Chapter XIII: Act III: SCENE I.--The Count and Frontino

_Count._ Frontino.

_Front._ Signor?

_Count._ Go and inquire how Eleonora is.

_Front._ One of your guests is without, and desires to speak with you.

_Count._ Who is he?

_Front._ The young gentleman who lately read you a comedy written by himself.

_Count._ Oh! Signor Giacinto. Bid him enter.

_Front._ Please to come in, Signor. [_Exit._

SCENE II.--_Enter_ Giacinto.

_Count._ Good morning, Signor Giacinto. I am very sorry that the messenger, sent by me, did not find you at home; he came to inform you that an accident has caused me to put off the dinner, but that I hoped to see you at supper.

_Giac._ It is just the same to me, Signor. Meanwhile, permit me the honour to--

_Count._ I hope to see you without fail this evening.

_Giac._ I am infinitely obliged to you; but, having now the good fortune to find you alone, and at leisure, I wish to lay before you certain alterations made in the dedicatory epistle; as I have nothing so much at heart as your satisfaction.

_Count._ Well, Signor Giacinto, since you are absolutely resolved to dedicate your comedy to me, I have thought--it would be best to inform you--of certain particulars respecting myself. Not from vanity--oh no! Heaven preserve me from that!--but solely to give an opportunity to your eloquence, and lustre to your work.

_Giac._ You see, Signor, I have made a good use of the materials which you have so kindly furnished; but I have done something more.

_Count._ Have you mentioned my pictures?

_Giac._ Oh yes.

_Count._ And my library?

_Giac._ Certainly.

_Count._ Including the books which I told you I intend to purchase?

_Giac._ But--Signor--a catalogue of books in a dedication--

_Count._ Where is the difficulty? You may say, in a note at the bottom of the page, the Count of Casteldoro possesses a superb library, of not less than ten thousand volumes. A man of wit, like you, knows how to take advantage of everything. The supper of this evening, for example, may furnish some new ideas--something animated, witty, poetical.

_Giac._ That may be possible; but I have been employed on a subject more essential: I have written your genealogy.

_Count._ [_Coldly._] My genealogy? No, no, friend. I have no taste for that science. You might, I grant, say things that should happen to do me honour; but I am an enemy to vanity, and would prefer reticence, especially on the question of genealogy.

_Giac._ As you please; but I have made discoveries that have cost me much time and study, of which I thought you might wish to be informed.

_Count._ [_With curiosity._] Discoveries that relate to me?

_Giac._ That relate to you, Signor.

_Count._ My dear Signor Giacinto, let me hear.

_Giac._ Your true family name is not Colombani.

_Count._ I grant it may have been changed.

_Giac._ Do me the favour to listen. The great Columbus, who discovered America, and who was ennobled by the king of Spain, had two brothers, and various relations. Now, in looking through authors to discover annotations for my Life of Petrarch, I found that one of the relations of Christopher Columbus went from Genoa, his native place, to the city of Avignon, in France. By corruption of the termination, I find the name of Colombo or Columbus, has been changed to Colombani; and I demonstrate, beyond all doubt, that you are a descendant of that ancient, illustrious family.

_Count._ [_Much pleased._] You have demonstrated it?

_Giac._ Here are my proofs. [_Presenting papers._]

_Count._ [_Receiving them._] From the little I can now recollect, I believe you are right. Ay, ay; it might be. I do not love ostentation, as you perceive, but I shall be highly pleased if your discovery can do yourself honour; I therefore have not the courage to forbid the publication. Have you presented your comedy to the comedians?

_Giac._ Yes, Signor.

_Count._ And they certainly received it with approbation?

_Giac._ On the contrary, Signor, it has been peremptorily refused.

_Count._ Refused!

_Giac._ You have heard it read: does it deserve such a reward?

_Count._ If the comedy be good, why is it refused? Their interest should oblige them to accept it, with thanks.

_Giac._ What can be expected from such ignorant judges? But I will have my revenge! It shall be printed! The public shall decide!

