ease.

_Phil._ Are you still anxious to go?

_De la Cot._ I promise you to remain here.

_Phil._ [_Aside._] What magic words have wrought this change? I am
curious to hear them.

_De la Cot._ Pardon, I pray you, my strange conduct.

_Phil._ Willingly; the actions of lovers are often extravagant. Tell me,
Giannina, is Mademoiselle Costanza gone?

_Gian._ No, sir; she is waiting in my room.

_Phil._ Go, Lieutenant, and keep her company for a little while.

_De la Cot._ I would rather not, sir.

_Gian._ Go, go.--[_Aside to_ De la Cotterie.] Listen! Wait for me in the
antechamber; I will be there presently.

_De la Cot._ I shall obey you, sir. [_Exit._

_Phil._ [_Aside._] The power of words!--Well, what did you say to him?

_Gian._ I told him to go to his mistress; that she expected him.

_Phil._ But the first time you spoke to him?

_Gian._ I said that Mademoiselle Costanza had hope she could persuade
her father.

_Phil._ Why did you not tell him so openly, before me?

_Gian._ Things said in private often make the greatest impression.

_Phil._ Perhaps so.

_Gian._ By your leave. [_Going._]

_Phil._ Where are you going?

_Gian._ To encourage this timid gentleman.

_Phil._ Yes, by all means; I recommend him to you.

_Gian._ Doubt not I shall take good care of him. [_Exit._

_Phil._ My girl has a good heart, and mine is like
hers.

END OF THE FIRST ACT.

ACT II.

SCENE I.--_The chamber of_ Mademoiselle Giannina.

Mademoiselle Costanza, _alone, seated_.

_Cost._ Who would ever have thought Monsieur de la Cotterie had such a
liking for me? It is true he has always treated me with politeness, and
been ready to converse with me; but I cannot say I have observed any
great signs of love. Now I have always loved him, but have not had
courage enough to show it. I flatter myself he too loves me, and for the
same reason conceals it; in truth a modest officer is a strange animal,
and it is hard to believe in its existence. Monsieur Philibert must
have reasons for what he says, and I am well pleased to think him not
mistaken, especially as I have no evidence that he is so. Here comes
my handsome soldier--but Mademoiselle Giannina is with him; she never
permits us to be alone together for a moment. I have some suspicion she
is my rival.

_Enter_ Mademoiselle Giannina _and_ De la Cotterie.

_Gian._ Keep your seat, Mademoiselle; excuse me for having left you
alone for a little whil