SCENE II

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, 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-- 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!---- 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.----

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.

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.

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.