_Liv._ If there be better tidings Of Constance, send them hither. _Ph._ Indeed I will. Is there no news of Margaret? _Liv._ Not a word. [_Exit Philip._ She knows I am here, no doubt: but when she hears Of Manuel’s death she must return.—I think That when her brother lived to do his worst, My suit had fairer chance. _Enter Blasco._ Well, count, what news? _BLASCO._ Excellent.—Manuel was drowned, drowned like a dog. I have seen the captain of the ship that ’scaped. 1910 He tells that, putting forth at night, they kept Their course till dawn, when in a fog they drave On the French fleet, some two-and-twenty sail. Of our five vessels three were taken: one, His own, escaped, and the other—that’s the one On which sailed Manuel—by a tall ship, Which flew the admiral’s pennon, was run down, And sunk in sight. _Liv._ The news will please my father, As it doth thee. For me ’tis ruin: my hope I might please Margaret working for her brother 1920 Is gone. Now will she hate me more than ever. _Bl._ You never could have won her while he lived. _Liv._ Well, take these papers. There are here the orders For the execution of Palicio To-morrow, in the public square, at noon. See them in proper hands. They need a seal. _Bl._ ’Twill be a pleasure. ’Twas the kindest freak, This self-surrender. _Liv._ He was strangely dashed, Looking for Manuel, to find me here. _Bl._ He’ll find that friend no more. _Liv._ Take them and go. 1930 And for the present, count, avoid the duke: He is angry with thee. [_Exit Blasco._ I shall not leave this house Till I be sure Margaret means not to come. The unkindest tempers are broke down by grief: And since she cannot blame me, she may find Comfort in my compassion,—ay, and thank me For some consideration.—She will see I have put on black, and set the house in mourning, Have ordered mass, have had his room shut up ... Is there now nothing more? Why, who is this? 1940 _Enter Margaret, throwing off a veil._ _MARGARET._ Livio! thou here! Where is my brother? _Liv._ Oh! Margaret! _Mar._ Where is my brother? I am come To speak with him. Where is he? _Liv._ Hast thou heard nothing? _Mar._ Heard what? Where is he? _Liv._ O, if thou knowest not .. _Mar._ What is it? speak. Why is the house in black? What means it? say. _Liv._ Nay, let it not be me To tell thee.