!

_Val._ Do not fear.

_Ang._ You know me.

_Mar._ [_Speaking in a low tone to_ Valerio, _and looking towards the
door_.] Signor Dalancourt is a ruined man, overwhelmed. He has run
through all his fortune, and perhaps his sister's dowry too. Angelica
is a burden too great for him to bear, and to free himself from it, he
means to shut her up in a convent.

_Ang._ Oh, Heavens! What do you tell me?

_Val._ Can it be possible? I have known him a long time. Dalancourt
always appeared to me a young man of good sense and honourable
principles; sometimes impetuous, and apt to take offence, but--

_Mar._ Impetuous--oh, most impetuous!--a match for his uncle, but far
from having his uncle's excellent feelings.

_Val._ He is esteemed, beloved by every one. His father was perfectly
satisfied with him.

_Mar._ Ah, sir, since his marriage he is no longer the same man.

_Val._ Can it be that Madame Dalancourt--

_Mar._ Yes, she, they say, is the cause of this great change. Signor
Geronte is deeply offended with his nephew for his foolish compliance
with the whims of his wife, and--I know nothing, but I would lay a wager
that this plan of the convent is of her contrivance.

_Ang._ [_To_ Martuccia.] You surprise me. My sister-in-law, whom I
looked on as so discreet, who showed me so much friendship! I never
could have thought it.

_Val._ I know her, and cannot believe it.

_Mar._ Surely you are not serious? Does any lady dress more elegantly?
Is there any new fashion that she does not immediately adopt? At balls
and plays, is she not always the first?

_Val._ But her husband is ever at her side.

_Ang._ Yes, my brother never leaves her.

_Mar._ Well, they are both fools, and both will be ruined together.

_Val._ It is impossible.

_Mar._ Very well, very well. I have told you what you wanted to know.
Now go at once, and do not expose my mistress to the danger of losing
her uncle's favour. He alone can be of any service to her.

_Val._ Keep calm, Angelica. No question of interest shall ever form an
obstacle.

_Mar._ I hear a noise. Go at once. [_Exit_ Valerio.

_Ang._ How miserable I am!

_Mar._ There's your uncle coming. Did I not tell you so?

_Ang._ I am going.

_Mar._ No, remain here, and open your heart to him.

_Ang._ I would as soon put my hand in the fire.

_Mar._ Come, come; he is sometimes a little hasty, but he has not a bad
heart.

_Ang._ You direct his household, you have influence wi