Surely, my lord, you would not lead her to the altar in her present attire. APPIANI. In truth, I was not, till you spoke, aware of that. Who can behold Emilia, and take heed of her dress? Yet why should I not lead her to the altar thus? EMILIA. No, dear Count, not exactly thus; yet in a dress not much more gay. In a moment I shall be ready. I do not mean to wear those costly jewels, which were the last present of your prodigal generosity, no, nor anything suited to such jewels. Oh, I could quarrel with those jewels were they not your present--for thrice I've dreamt---- CLAUDIA. Indeed! I know nothing of that. EMILIA. That while I wore them, every diamond changed suddenly to a pearl--and pearls, you know, dear mother, signify tears. CLAUDIA. Child, the interpretation is more visionary than the dream. Were you not always more fond of pearls than diamonds? EMILIA. I assuredly, dear mother--assuredly---- APPIANI (_thoughtful and melancholy_). Signify tears! EMILIA. How! Does that affect you? You? APPIANI. It does, though I ought to be ashamed that such is the case; yet when the fancy is once disposed to sad impressions---- EMILIA. But why should yours be so? Guess the subject of my thoughts. What did I wear, and how did I look when I first attracted your attention? Do you remember? APPIANI. Remember! I never see you in idea but in that dress, and I see you so, even when you are not thus attired. EMILIA. I mean to wear one of the same colour and form--flowing and loose. APPIANI. Excellent! EMILIA. And my hair---- APPIANI. In its own dark beauty, in curls formed by the hand of nature. EMILIA. Not forgetting the rose. Right! Have a little patience, and you shall see me thus. (_Exit_.) Scene VIII. Count Appiani, Claudia Galotti. APPIANI (_looks after her with a downcast mien_). "Pearls signify tears!"--a little patience! Yes! if we could but defy time! If a minute on the clock were not sometimes an age within us! CLAUDIA. Emilia's remark was no less just than quick, Count. You are to-day more grave than usual. And yet you are but a step from the object of your wishes. Do you repent that you have attained the wished-for goal? APPIANI.