PRESIDENT (draws back). Ha! ha! now I've caught you, young gentleman! The cunning fox has tumbled into the trap. Oh, you artful hypocrite! It was not then honor which made you refuse Lady Milford? It was not the woman, but the nuptials which alarmed you! (FERDINAND stands petrified for a moment; then recovers himself and prepares to quit the chamber hastily.) Whither now? Stay, sir. Is this the respect due to your father? (FERDINAND returns slowly.) Her ladyship expects you. The duke has my promise! Both court and city believe all is settled. If thou makest me appear a liar, boy! If, before the duke--the lady--the court and city--thou shouldst make me appear a liar!--tremble, boy!--or when I have gained information of certain circumstances--how now? Why does the color so suddenly forsake your cheeks? FERDINAND (pale and trembling). How? What? Nothing--it is nothing, my father! PRESIDENT (casting upon him a dreadful look). Should there be cause. If I should discover the source whence this obstinacy proceeds! Boy! boy! the very suspicion drives me distracted! Leave me this moment. 'Tis now the hour of parade. As soon as the word is given, go thou to her ladyship. At my nod a dukedom trembles; we shall see whether a disobedient son dare dispute my will! (Going, returns.) Remember, sir! fail not to wait on Lady Milford, or dread my anger! [Exit. FERDINAND (awakens, as if from a dream). Is he gone? Was that a father's voice? Yes, I will go--I will see her--I will say such things to her--hold such a mirror before her eyes. Then, base woman, shouldst thou still demand my hand--in the presence of the assembled nobles, the military, and the people--gird thyself with all the pride of thy native Britain--I, a German youth, will spurn thee! [Exit. ACT II. SCENE I.--A room in LADY MILFORD'S house. On the right of the stage stands a sofa, on the left a pianoforte. LADY MILFORD, in a loose but elegant negligee, is running her hand over the keys of the pianoforte as SOPHY advances from the window. SOPHY. The parade is over, and the officers are separating, but I see no signs of the major. LADY MILFORD (rises and walks up and down the room in visible agitation). I know not what ails me to-day, Sophy! I never felt so before--you say you do not see him! It is evident enough that he is by no means impatient for this meeting--my heart feels oppressed as if by some heavy crime. Go! Sophy, order the most spirited horse in the stable to be saddled for me--I must away into the open air where I may look on the blue sky and hear the busy hum of man. I must dispel this gloominess by change and motion. SOPHY. If you feel out of spirits, my lady, why not invite company! Let the prince give an entertainment here, or have the ombre table brought to you. If the prince and all his court were at my beck and call I would let no whim or fancy trouble me!