_Count._ Bravo! You are right; have it printed. It might not be greatly successful on the stage, but in the closet it will delight. Your sale will be prodigious.

_Giac._ Since you approve and encourage me, Signor, would you but have the goodness to pass your word for the expense of printing, and--

_Count._ [_With a determined tone._] There is no need of that. Apply to a good bookseller; let him have his profits, and he will answer for the whole.

_Giac._ To speak the truth, Signor, I have in vain applied to more than one. At last, a bookseller has agreed that, if the Count of Casteldoro will make himself responsible, he will undertake to publish it on my account.

_Count._ How! Have you mentioned my name?

_Giac._ I could not avoid it.

_Count._ You have done very ill. Should it be known that I take an interest in the comedy, it would be said I did so because of the dedication; and I should then appear ridiculous. Drop all thoughts of the press at present; a more favourable opportunity may occur.

_Giac._ But, Signor--

SCENE III.--_Enter_ Frontino.

_Count._ Well, Frontino, what answer?

_Front._ The young lady is rather better, Signor.

_Count._ Rather better! But is she well enough to--I will go and inquire myself.--[_To_ Giacinto.] You see, Signor, a young lady is ill in my house, and the supper must be deferred. Another time. [_Going._]

_Giac._ Then if the manuscript be useless, Signor--

_Count._ True; it shall be returned. [_Going._]

_Giac._ I beg you to recollect the time and trouble it has cost me.

_Count._ [_Returning the manuscript._] Very right! You are fond of your own works: I am glad they give you satisfaction, and cannot but thank you for any labour taken on my account. Whenever I can serve you, pray command me.

_Giac._ Infinitely obliged to the generosity of Signor Count Casteldoro.--[_Aside._] What ingratitude! Sordid fellow! He shall pay for this, or I am mistaken. [_Exit._

_Count._ One guest the less. But I must inquire after Eleonora. [_Going._]

_Fior._ [_Without._] Ho, there! Is nobody to be found?

_Front._ This is Fiorillo, the servant of the Marquis.

SCENE IV.--_Enter_ Fiorillo, _in a travelling dress._

_Fior._ [_Bows._] Signor Count, my master, the Marquis del Bosco, is coming. I rode before, as you perceive, to inform you that his carriage will soon arrive.

_Count._ [_Coldly._] Arrive! What, here? And in his coach? Does he come to make any stay?

_Fior._ No, Signor. To-morrow morning he must be gone to Versailles; for he has affairs at court.

_Count._ [_Aside._] I am glad of it!--[_Aloud, pompously._] I hope the Marquis will do me the honour to remain with me to-night, in company with his son, the Chevalier. With respect to the Marchioness--I'll speak to my sister, and hope she may also be accommodated, as becomes her rank.

_Fior._ The Marchioness del Bosco does not come with her father; she is with the Countess d'Orimon, her aunt, and is to remain at her house.

_Count._ [_Aside._] So much the better.--[_Aloud._] That is unfortunate. I hope, however, I shall have the pleasure of seeing her. [_Exit._

SCENE V.--Frontino _and_ Fiorillo.

_Fior._ Your master, like your kitchen, smells well!

_Front._ We are to have a magnificent supper to-night; no less than thirty guests.

_Fior._ Indeed! Your master is superb. A rare service! Much to eat, and little to do! Then, as to wages, you will make your fortune, Frontino!

_Front._ Fortune! I can't say--perhaps!

_Fior._ You have been long with this master.

_Front._ Very true; I have an attachment to him.

_Fior._ And so have I to mine, but without the hope of saving a farthing in his service. If it were not for the profits of the card-tables, I should certainly leave him.

_Front._ Then you have much play?

_Fior._ A great deal.

_Front._ And no less profit?

_Fior._ Hum--tolerable; but not equal to you.

_Front._ I! Shall I speak plain to a fellow-servant? I have little wages, and no tips.

