_Bar._ Not just yet, madam. He travels at his leisure. I am selfish, perhaps, in not being anxious for his speed: the delay has procured me a delight which I never shall forget. _Mrs. H._ [_Smiling._] You satirise mankind, my lord. _Bar._ How so? _Mrs. H._ In supposing such scenes to be uncommon. _Bar._ I confess I was little prepared for such an acquaintance as yourself: I am extremely surprised. When Solomon told me your name and situation, how could I suppose that--Pardon my curiosity: You have been, or are married? _Mrs. H._ [_Suddenly sinking from her cheerful raillery into mournful gloom._] I have been married, my lord. _Bar._ [_Whose enquiries evince his curiosity, yet are restrained within the bounds of the nicest respect._] A widow, then? _Mrs. H._ I beseech you--There are strings in the human heart, which touched, will sometimes utter dreadful discord--I beseech you-- _Bar._ I understand you. I see you know how to conceal every thing except your perfections. _Mrs. H._ My perfections, alas!--[_Rural music without._] But I hear the happy tenantry announce the Count's arrival. Your pardon, my lord; I must attend them. [_Exit._ _Bar._ Excellent creature!--What is she, and what can be her history? I must seek my sister instantly. How strong and how sudden is the interest I feel for her! But it is a feeling I ought to check. And yet, why so? Whatever are the emotions she has inspired, I am sure they arise from the perfections of her mind: and never shall they be met with unworthiness in mine. [_Exit._ SCENE II. _The Lawn._ _SOLOMON and PETER are discovered arranging the TENANTRY.--Rural music._ _Enter COUNT and COUNTESS WINTERSEN, (the latter leading her Child,) the BARON, MRS. HALLER, CHARLOTTE, and SERVANTS following._ _Sol._ Welcome, ten thousand welcomes, your Excellencies. Some little preparation made for welcome too. But that will be seen anon. _Count._ Well! here we are! Heaven bless our advance and retreat! Mrs. Haller, I bring you an invalid, who in future will swear to no flag but yours. _Mrs. H._ Mine flies for retreat and rural happiness. _Count._ But not without retreating graces, and retiring cupids too. _Countess._ [_Who has in the mean time kindly embraced MRS. HALLER, and by her been welcomed to Wintersen._] My dear Count, you forget that I am present. _Count._ Why, in the name of chivalry, how can I do less than your gallant brother, the Baron? who has been so kind as nearly to kill my four greys, in order to be here five minutes before me. _Bar._ Had I known all the charms of this place, you should have said so with justice. _Countess._ Don't you think William much grown? _Mrs. H._ The sweet boy! [_Stoops to kiss him, and deep melancholy overshadows her countenance._ _Count._ Well, Solomon, you've provided a good dinner?