LLI.

To all this I confess I can make no reply. But we must see. Compose
yourself, Prince. This first step was, at all events, necessary.

PRINCE.

How so, if we are obliged to recede?

MARINELLI.

But perhaps we need not. There are a thousand things on which we may
make further steps. Have you forgotten the chief one?

PRINCE.

How can I have forgotten that of which I never thought? What mean you
by the chief one?

MARINELLI.

The art of pleasing and persuading--which in a prince who loves can
never fail.

PRINCE.

Can never fail! True, except when it is most needed. I have already
made a poor attempt in this art to-day. All my flattery, all my
entreaties could not extract one word from her. Mute, trembling, and
abashed, she stood before me like a criminal who fears the judge's
fatal sentence. Her terror was infectious. I trembled also and
concluded by imploring her forgiveness. Scarcely dare I speak to her
again--and, at all events, I dare not be present when she arrives. You,
Marinelli, must receive her. I will listen to your conversation, and
join you when I am more collected.

Scene IV.

Marinelli, _presently his servant_ Battista, _and_ Emilia.

MARINELLI.

If she did not see him fall--and of course she could not, as she fled
instantly But she comes, and I too do not wish to be the first to meet
her eye (_withdraws to a corner of the apartment_).

_Enter_ Battista _and_ Emilia.

BATTISTA.

This way--this way--dear lady.

EMILIA (_out of breath_).

Oh! I thank you, my friend--I thank you. But, Heavens! Where am I?
Quite alone, too! Where are my mother, and the Count? They are surely
coming? Are they not close behind me?

BATTISTA.

I suppose so.

EMILIA.

You suppose so? Are you not certain? Have you not seen them? Were not
pistols fired behind us?

BATTISTA.

Pistols? Was it so?

EMILIA.

Surely. Oh, Heavens! and the Count or my mother is shot.

BATTISTA.

I'll go in search of them instantly.