_Fior._ Then you are foolish, Frontino. In Paris, so clever a fellow as yourself may find a hundred services, in which he might profit in a hundred different ways.

_Front._ Do you know any _one_?

_Fior._ Certainly; but you are attached to your master?

_Front._ To part with him would not break my heart.

_Fior._ If he pays so ill, he does not like you.

_Front._ That's a mistake; I am his prime minister and favourite.

_Fior._ What do you mean? Were he miserly, so be it; but a generous--

_Front._ Generous! You little know my master.

_Fior._ How so? A supper for thirty guests--

_Front._ Ah, did you know what it will cost me!

_Fior._ You! Cost you!

_Front._ Me. Grumbled at, cross-questioned, put to the torture, almost afraid of my life, when I give in my bill. I tremble but to think of it!

_Fior._ So, so! Very different with us; our master is easily satisfied, and always gay and good-humoured. He has an odd manner of speaking, indeed, and never tells you more than half what he means. He has favourite words, which, right or wrong, he always uses. Everybody laughs at _him_, and he laughs at himself.

_Front._ I wish I had such a master!

_Fior._ The worst of it is, he is poor, and seldom has any money.

_Front._ Yet you say he plays?

_Fior._ Very true; he always finds money for that. I hear a coach.

_Front._ Which way does he--

_Fior._ [_At the window._] Be quiet! Yes, they are here.

_Front._ I want to hear more.

_Fior._ Run and tell your master.

_Front._ [_Aside._] I shall hear it all; he can't hold his tongue.
[_Exit._

_Fior._ Frontino is a good fellow, but he talks too much; that's his fault.

SCENE VI.--_Enter the_ Marquis.

_Marq._ Where is he? Where is the Count?

_Fior._ His servant is gone to tell him you are here.

_Marq._ Go, go; see--Good, good, excellent!--His servant?

_Fior._ Will soon be back.

_Marq._ Meanwhile--My horses--Nothing to eat--Poor devils--They have done--Good, good, excellent! You might go and see--

_Fior._ Yes, at once.--[_Aside and going._] I defy all the servants in the world to understand him as I do. [_Exit._

SCENE VII.--_Enter the_ Chevalier.

_Chev._ My dear father! How can I thank you for all your kindness?

_Marq._ Say no more--father to be sure--But with you, in truth--You are strange sometimes.

_Chev._ Most true! Had you not discovered my passion, I scarcely should have dared to own it.

_Marq._ Keen eyes--Why not, dear boy? Why not? and then I know that Eleonora--Do you know her mother?

_Chev._ I am slightly acquainted with her, but not enough to speak on such a subject.

_Marq._ A lady that--Are you at least sure of the daughter?

_Chev._ Perfectly. I have met her at her cousins, and--we have corresponded.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent! We shall want--The Count is my friend.

_Chev._ And I am acquainted with his sister, Madame Dorimene. I will beg her to entreat for me. Here comes the Count.

SCENE VIII.--_Enter the_ Count.

_Count._ Pardon me, Marquis, but--

_Marq._ Ah, Count! Good day--Good day--Your health--Mine--you see--splendidly well, at your service.

_Count._ Still the same! Always courteous!

_Marq._ Oh, I ... Good, good; excellent!

_Count._ And you, Chevalier?

_Chev._ Always your humble servant.

_Count._ Is the Marchioness with you?

_Marq._ My daughter? She has come with--You know her aunt?

_Count._ Yes, I have the pleasure of knowing her, and will call and pay the ladies my respects--I hope to have the honour of their company at supper.

_Marq._ Always obliging--Good, good, excellent!--Ought to apologise--Come suddenly--No ceremony, I beg.

_Count._ None on earth. I shall only give you my ordinary supper.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent! Family meals--friendly.

_Count._ Your apartments are here, on the right. They tell me you go to Versailles to-morrow.

_Marq._ Yes--because--

_Count._ I am sorry to lose you so soon: but, as I was saying, these apartments shall be yours.

