o.] Don't go.

_Aram._ The open air will revive her.

_Dor._ Let us walk into the garden.

_Aram._ By all means.

_Dor._ Is the door open, brother?

_Count._ No; but here is the key.

_Dor._ [_Aside._] He will trust it to nobody, but has it always in his
pocket.--Come, Eleonora.--[_Aside._] This may be a proper opportunity.
[_Retiring with_ Eleonora.]

_Count._ [_To_ Araminta.] I hope, Madame, this attack is trifling; but
the young lady should not be exposed to the least danger. If you think
proper, we will defer the dinner of to-day, and have a supper instead.

_Aram._ Just as you please--but your dinners and suppers--I have much to
say to you on such subjects. My daughter may want me; I will return
presently.

SCENE VI.

_Count._ [_Earnestly._] Hark ye, Frontino! send messengers immediately,
to inform the guests I have invited that, instead of dinner, I entreat
them to honour me with their company at supper.

_Front._ So, so! But it will be difficult to find them all, so late in
the day.

_Count._ No matter. Those who may come to dinner must be told of the
change. They will return to supper, or not, as they please.

_Front._ Yes, Signor.--[_Aside._] Admirable! quite in character!
[_Exit._

_Count._ This visit comes at a lucky time! Nothing could be more
fortunate.

SCENE VII.--_Enter_ Araminta

_Count._ Well, dear Madame? Eleonora?

_Aram._ All, I hope, will be well.

_Count._ Then I shall be happy; for health should be our first care. I
have sent round to the guests, with an invitation to supper this
evening.

_Aram._ Thirty persons at supper!

_Count._ I hope so, Madame.

_Aram._ Permit me to speak openly, and tell you all I think.

_Count._ You cannot give me greater pleasure.

_Aram._ Is it not extreme folly to assemble thirty persons, twenty of
whom, at least, will make a jest of you?

_Count._ A _jest_ of _me_?

_Aram._ Beyond all doubt. Do not think I am avaricious; thank heaven,
that is not my defect; but I cannot endure to see money squandered.

_Count._ But, on such a day, and under such circumstances.

_Aram._ Are they your relations, whom you have invited?

_Count._ By no means. A select company; the nobility! the literati! the
magistracy! all persons of distinction.

_Aram._ Worse and worse! Vanity, ostentation, folly! My good friend, you
do not know the value of money.

_Count._ [_Smiles._] I do no