GRIM. (_up_, R.) Ho, ho, ho! (JACOPO _gives him a stem look_) ha, ha, ha, ha! (_aside_) MRS. T. (_curtseys_—_aside_) Uncommonly well bred, (_a whistle is heard at a distance_, _outside_—MRS. TODD _goes up stage_, L.) GRIM. (_coming down_, R., _and speaking apart to_ JACOPO) Here’s something up! The steward of a rich Englishman is expected to pass this way to-night. JACO. (R. _apart to_ GRIMBALDI) Ha! he must not be neglected. I’ll just fetch my pistols and follow you directly. (_to_ MRS. TODD) Addio, signora! A little business calls me away; but I shall soon return. Your chamber is in that corridor (_points to_ L. 2 E.) First door on the right—addio! (_kisses her hand_) Ha, ah! MRS. T. Good night, signor. I accept your hospitality gratefully for this night; to-morrow morning I resume my journey. JACO. Oh! you must not think of leaving us so soon; none of our friends do—they feel themselves so happy here. _Exit_, R. 3 E. GRIMBALDI _then makes several awkward bows_, _and exit_ R. 2 E. MRS. T. There’s something I don’t quite like in this house, and the people about it. I never saw a more ill-looking person than that major-domo; the way they took possession of my trunks, and trinkets—good gracious! if they should be brigands! (_she looks about the room_, _and runs to door_, L. 3 E., _which she opens_, _goes in and returns immediately_) No more doubt—I’m in a robber’s den! That room is full of plunder and arms! What is to become of me? That dreadful man—his looks—his words—Oh! I must endeavour to escape at all hazards—better wander all night in the forest than remain another moment in this fearful place. _She is crossing to_ R., _when_ MARIETTA _enters_, R. 2 E., _with carpet bag_. Ah, the girl! MARI. (R. C.) Here’s your carpet bag, signora. (_puts it down_, R.) Bless me! how pale and agitated you look. (_aside_) Can she have discovered! MRS. T. (L. C., _aside_) She speaks and looks kindly, and may assist me. Marietta, I know all—I have looked into that room—and I have seen— MARI. (_alarmed_) Hush, hush—my uncle! MRS. T. It is to escape from him that I implore your assistance. MARI. Impossible, signora. My uncle never goes out that he don’t lock all the doors after him. MRS. T. But there are windows, Marietta, and here is one. (_going towards it_, _is withheld by_ MARIETTA) MARI. Stop—stop!—Would you kill yourself! Hah! I have it! There is a rope ladder here, (_going into room_, L. 3 E., _and returning with a rope ladder_) By means of this ladder you can descend into the garden, and remain concealed there till daylight enables you to gain the high road, (_fixing rope ladder to balcony_, C.) MRS. T. (L. C.) Thanks, thanks, ten thousand thanks, generous Marietta! Let me not lose a moment. MARI. (R. C.) There’s no need to be in a hurry—my uncle never comes home till past midnight. You must have supper before you go.