_Chev._ Permit me, Signor Count, to pay my respects to your sister.

_Count._ You will do me an honour, and give her pleasure.

_Chev._ [_To his father._] Have I your leave, sir?

_Marq._ Certainly.--[_Aside._] Poor fellow! He is--but when I was like him--yes, I did as he does.

_Count._ We may all go together, if you please.

_Marq._ Ha!--[_Aside._] No; must not spoil sport.--[_Aloud._] Go by himself.

_Chev._ [_Going._] I know my way.

_Count._ You will meet a young lady there, with whom perhaps you are acquainted.

_Chev._ [_Eager to go._] Indeed? So much the better!

_Count._ I have something to tell you concerning her, which perhaps you do not know--

_Chev._ [_Aside._] Too well! I am on the rack!

_Count._ But which you will be glad to hear.

_Chev._ [_Aside._] Heavens! Perhaps Eleonora may have discovered our passion to her mother--I rush to see. [_Exit._

SCENE IX.--Count _and the_ Marquis.

_Marq._ [_Looking round._] Now we are alone--Have you time?

_Count._ I am at your disposal.

_Marq._ You are my friend.

_Count._ The title does me honour.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ [_Aside._] He is sometimes very ridiculous.

_Marq._ I should like to beg you--but--a friend, unceremoniously, freely.

_Count._ [_Aside._] I bet he wants to borrow money.

_Marq._ You know my family--

_Count._ Perfectly.

_Marq._ I have two children, and must think--a daughter too--Good, good, excellent!--The Chevalier is at an age--you understand me?

_Count._ I believe I do. You are seriously thinking of establishing your family, which is highly commendable. And, talking of establishments, I think it but right in me to inform you of my approaching marriage.

_Marq._ Oh, oh!--that way inclined--you too--Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ I am this day to sign the contract, and think myself fortunate that you, Signor Marquis, will be present, and--

_Marq._ Very happy--but, at the same time, if you would be so kind--

_Count._ You well know, Signor Marquis, the various expenses of these occasions; they are endless. To own the truth, I find my pocket empty.

_Marq._ Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ Good! I find it exceedingly ill.

_Marq._ Listen--You are the friend of Madame Araminta.

_Count._ True; and she, for example, is remarkably rich; she might be of service to your house.

_Marq._ Precisely so--my very thought--would you but speak to her, but without--What is her daughter's name?

_Count._ Eleonora.

_Marq._ True--bad memory--Eleonora.

_Count._ [_Aside._] If I had not a great deal of penetration, I could never guess what he means.--[_Aloud._] I will speak privately to Madame Araminta.

_Marq._ Ay, but--in a particular manner--so that--you understand me?

_Count._ I will speak with all possible caution, and hope she will comply--provided she has good security.

_Marq._ By Jove! If she gives me--I have not--I am not--but--my estates--

_Count._ What sum do you wish?

_Marq._ I heard that--ay--a hundred thousand crowns--quite satisfied!--would not wish for more!

_Count._ [_Aside._] A hundred thousand crowns! the loan is too great! She will scarcely consent to that.

_Marq._ When will you speak? Because when I have a project--no sooner said than done--it is in my nature.

_Count._ I will inform her to-day.

_Marq._ And you hope she--Good, good, excellent!

_Count._ I think Madame Araminta will comply, if possible; first out of regard to yourself, and next to me, who am on the point of becoming her son-in-law.

_Marq._ Ha!--what?--you?--

_Count._ I am to marry her daughter.

_Marq._ Marry!--when?--that true?--that possible?

_Count._ Why so excessively surprised, Signor Marquis? Do you see any reason to the contrary?

_Marq._ I--no--[_Aside._] My son!--Fine affair!--Stupid folly!

_Count._ Madame Araminta intends indeed to give a hundred thousand crowns with her daughter, but do you think she will therefore not have so large a sum to lend you?

_Marq._ Lend me!--Zounds!--Lend me!

SCENE X.

_The_ Chevalier, _making signs of disappointment 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.