I a.s.suredly, dear mother--a.s.suredly----

APPIANI (_thoughtful and melancholy_).

Signify tears!

EMILIA.

How! Does that affect you? You?

APPIANI.

It does, though I ought to be ashamed that such is the case; yet when the fancy is once disposed to sad impressions----

EMILIA.

But why should yours be so? Guess the subject of my thoughts. What did I wear, and how did I look when I first attracted your attention? Do you remember?

APPIANI.

Remember! I never see you in idea but in that dress, and I see you so, even when you are not thus attired.

EMILIA.

I mean to wear one of the same colour and form--flowing and loose.

APPIANI.

Excellent!

EMILIA.

And my hair----

APPIANI.

In its own dark beauty, in curls formed by the hand of nature.

EMILIA.

Not forgetting the rose. Right! Have a little patience, and you shall see me thus. (_Exit_.)

Scene VIII.

Count Appiani, Claudia Galotti.

APPIANI (_looks after her with a downcast mien_).

"Pearls signify tears!"--a little patience! Yes! if we could but defy time! If a minute on the clock were not sometimes an age within us!

CLAUDIA.

Emilia's remark was no less just than quick, Count. You are to-day more grave than usual. And yet you are but a step from the object of your wishes. Do you repent that you have attained the wished-for goal?

APPIANI.

How could you, dear mother, suspect this of your son? But it is true. I am to-day unusually dejected and gloomy. All that I have seen, heard or dreamt, has preached since yesterday, and before yesterday this doctrine to me--to be but one step from the goal, and not to have attained it, is in reality the same. This one idea engrosses all my thoughts. What can it mean? I understand it not.

CLAUDIA.

You make me uneasy, Count.

APPIANI.

One thought succeeds another. I am vexed--angry with my friends and with myself.

CLAUDIA.

Why so?

APPIANI.

My friends absolutely require, that, before I solemnize my marriage, I should acquaint the Prince with my intentions. They allow I am not bound to do this, but maintain that respect towards him demands it; and I have been weak enough to consent. I have already ordered my carriage for the purpose.

CLAUDIA (_starts_).

To wait upon the Prince!

Scene IX.

Pirro, _afterwards_ Marinelli, Count Appiani, Claudia.

_Enter_ Pirro.

PIRRO.

My lady, the Marquis Marinelli is at the door, and inquires for the Count.

APPIANI.

For me!

PIRRO.

Here his lordship comes. (_Opens the door and exit_.)

_Enter_ Marinelli.