Chapter XIV: Act IV

SCENE I.--_The_ Chevalier _and_ Fiorillo.

_Chev._ While my father rests, I will visit my sister; tell him this, when he wakes.

_Fior._ Yes, Signor.

_Chev._ Do you know whether the Count is at home?

_Fior._ Yes; I saw him just now going to speak with Madame Dorimene.

_Chev._ [_Aside._] Surely he is not a rival to be feared. At least, I am secure of the heart of Eleonora, and will not yet despair of gaining her mother. [_Exit._

_Fior._ So, young gentleman! I see how it is with you. I pretty well guess your intentions, and how they are thwarted. Ay, ay, I shall have enough to satisfy the curiosity of Frontino. [_Sits down near the door of his master's rooms._]

SCENE II.--_Enter_ Count.

_Count._ [_Not seeing_ Fiorillo.] I am tired, bored! Nothing but indifference; and, instead of perfect satisfaction, something like contempt. A man like me, who had but to choose! so advantageous a marriage! [_Seeing_ Fiorillo.] Is the Marquis at home?

_Fior._ Yes, Signor; being rather fatigued with travelling, he is taking a nap.

_Count._ [_Aside._] How amiable is his daughter! How charming! I felt affected and confused at the courtesy and kindness with which she and her aunt received me. The visit made me cheerful, happy, and reconciled to myself. What difference between the politeness of these ladies and the common and trivial manner of Araminta and her daughter; who neither understand civility nor good breeding. Ah! were the young Marchioness but as rich as she is handsome and engaging--who knows? I have a thought--should her father but be reasonable and easy to manage--Here he comes.

SCENE III.--_Enter the_ Marquis.

_Marq._ [_Rubbing his eyes and calling._] Fiorillo!

_Fior._ Signor?

_Marq._ My son?

_Fior._ He is gone out.

_Marq._ Why did not he--where is he gone?

_Fior._ To visit the Marchioness, his sister.

_Marq._ I too wish--my coach!

_Fior._ The horses, Signor--

_Marq._ [_Angry._] Good, good, excellent! My coach!

_Fior._ I will go and see. [_Exit._

SCENE IV.--_The_ Count _and the_ Marquis.

_Count._ Do you wish to go out, Signor Marquis?

_Marq._ See my daughter--much to say--tell her--Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ I have just had that honour. It was long since I had seen her. She fully answers the charming promise of her childhood; her sweetness has increased with her years, and the progress of her talents is wonderful. Permit me to congratulate you on possessing such a treasure.

_Marq._ Oh, Count--ay, ay; a good girl. She has not, let us confess it--but--character, manners--good, good, excellent!

_Count._ With such talents, so much merit, and blooming eighteen, you should think of a husband for her.

_Marq._ No doubt. For my part, I--_apropos_: what has just passed--what did you mean to say when--Did you not say _lend me_?

_Count._ It appears to me that you suddenly changed your opinion.

_Marq._ I tell you, no--it was not so. You have not--And yet I spoke plainly.

_Count._ In any case, Signor Marquis, I shall be happy to serve you. I have not spoken to Madame Araminta; for, to own the truth, I am not quite pleased with her daughter. I begin to feel a certain dislike.

_Marq._ Oh, oh!--That means--Well, why not?

_Count._ I have done everything to gain their esteem and friendship. A house so richly furnished, carriages and horses the most rare, diamonds worth a hundred thousand livres--

_Marq._ Is it possible?

_Count._ 'Tis true; they were shown. Madame Araminta was amazed.

_Marq._ Grand!--Superb!--Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ Injustice and ingratitude have been my reward.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ [_Aside._] Curse the phrase!

_Marq._ [_Aside._] In that case--if Eleonora--if my son--[_Aloud._] If so, Signor Count--candour--frankly and freely tell them--You understand me? Cut matters short.

_Count._ Had I paid these attentions to a lady of rank and merit, I should have acted much more wisely.

_Marq._ Ay, ay--if--certainly.

_Count._ Do you think a man of rank and fashion, a man like yourself for example, would refuse me the hand of his daughter?

_Marq._ On the contrary. A person of worth--a person that--oh, what do you mean? Certainly not.

_Count._ Signor Marquis, you encourage me.

_Marq._ Oh, I--If so--I'll go this moment!

_Count._ Where, signor?

_Marq._ To my daughter. [_Calls._] Fiorillo!

_Count._ And may I hope?

_Marq._ [_Calls louder._] Fiorillo!

SCENE V.--_Enter_ Fiorillo

_Marq._ My coach.

_Fior._ The coachman is not here, Signor.

_Marq._ How so? [_To the_ Count.] Can you lend me--? Soon return.

_Count._ It is not a hundred yards; you can easily walk.

_Marq._ Walk!--Hundred yards!--Enough--Adieu--Soon be back. [_Going._] Diamonds! A hundred thousand livres! [_Exit with_ Fiorillo.

SCENE VI.--_The_ Count, _then_ Frontino.

_Count._ Courage! The Marquis is enraptured; the daughter's won. All goes well. But I must not lose sight of--[_Calls._] Frontino! No, no; she must not get possession of the jewels. Frontino! I say!

_Front._ [_Entering._] I was busy in planning the dessert.

_Count._ Go immediately, and tell my sister I beg her to come here; I have something interesting to communicate. And add, but in a whisper, that I request she will bring me the jewels which I committed to her care.

_Front._ But the supper, signor? I must be everywhere, and look to all!

_Count._ True. Is everything prepared?

_Front._ According to your wishes; two essentials excepted.

_Count._ Which are----?

_Front._ Coffee and liqueurs.

_Count._ Liqueurs inflame the blood.

_Front._ But coffee?

_Count._ Blockhead! Coffee at night! It prevents sleep.

_Front._ Surely, Signor!--Not give coffee! Forfeit your character as a liberal host, for such a trifling expense?

_Count._ Go, Mr. Liberality; do what I bid you.

_Front._ [_Aside._] No coffee! I would rather pay for it out of my own pocket. Yet no; he would even swear I had filched the money from other articles. [_Exit._

SCENE VII.--Count _alone_.

_Count._ Dreadful! Luxury is come to such a height! Thank Heaven, I have not spent one farthing from whim or caprice. I always pay money with prudence and circumspection. I do not yet know the character of the Marchioness; but, being once the Countess of Casteldoro, I will teach her my method; which is to esteem myself, and to despise and laugh at other people.

SCENE VIII.--_Enter_ Dorimene.

_Dor._ I am told you want me, brother.

_Count._ Pardon this liberty. Where are the diamonds?

_Dor._ Here. Do you want them back?

_Count._ [_Taking them._] Yes, yes; you shall know why.

_Dor._ You need not take the trouble to tell me, for it is not possible to persuade Eleonora to accept them.

_Count._ So much the worse for her; she will repent. I have a secret to tell you.

_Dor._ You know how greatly I am interested in your happiness.

_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._