_D._ I thank you, sir; I hope there’ll be no need. _R._ But may I hope? _D._ In truth I know of none I’d rather see in his place. _R._ A thousand thanks! _D._ Why thank me so, sir? I am here the obliged. _R._ Your ladyship knows not the great desire I have felt to serve her. _D._ I am happy to have inspired it. It comes to me as a sort of consolation In my distress— _R._ Agreed then that to-night 2100 We watch. If nothing come of that, to-morrow Frederick is sent to Milan with my letter. Only your ladyship must be prepared To lose him. Whoever it is he loves, I am sure When we discover her, we shall find a passion Worthy and deep, from which he’ll not be moved: Therefore.... _D._ O, you are mistaken. I know him better. I know he is cold. Well, well: I thank you. I wish you Good-evening, sir.—To-morrow speak we of this— But I have been much deceived.—Be not concerned, ’Tis nothing. [_Faints._ _R._ (_supporting her to a chair_). Flora!—Here is a chair, my lady, 2111 You are over-wrought. (_Aside._) By heaven, what brutes we are! ’Twere kinder far to tell her at once—Diana! Dearest Diana! (_Aside._) What am I doing?—Flora! Flora! _Re-enter Flora._ _Fl._ My lady in one of her fits! _R._ What is it? Look at her, Flora! _Fl._ To fan her face,—that’s all. She will come to herself. See, see! _R._ (_aside_). This lump 's not fit to touch her.— My lady!—Diana! _D._ (_awakening_). Who’s there? Ah, Flora! _Fl._ My lady Has fainted again. _D._ Ricardo!—yes, I remember. 2120 How foolish. _Fl._ All’s well, my lady. _D._ (_to Fl._). Give me an arm. I’ll go within. _R._ Cannot I help you? _D._ Oh, no. ’Tis nothing,—a silly habit I wish I were rid of. I thank you. Good evening, sir. _R._ Good evening, madam. I promise to bring this all to a happy end. _D._ I thank you, sir: I would you might. So, Flora. [_Exit with Fl._ _R._ Now, by my soul, Frederick’s atrocious! ’Tis brutal of him. He has let this go too far. She loves him much too well. Good heaven! to think He might have had her. I owe him everything For being so blind, and eager for his marriage With Lady Laura. Yes, and thanks to her 2132 For being so ready; and to St. Nicholas For setting her on: for he in the end appears As my good genius, tho’he little dreams it. So far, all prospers—all is in good train. To-morrow will decide my fate. [Illustration] ACT · III SCENE · 1 _A hall on the first floor of the Palace: stairs at the back leading down. A lamp burning below shines on to the stage._