_Sol._ As your lordship commands. If the time should seem long in my absence, and your lordship wishes to hear the newest news from the seat of war, you need only send for old Solomon. I have letters from Leghorn, Cape Horn, and every known part of the habitable globe. [_Exit._ _Bar._ Tedious old fool! Yet hold. Did he not speak in praise of Mrs. Haller? Pardoned be his rage for news and politics. _Enter COUNTESS._ Well, sister, have you spoken to her? _Countess._ I have: and if you do not steer for another haven, you will be doomed to drive upon the ocean for ever. _Bar._ Is she married? _Countess._ I don't know. _Bar._ Is she of a good family? _Countess._ I can't tell. _Bar._ Does she dislike me? _Countess._ Excuse my making a reply. _Bar._ I thank you for your sisterly affection, and the explicitness of your communications. Luckily, I placed little reliance on either; and have found a friend, who will save your ladyship all further trouble. _Countess._ A friend! _Bar._ Yes. The Stranger who saved your son's life this morning proves to be my intimate friend. _Countess._ What's his name? _Bar._ I don't know. _Countess._ Is he of a good family? _Bar._ I can't tell. _Countess._ Will he come hither? _Bar._ Excuse my making a reply. _Countess._ Well, the retort is fair--but insufferable. _Bar._ You can't object to the _Da Capo_ of your own composition, _Enter COUNT and MRS. HALLER._ _Count._ Zounds! do you think I am Xenocrates; or like the poor sultan with marble legs? There you leave me _tete-a-tete_ with Mrs. Haller, as if my heart were a mere flint. So you prevailed, brother. The Stranger will come then, it seems. _Bar._ I expect him every minute. _Count._ I'm glad to hear it. One companion more, however. In the country we never can have too many. _Bar._ This gentleman will not exactly be an addition to your circle, for he leaves this place tomorrow. _Count._ But he won't, I think. Now, Lady Wintersen, summon all your charms. There is no art in conquering us poor devils; but this strange man, who does not care a doit for you all together, is worth your efforts. Try your skill. I shan't be jealous. _Countess._ I allow the conquest to be worth the trouble. But what Mrs. Haller has not been able to affect in three months, ought not to be attempted by me. _Mrs. H._ [_Jocosely._] Oh, yes, madam. He has given me no opportunity of trying the force of my charms, for I have never once happened to see him. _Count._ Then he's a blockhead; and you an idler. _Sol._ [_Without._] This way, sir! This way! _Enter SOLOMON._ _Sol._ The Stranger begs leave to have the honour-- _Count._ Welcome! Welcome. [_Exit SOLOMON._ [_Turns to meet the STRANGER, whom he conducts in by the hand._] My dear sir--Lady Wintersen--Mrs. Haller--