_Countess._ Well, then, as we can wear but one nosegay, let us do honour to the Stranger. (_Takes the Nosegay from the Page, and kisses his forehead._--(_Aside to Susan_) Don’t you think, Susan, she resembles amazingly--(_Stops short, and looks at Susan_). _Susan._ Amazingly, indeed, Madam! _Page._ (_Aside_) What a precious kiss! I feel it here. (_Putting his hand on his heart._) _Enter the Count, and Antonio with a hat in his hand._ _Antonio._ (_As he enters_) Yes, yes, my Lord, I’m certain it was him. The rakish little Rascal is disguised among the Girls. I found his new hat and cockade here--hid in a basket. (_The Countess and Susan surprised, look at the Page, and then at each other. The girls surround and endeavour to hide Hannibal; Antonio seeks among them_). Ay, ay, here he is--here he is. (_Antonio takes off his cap, and puts on his hat_) There, my Lord! There’s a pretty, modest Virgin for you! _Count._ Well, my Lady! _Countess._ Well, my Lord!--I am as much surprized as you can be; and, I assure you, not less vex’d.--At present, however, it is time to tell you the whole Truth: This young gentleman (_Pointing to the Page_) was hid in my Dressing-room.--We attempted a Joke, which these Girls have put in practice. _Count._ But wherefore hide him from me? _Countess._ Because, my Lord, when your Passions are predominant, you are incapable of either listening to or believing the Truth. _Count._ (_Aside_) Must I for ever be disturbed, haunted, and bewitch’d thus by this beardless Boy? (_Turning with great wrath towards the Page_) What is the reason, Sir, you have not obeyed my Commands? _Page._ (_Draws back frightened, and takes off his hat_) My-my-my Lord, I staid to teach Agnes the Love scene she is to play in the Comedy this evening. _Agnes._ (_Steps forward_) Ah, my Lord, when you come to my room, you know, and want to kiss me-- _Count._ I! (_The Countess remarks his embarrassment, Susan laughs silently, and makes signs to the Countess_). _Agnes._ Yes, my Lord! You say to me, My pretty Agnes, if you will but love me, I will give you any thing you wish to have; now, my Lord, if you will give me Hannibal for a husband, I will love you with all my heart. _Countess._ You hear, my Lord!--Has not the simplicity of this Child’s confession, as artless as the one I have this moment made, sufficiently justified my Conduct? And do not circumstances prove, how injurious your Suspicions have been, and how well founded mine? (_Count bows to the Countess._) _Antonio._ You see, my Lord, what a giddy young thing it is. _Count._ And very loving too. _Antonio._ Her mother, as every body knows, was just such another. _Enter_ FIGARO. _Figaro._ Come, my pretty Maidens, come. (_Turns to the Count_) While you keep the Lasses here, my Lord, we can neither begin our Procession nor our Dances. _Count._ (_Gravely putting on his hat_) Why surely, Sir, you don’t intend to dance.