And, talking of establishments, I
think it but right in me to inform you of my approaching marriage.

_Marq._ Oh, oh!--that way inclined--you too--Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ I am this day to sign the contract, and think myself fortunate
that you, Signor Marquis, will be present, and--

_Marq._ Very happy--but, at the same time, if you would be so kind--

_Count._ You well know, Signor Marquis, the various expenses of these
occasions; they are endless. To own the truth, I find my pocket empty.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ Good! I find it exceedingly ill.

_Marq._ Listen--You are the friend of Madame Araminta.

_Count._ True; and she, for example, is remarkably rich; she might be of
service to your house.

_Marq._ Precisely so--my very thought--would you but speak to her, but
without--What is her daughter's name?

_Count._ Eleonora.

_Marq._ True--bad memory--Eleonora.

_Count._ [_Aside._] If I had not a great deal of penetration, I could
never guess what he means.--[_Aloud._] I will speak privately to Madame
Araminta.

_Marq._ Ay, but--in a particular manner--so that--you understand me?

_Count._ I will speak with all possible caution, and hope she will
comply--provided she has good security.

_Marq._ By Jove! If she gives me--I have not--I am not--but--my
estates--

_Count._ What sum do you wish?

_Marq._ I heard that--ay--a hundred thousand crowns--quite
satisfied!--would not wish for more!

_Count._ [_Aside._] A hundred thousand crowns! the loan is too great!
She will scarcely consent to that.

_Marq._ When will you speak? Because when I have a project--no sooner
said than done--it is in my nature.

_Count._ I will inform her to-day.

_Marq._ And you hope she--Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ I think Madame Araminta will comply, if possible; first out of
regard to yourself, and next to me, who am on the point of becoming her
son-in-law.

_Marq._ Ha!--what?--you?--

_Count._ I am to marry her daughter.

_Marq._ Marry!--when?--that true?--that possible?

_Count._ Why so excessively surprised, Signor Marquis? Do you see any
reason to the contrary?

_Marq._ I--no--[_Aside._] My son!--Fine affair!--Stupid folly!

_Count._ Madame Araminta intends indeed to give a hundred thousand
crowns with her daughter, but do you think she will therefore not have
so large a sum to lend you?

_Marq._ Lend me!--Zounds!--Lend me!

SCENE X.

_The_ Chevalier, _making signs of dis