THE COUNTESS CAMERATA.

[_Entering, still in her disguise._]

Unhappy boy! Not gone!

THE DUKE.

You!--but they told me-- How could I go?

THE COUNTESS.

On horseback.

THE DUKE.

But your life--!

THE COUNTESS.

A woman's life! What loss would that have been?

THE DUKE.

But--

THE COUNTESS.

You should have abandoned me.

THE DUKE.

But think!

THE COUNTESS.

Think of the time you've lost!

THE DUKE.

Your risks--?

THE COUNTESS.

What risks?

THE DUKE.

And all our fears on your behalf--

THE COUNTESS.

What fears?

Was not your Flambeau, there, my fencing-master?

THE DUKE.

The man--?

THE COUNTESS.

Begone!

THE DUKE.

What did you do?

THE COUNTESS.

Oh, nothing.

Of course he drew his sword, and I drew mine.

THE DUKE.

You fought for me!

THE COUNTESS.

"I did not know," he muttered, "The Corsican's son had so much skill, I think He knew it not himself"--But then my voice--

THE DUKE.

Oh! You are wounded!

THE COUNTESS.

Scratched across the fingers.

My voice betrayed me. Back he sprang! "A woman!"

"Defend yourself!" said I, "I should be laughed at, For you are not the Chevalier d'Eon!"

"Defend yourself, I'm a Napoleon!"

Feeling my blade slip snake-like over his, He lunges, and I make--

FLAMBEAU.

Our secret stroke!

THE COUNTESS.

One! Two!