appointment and silence to the_
Marquis, _enters and goes off without being seen by the_ Count.

_Count._ But, if you please, I will speak to her.

_Marq._ [_To the_ Chevalier.] Yes, yes, I understand.

_Count._ [_Supposing the answer was to himself._] And will tell her--

_Marq._ By no means--don't think--no, no.

_Count._ Yes and no! I do not understand you, Signor.

_Marq._ Lend me!--to me?--I am--it is true--but then I am not--Good,
good, excellent!--I am not--

_Count._ If you will excuse me, I have business. Those are your
apartments.--[_Aside._] I never met such a ridiculous man. [_Exit._

_Marq._ The devil take him--he doesn't know what he is talking of.
[_Exit._

END OF THE THIRD ACT.

ACT IV.

SCENE I.--_The_ Chevalier _and_ Fiorillo.

_Chev._ While my father rests, I will visit my sister; tell him this,
when he wakes.

_Fior._ Yes, Signor.

_Chev._ Do you know whether the Count is at home?

_Fior._ Yes; I saw him just now going to speak with Madame Dorimene.

_Chev._ [_Aside._] Surely he is not a rival to be feared. At least, I am
secure of the heart of Eleonora, and will not yet despair of gaining her
mother. [_Exit._

_Fior._ So, young gentleman! I see how it is with you. I pretty well
guess your intentions, and how they are thwarted. Ay, ay, I shall have
enough to satisfy the curiosity of Frontino. [_Sits down near the door
of his master's rooms._]

SCENE II.--_Enter_ Count.

_Count._ [_Not seeing_ Fiorillo.] I am tired, bored! Nothing but
indifference; and, instead of perfect satisfaction, something like
contempt. A man like me, who had but to choose! so advantageous a
marriage! [_Seeing_ Fiorillo.] Is the Marquis at home?

_Fior._ Yes, Signor; being rather fatigued with travelling, he is taking
a nap.

_Count._ [_Aside._] How amiable is his daughter! How charming! I felt
affected and confused at the courtesy and kindness with which she and
her aunt received me. The visit made me cheerful, happy, and reconciled
to myself. What difference between the politeness of these ladies and
the common and trivial manner of Araminta and her daughter; who neither
understand civility nor good breeding. Ah! were the young Marchioness
but as rich as she is handsome and engaging--who knows? I have a
thought--should her father but be reasonable and easy to manage--Here
he comes.

SCENE III.--_Enter the_ Marqui