis, in your family all has been disorder.

_Marq._ The Marchioness, heaven bless her! was a little too fond--Poor woman! Always lost. For my part--the chase--good hounds--fine horses--Then--my son--Good, good, excellent! Oh, a brave boy!--Who, some day or other--our estates--our lands--

_Aram._ Had I the management of them, they would soon free themselves.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent! Take--act--give 'em up--Oh, with all my heart!

_Aram._ Surely you do not imagine, Signor Marquis, that it becomes me to be an agent?

_Marq._ No; I did not say that. You are still--I am not old--Understand me.

_Aram._ You are jesting.

_Marq._ Jest when I--? Good, good, excellent!

_Aram._ I have no intention to marry; and, if I had, it would not be vain titles, but happiness that I should seek.

_Marq._ Right--if you--no one interfere--mistress of everything--carte blanche. Good, good, excellent!

_Aram._ Carte blanche?

_Marq._ Without restriction.

## SCENE X.--_Enter the_ Chevalier.

_Chev._ My father sent for me.

_Marq._ You see, Madame! only son--good youth.

_Aram._ I know it, and know his merit.

_Chev._ Ah, Madame!--[_To the_ Marquis.] Did you, sir, know the kindness, the liberality, with which this lady overwhelmed me, how you would be surprised!

_Marq._ All is concluded? Eleonora--thine? [_Overjoyed._]

_Aram._ Not too fast, Signor Marquis; I have told you how tenderly I love her, and that I will not risk either her happiness or her fortune.

_Marq._ But--speak, boy--our affairs--Good, good, excellent! Speak the truth; this lady may--as for me--here I am--my heart, my hand, carte blanche.

_Chev._ To which, dear father, I willingly subscribe. I leave everything to your discretion. [_Flying to the side scene._] Approach, dear Eleonora; conquer your fears; join your prayers to ours, and move the heart of a mother, who doubts only through delicacy.

_Enter_ Eleonora _and_ Dorimene, _who remains in the background_.

_Eleon._ [_Falling at her mother's feet._] Oh, my mother! you know my heart, and how religiously I have always obeyed your commands. You would unite me to a man whom I can never love; virtuous affection has taken possession of my soul. I ought to have told you, but fear and respect forbade me; yet my feelings, however ardent, I was determined should be sacrificed to obedience to that affection which I have ever felt for you, and that tender attachment in which I have been educated. Ah, do not force me to a marriage I detest! and which will render me the most disconsolate and wretched woman on earth.

_Aram._ [_Aside._] Poor child! Did she know my heart!

_Marq._ [_Wiping his eyes._] Now--if--Good, good, excellent!

_Aram._ Be it so on one condition. The carte blanche--

_Marq._ [_Presenting his hand._] Sign it--pray accept--

_Aram._ Your hand?

_Eleon._ My dear mother, your superintending prudence and goodness will secure our felicity.

_Chev._ Oh yes. Your orders shall be respected; your example the rule for our conduct; your advice our guide.

_Aram._ [_Aside._] My child! my child!

_Marq._ [_Still tenderly presenting his hand._] Madame!

_Aram._ [_Cheerfully._] Signor Marquis--I am yours.

_Marq._ And I--Good, good, excellent!

_Dor._ [_Coming forward._] Permit me, ladies and gentlemen, to say I have thus far been silent, being desirous to promote this young lady's happiness; but I think you will remember my brother ought to be, in some degree, consulted in this affair.

_Eleon._ Heavens! what say you, Madame?

_Aram._ My daughter should have been his, had he been less of a spendthrift.

_Marq._ I would have given him mine if he had not been a miser.

_Eleon._ [_Sees the_ Count _coming._] Oh, my mother!

_Marq._ Fear nothing--I'll speak--Yes, I--quite clearly--Good, good, excellent!

## SCENE XI.--_Enter the_ Count, _and afterwards_ Frontino.

_Count._ [_Aside._] She is here; now is the time to oblige her to determine.--[_To_ Araminta.] I sent a request, Madame--

_Aram._ I was coming, but was stopped by the Marquis.

_Marq._ Yes, Signor Count, I have to inform you--

_Count._ Pardon me, Signor; I have business with this lady.--[_To_ Araminta.] The notary will soon be here, and we must sign the contract.

_Aram._ And do you still persist in claiming my daughter? Have you not renounced her?

_Count._ No, Signora. My design, of which my sister may have informed you, was to propose conditions honourable to all parties; but these the Marquis disapproves.

_Marq._ Hear me speak. You asked me--yes--I would have--why not? But--be so kind--Good, good, excellent! No anger--a hundred thousand livres, diamonds, and not a grain of oats!

_Count._ Why do you thus reiterate oats? I cannot understand; can you, ladies?

_Dor._ [_To the_ Count.] Your coachman, brother, may have refused--

_Count._ [_To the_ Marquis.] How! have your horses not been fed? If so, am I responsible for my coachman's error? Must I be thought a miser--I!--[_Aside._] My servants have babbled, and I shall lose my reputation.

_Front._ [_Entering to the_ Count.] Persons without are asking for you, signor.

_Count._ [_Aside._] My supper guests perhaps; the moment is favourable to the support of my honour.--[_Aloud._] Is the notary among them?

_Front._ Yes, Signor.

_Count._ Bid him come in. Show the other persons into the card-room. Let the house be illuminated and the supper served. [_Exit_ Frontino.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent!

SCENE.--_The last._

_Enter the_ Notary, _the_ Jeweller, Giacinto, _and others._

_Count._ [_To the_ Notary.] Signor, please to read the contract, that it may be signed. So, Signor Giacinto, you have discovered that my bride is better, and that the supper will take place.

_Giac._ No, Signor, I have made no such discovery. But I have discovered some literary gentlemen, who, since I am not enabled to print my comedy and your genealogy, will publish the genealogy at their own expense, with all necessary and some remarkable annotations.

_Count._ [_Enraged._] I understand the insult. [_Dissembling._] Have you the genealogy in your pocket?

_Giac._ Here it is, Signor.

_Count._ [_Receiving and concealing the MS._] Signor--I have a proper esteem for talents--they have ever been encouraged and recompensed by me.--[_Aside._] A mercenary scoundrel!--[_Whispers_ Giacinto.] Accept these five-and-twenty louis, and let me hear no more.--[_Tears the paper._] [_Exit_ Giacinto.