[_Talking to herself, while she is advancing._ Here's no need of full powers and commissions-- My cloudy Duke! we understand each other-- 10 And without words. What, could I not unriddle, Wherefore the daughter should be sent for hither, Why first he, and no other, should be chosen To fetch her hither! This sham of betrothing her To a bridegroom,[641:1] whom no one knows--No! no!---- 15 This may blind others! I see through thee, Brother! But it beseems thee not, to draw a card At such a game. Not yet!--It all remains Mutely delivered up to my finessing---- Well--thou shalt not have been deceived, Duke Friedland! In her who is thy sister.---- 20 _Servant (enters)._ The commanders! _Tertsky (to the Countess)._ Take care you heat his fancy and affections-- Possess him with a reverie, and send him, Absent and dreaming, to the banquet; that He may not boggle at the signature. 25 _Countess._ Take you care of your guests!--Go, send him hither. _Tertsky._ All rests upon his undersigning. _Countess._ Go to your guests! Go---- _Illo (comes back)._ Where art staying, Tertsky? The house is full, and all expecting you. 30 _Tertsky._ Instantly! Instantly! [_To the COUNTESS._ And let him not Stay here too long. It might awake suspicion In the old man---- _Countess._ A truce with your precautions! [_Exeunt TERTSKY and ILLO._ FOOTNOTES: [641:1] In Germany, after honourable addresses have been paid and formally accepted, the lovers are called Bride and Bridegroom, even though the marriage should not take place till years afterwards. LINENOTES: [6] broken] broke out 1800, 1828, 1829. [13] _he_ 1800, 1828, 1829. [15] whom] when 1800, 1828, 1829. [28] _Countess (interrupting him)._ 1800, 1828, 1829. SCENE III _COUNTESS, MAX PICCOLOMINI._ _Max._ Aunt Tertsky? may I venture? [_Advances to the middle of the stage, and looks around him with uneasiness._ She's not here! Where is she? _Countess._ Look but somewhat narrowly In yonder corner, lest perhaps she lie Conceal'd behind that screen. _Max._ There lie her gloves![642:1] [_Snatches at them, but the COUNTESS takes them herself._ You unkind Lady! You refuse me this-- 5 You make it an amusement to torment me. _Countess._ And this the thanks you give me for my trouble? _Max._ O, if you felt the oppression at my heart! Since we've been here, so to constrain myself-- With such poor stealth to hazard words and glances-- 10 These, these are not my habits!