LADY MILFORD (looking after him in astonishment). Sophy, follow him, and inquire his name. His sons shall be restored to him. (SOPHY goes. LADY MILFORD becomes absorbed in thought. Pause. Then to SOPHY as she returns.) Was there not a report that some town on the frontier had been destroyed by fire, and four hundred families reduced to beggary? (She rings.) SOPHY. What has made your ladyship just think of that? Yes--such was certainly the fact, and most of these poor creatures are either compelled to serve their creditors as bondsmen, or are dragging out their miserable days in the depths of the royal silver mines. Enter a SERVANT. What are your ladyship's commands? LADY MILFORD (giving him the case of jewels). Carry this to my treasurer without delay. Let the jewels be sold and the money distributed among the four hundred families who were ruined by the fire. SOPHY. Consider, my lady, the risk you run of displeasing his highness. LADY MILFORD (with dignity). Should I encircle my brows with the curses of his subjects? (Makes a sign to the servant, who goes away with the jewel case.) Wouldst thou have me dragged to the earth by the dreadful weight of the tears of misery? Nay! Sophy, it is better far to wear false jewels on the brow, and to have the consciousness of a good deed within the breast! SOPHY. But diamonds of such value! Why not rather give some that are less precious? Truly, my lady, it is an unpardonable act. LADY MILFORD. Foolish girl! For this deed more brilliants and pearls will flow for me in one moment than kings ever wore in their richest diadems! Ay, and infinitely more beautiful! SERVANT enters. Major von Walter! SOPHY (running hastily to the help of LADY MILFORD, who seems fainting). Heavens, my lady, you change color! LADY MILFORD. The first man who ever made me tremble. (To the SERVANT.) I am not well--but stay--what said the major?--how? O Sophy! I look sadly ill, do I not? SOPHY. I entreat you, my lady, compose yourself. SERVANT. Is it your ladyship's wish that I should deny you to the major? LADY MILFORD (hesitating). Tell him--I shall be happy to see him. (Exit SERVANT.) What shall I say to him, Sophy? how shall I receive him? I will be silent--alas! I fear he will despise my weakness. He will--ah, me! what sad forebodings oppress my heart! You are going Sophy! stay, yet--no, no--he comes--yes, stay, stay with me---- SOPHY. Collect yourself, my lady, the major---- SCENE III.--FERDINAND VON WALTER. The former. FERDINAND (with a slight bow). I hope I do not interrupt your ladyship? LADY MILFORD (with visible emotion). Not at all, baron--not in the least. FERDINAND. I wait on your ladyship, at the command of my father. LADY MILFORD. Therein I am his debtor. FERDINAND. And I am charged to announce to you that our marriage is determined on. Thus far I fulfil the commission of my father. LADY MILFORD (changing color and trembling). And not of your own heart?