_The COUNTESS steps out from a Closet._
_COUNT and COUNTESS TERTSKY._
_Tertsky._ Well--is she coming?--I can keep him back
No longer.
_Countess._ She will be there instantly.
You only send him.
_Tertsky._ I am not quite certain,
I must confess it, Countess, whether or not
We are earning the Duke's thanks hereby. You know, 5
No ray has broken from him on this point.
You have o'er-ruled me, and yourself know best
How far you dare proceed.
_Countess._ I take it on me.
[_Talking to herself, while she is advancing._
Here's no need of full powers and commissions--
My cloudy Duke! we understand each other-- 10
And without words. What, could I not unriddle,
Wherefore the daughter should be sent for hither,
Why first he, and no other, should be chosen
To fetch her hither! This sham of betrothing her
To a bridegroom,[641:1] whom no one knows--No! no!---- 15
This may blind others! I see through thee, Brother!
But it beseems thee not, to draw a card
At such a game. Not yet!--It all remains
Mutely delivered up to my finessing----
Well--thou shalt not have been deceived, Duke Friedland!
In her who is thy sister.---- 20
_Servant (enters)._ The commanders!
_Tertsky (to the Countess)._ Take care you heat his fancy and
affections--
Possess him with a reverie, and send him,
Absent and dreaming, to the banquet; that
He may not boggle at the signature. 25
_Countess._ Take you care of your guests!--Go, send him hither.
_Tertsky._ All rests upon his undersigning.
_Countess._ Go to your guests! Go----
_Illo (comes back)._ Where art staying, Tertsky?
The house is full, and all expecting you. 30
_Tertsky._ Instantly! Instantly! [_To the COUNTESS._
And let him not
Stay here too long. It might awake suspicion
In the old man----
_Countess._ A truce with your precautions!
[_Exeunt TERTSKY and ILLO._
FOOTNOTES:
[641:1] In Germany, after honourable addresses have been paid and
formally accepted, the lovers are called Bride and Bridegroom, even
though the marriage should not take place till years afterwards.
LINENOTES:
[6] broken] broke out 1800, 1828, 1829.
[13] _he_ 1800, 1828, 1829.
[15] whom] when 1800, 1828, 1829.
[28] _Countess (interrupting him)._ 1800, 1828, 1829.