AMELIA. Yes, dear papa. But my tutor has always told me that birth and fortune are inconsiderable things, and cannot give happiness. BARON. There he is right—But if it happens that birth and fortune are joined with sense and virtue—— AMELIA. But is it so with Count Cassel? BARON. Hem! Hem! [_Aside._] I will ask you a few questions on this subject; but be sure to answer me honestly—Speak truth. AMELIA. I never told an untruth in my life. BARON. Nor ever _conceal_ the truth from me, I command you. AMELIA. [_Earnestly._] Indeed, my lord, I never will. BARON. I take you at your word—And now reply to me truly—Do you like to hear the Count spoken of? AMELIA. Good, or bad? BARON. Good. Good. AMELIA. Oh yes; I like to hear good of every body. BARON. But do not you feel a little fluttered when he is talked of? AMELIA. No. [_shaking her head._] BARON. Are not you a little embarrassed? AMELIA. No. BARON. Don’t you wish sometimes to speak to him, and have not the courage to begin? AMELIA. No. BARON. Do not you wish to take his part when his companions laugh at him? AMELIA. No—I love to laugh at him myself. BARON. Provoking! [_Aside._] Are not you afraid of him when he comes near you? AMELIA. No, not at all.—Oh yes—once. [_recollecting herself._] BARON. Ah! Now it comes! AMELIA. Once at a ball he trod on my foot; and I was so afraid he should tread on me again. BARON. You put me out of patience. Hear, Amelia! [_stops short, and speaks softer._] To see you happy is my wish. But matrimony, without concord, is like a duetto badly performed; for that reason, nature, the great composer of all harmony, has ordained, that, when bodies are allied, hearts should be in perfect unison. However, I will send Mr. Anhalt to you—— AMELIA. [_much pleased_]. Do, papa. BARON. ——He shall explain to you my sentiments. [_Rings._] A clergyman can do this better than——[_Enter servant._] Go directly to Mr. Anhalt, tell him that I shall be glad to see him for a quarter of an hour if he is not engaged. [_Exit servant._ AMELIA. [_calls after him_]. Wish him a good morning from me. BARON. [_looking at his watch_]. The Count is a tedious time dressing.—Have you breakfasted, Amelia? AMELIA. No, papa. [_they sit down to breakfast._] BARON. How is the weather? Have you walked this morning? AMELIA. Oh, yes—I was in the garden at five o’clock; it is very fine. BARON. Then I’ll go out shooting. I do not know in what other way to amuse my guest. _Enter Count_ CASSEL. COUNT. Ah, my dear Colonel! Miss Wildenhaim, I kiss your hand. BARON. Good morning! Good morning! though it is late in the day, Count. In the country we should rise earlier. [Amelia _offers the_ Count _a Cup of tea_.] COUNT. Is it Hebe herself, or Venus, or—— AMELIA. Ha, ha, ha! Who can help laughing at his nonsense? BARON. [_rather angry_]. Neither Venus, not Hebe; but Amelia Wildenhaim, if you please.