Count Appiani, Claudia Galotti.
APPIANI (_looks after her with a downcast mien_).
"Pearls signify tears!"--a little patience! Yes! if we could but defy
time! If a minute on the clock were not sometimes an age within us!
CLAUDIA.
Emilia's remark was no less just than quick, Count. You are to-day more
grave than usual. And yet you are but a step from the object of your
wishes. Do you repent that you have attained the wished-for goal?
APPIANI.
How could you, dear mother, suspect this of your son? But it is true. I
am to-day unusually dejected and gloomy. All that I have seen, heard or
dreamt, has preached since yesterday, and before yesterday this
doctrine to me--to be but one step from the goal, and not to have
attained it, is in reality the same. This one idea engrosses all my
thoughts. What can it mean? I understand it not.
CLAUDIA.
You make me uneasy, Count.
APPIANI.
One thought succeeds another. I am vexed--angry with my friends and
with myself.
CLAUDIA.
Why so?
APPIANI.
My friends absolutely require, that, before I solemnize my marriage, I
should acquaint the Prince with my intentions. They allow I am not
bound to do this, but maintain that respect towards him demands it; and
I have been weak enough to consent. I have already ordered my carriage
for the purpose.
CLAUDIA (_starts_).
To wait upon the Prince!