[_Turns and curtseys stiffly to LADY GIOVANNA, then exit. LADY GIOVANNA takes out diamond necklace from casket._ LADY GIOVANNA. I have anger’d your good nurse; these old-world servants Are all but flesh and blood with those they serve. My lord, I have a present to return you, And afterwards a boon to crave of you. COUNT. No, my most honour’d and long-worshipt lady, Poor Federigo degli Alberighi Takes nothing in return from you except Return of his affection—can deny Nothing to you that you require of him. LADY GIOVANNA. Then I require you to take back your diamonds— [_Offering necklace._ I doubt not they are yours. No other heart Of such magnificence in courtesy Beats—out of heaven. They seem’d too rich a prize To trust with any messenger. I came In person to return them. [_Count draws back._ If the phrase “Return” displease you, we will say—exchange them For your—for your—— COUNT (_takes a step toward her and then back_). For mine—and what of mine? LADY GIOVANNA. Well, shall we say this wreath and your sweet rhymes? COUNT. But have you ever worn my diamonds? LADY GIOVANNA. No! For that would seem accepting of your love, I cannot brave my brother—but be sure That I shall never marry again, my lord! COUNT. Sure? LADY GIOVANNA. Yes! COUNT. Is this your brother’s order? LADY GIOVANNA. No! For he would marry me to the richest man In Florence; but I think you know the saying— “Better a man without riches, than riches without a man.” COUNT. A noble saying—and acted on would yield A nobler breed of men and women. Lady, I find you a shrewd bargainer. The wreath That once you wore outvalues twentyfold The diamonds that you never deign’d to wear. But lay them there for a moment! [_Points to table. LADY GIOVANNA places necklace on table._ And be you Gracious enough to let me know the boon By granting which, if aught be mine to grant, I should be made more happy than I hoped Ever to be again. LADY GIOVANNA.