_D._ So hot!—Well, thrash this out between yourselves: ’Tis nought to me. And, Frederick, when you have dressed, Rested, and breakfasted, attend me here. 1300 I thank you for your service. _F._ You are welcome, madam, To all such offices. (_Going._) _D._ Please leave your servant. I have some papers ready indoors to send you. _F._ I thank you. [_Exit._ _R._ I crave permission: I would follow To ask of my particular affairs; How they are spoke of whence he comes. _D._ (_bowing permission_). I hope You will hear good. _R._ (_aside, going_). My Frederick needs fresh prompting. He is so preoccupied in his own love, That I am forgotten. [_Exit._ _Diana opens the letter._ _T._ (_to Fl., shewing and shaking purse_). Look here! Listen here! _FLORA._ What have you there? 1310 _T._ Money,—ducats: all ducats. _D._ (_reading aloud_). _I could not have chosen, among all my friends, one more discreet and serviceable than is Ricardo. There is nothing so difficult that he has not experience for it ... nothing so private but that he may not well be trusted with it.... He has been accustomed to manage all my affairs...._ _Fl._ (_to T._). But where did you get them, Tristram? _T._ Ah! She gave them me. _Fl._ The Countess! What for? 1320 _T._ Secrets: and there’s more where they came from. _Fl._ More secrets, or more ducats? _T._ Both,—plenty of both. _Fl._ How nice for us. _T._ Us! Who d’you mean by us? _Fl._ I mean when we are married, Tristram. _T._ Married, say you, now? I thought you had not promised. When I had no money you hung off. Now you see me as rich as Plutarch, you’re quick enough. But it’s a hoax. I filled this bag with curtain-rings to deceive you: and where are you now? _Fl._ O, Tristram, let me see. _D._ Tristram! _T._ Your ladyship! _D._ I’ll speak with you. Flora, depart. [_Exit Flora._ Now, Tristram, tell me shortly, What you have learned. _T._ I have found a letter, madam, Writ by the lady. (_fumbles for it._) _D._ Indeed!—that is good news. 1341 Nothing could please me better. In so short time This is done excellently. Who is she, Tristram? _T._ I think she is chained up somewhere in the court. _D._ Chained in the court! What mean you? _T._ Here ’tis, my lady: Read for yourself. (_giving._) _D._ Why this is poetry; And in St. Nicholas’hand. _T._ I hope and trust Your ladyship will not take his part. _D._ His part! What does this mean?