MARINELLI. If she did not see him fall--and of course she could not, as she fled instantly But she comes, and I too do not wish to be the first to meet her eye (_withdraws to a corner of the apartment_). _Enter_ Battista _and_ Emilia. BATTISTA. This way--this way--dear lady. EMILIA (_out of breath_). Oh! I thank you, my friend--I thank you. But, Heavens! Where am I? Quite alone, too! Where are my mother, and the Count? They are surely coming? Are they not close behind me? BATTISTA. I suppose so. EMILIA. You suppose so? Are you not certain? Have you not seen them? Were not pistols fired behind us? BATTISTA. Pistols? Was it so? EMILIA. Surely. Oh, Heavens! and the Count or my mother is shot. BATTISTA. I'll go in search of them instantly. EMILIA. Not without me! I'll go with you! I must go with you. Come, my friend. MARINELLI (_approaches as if he had just entered_). Ha! fair lady! What misfortune, or rather what good fortune--what fortunate misfortune has procured us the honour---- EMILIA (_astonished_). How!--You here, my lord!--This then is doubtless your house. Pardon my intrusion. We have been attacked by robbers. Some good people came to our assistance,--and this honest man took me out of the carriage and conducted me hither. But I am alarmed to find that I alone am rescued. My mother must be still in danger. I heard pistols fired behind us. Perhaps she is dead,--and yet I live. Pardon me. I must away, I must return to the place, which I ought not to have left. MARINELLI. Compose yourself, dear lady. All is well. The beloved persons, for whom you feel this tender anxiety, will soon be here.--Run, Battista; they may perhaps not know where the lady is. See whether you can find them in any of the lodges, and conduct them hither instantly. (_Exit_ Battista.) EMILIA. Are you sure they are all safe? Has nothing happened to them?--Oh, what a day of terrors has this been to me! But I ought not to remain here; I should hasten to meet them. MARINELLI. Why so, dear lady? You are already breathless and exhausted. Compose yourself, and condescend to step into this room, where you will find better accommodation than here. I feel certain that the Prince has already found your gracious mother, and is escorting her hither. EMILIA. Who do you say? MARINELLI. Our gracious Prince himself. EMILIA (_extremely terrified_). The Prince! MARINELLI.