_D._ Nay, tell not me. I know what men will do. _R._ If you believe it, There’s but one plan. _D._ And that? _R._ To send him away. _D._ To send him away? Of course I might; I’ll do it: To-night, Ricardo. _R._ (_aside_). Now we go too fast— 2049 The sooner he goes the better: and yet your plan Was good, to watch to-night. Now that he thinks Suspicion lulled too, he will be more rash. Let Lady Laura watch the garden, and I His room: even if that fail, ’tis time enough To send him off to-morrow. _D._ ... I thought when I came in here, Ricardo, I had come to the end of the matter: I find instead ’Tis ten times more involved, doubtful, and difficult. For after this exposure, if Frederick stayed, Our mutual trust is sapped: and if, as you urge, I send him away, there’s none to take his place. 2060 Nor can I do without him. In two days hence The wedding is fixed, for which a host of guests Are bid to the house. Sir Gregory being so deaf Would be overwhelmed: Frederick cannot be spared. Yet would he stay if I asked him? Did you hear him Threaten he would not take his papers back? He sees, no doubt, how necessary he is. _R._ No doubt, my lady, he sees that when he is gone He cannot be here to help you. _D._ Who can help me? What is your counsel? _R._ Not to ask a favour 2070 Of one whom you so hotly have charged with wrong. _D._ I would not. _R._ Sir Gregory then must do his best. _D._ ’Tis no solution that. _R._ Then what, my lady, If I should take the place awhile? I offer My service, I would do my best. _D._ I thank you, Ricardo. I hardly like to accept; and yet You have come to know much that I could not tell To another. _R._ (_aside_). I win. But she must ask me herself. _D._ I think I might accept.—What say you? _R._ My lady, I see one difficulty,—I have offered more 2080 Than is quite my own: for being the Duke’s servant I cannot without his leave give pledge to another. _D._ Cannot you get his leave? _R._ Yes. I will ask it. And what if Frederick be our messenger? Send him again to Milan; the very mission That he played false in: so your dignity Is salved and explanation saved. _D._ ’Tis good. To-morrow he goes. If you will act in his place— For some ten days, say? _R._ Longer, if it should please you. _D._ I thank you, I shall not need it. 2090 _R._ But if.... _D._ If what? _R._ If Frederick should resign, and if the Duke Gave me permission, might I keep my place?