MRS. T. (L.) How kind of you, how very kind—but perhaps one day I may be able to show my gratitude. MARI. (R.) Don’t mention it. How surprised my uncle will be when he finds you’re gone. (_putting bottle of wine and two glasses on table_—_a whistle is heard outside_) What whistle is that? Don’t be alarmed, I’ll go and look out. _Exit hastily_, R. 2 E. MRS. T. (_taking up hat from chair_ L. _of table_) What an extraordinary hat! (_looks in it and perceives name written inside_) Good heavens! what name is this written inside. “Samuel Todd, Brompton.” Oh, my husband! My Samuel! Can he be here. What terrible mystery have I to learn. (_puts hat on chair_, R. C.) _Re-enter_ MARIETTA, _hastily_, R. 2 E. MARI. Oh! Signora, ’tis my uncle! Conceal yourself in this room. (_opens door_, L. 3 E.) Here—here!—make haste!—He’s on the stairs! MRS. T. Ah! (MRS. T. _runs into the room_, L. 3 E. MARIETTA _closes the door._) _Then enter_ JACOPO TERREBOLI, R. 2. E. JACO. (R. C.) The fellow has escaped us by taking another road. Hah! Marietta—not abed yet? MARI. (L.) Not yet, uncle; I was waiting for— JACO. Waiting for who? MARI. (_hesitating_) For—nobody—uncle. JACO. Marietta, you can’t deceive me—you have had some one here. MARI. Indeed, uncle, I have not. JACO. (_goes to window_, _and perceives ladder of ropes_) Hah!—What’s this? A very pretty contrivance—I suppose, when love can’t get in at the door, he flies in at the window—and here are his wings, (_holding the rope ladder to view_) And this hat. (_taking it off chair_, R. C.) Pretty, innocent creature! He’s here, then.—(MARIETTA _clasps her hands_) Humph! Surely I have seen this hat somewhere—Ha! this morning—and it was the devil who then wore it—or an Englishman! (MARIETTA _drops on her knees_, _crying_) Here’s the hole made by my bullet.—I’m not angry, girl—you’ve trapped the fellow I want—get up, and tell me where you’ve got him. MARI. (L. C.) I c—c—r—can’t uncle—he’s gone! JACO. (R. C.) Gone! Maladetta! Take care how you trifle with me.—(TODD _is heard playing his concertina outside the window_, _at back_) MARI. Hah! (_starts from her knees aside_)—’Tis that unlucky stranger! JACO. After all, the bird has only fluttered a little way off.—(_to_ MARIETTA) Go to the balcony. MARI. Uncle! JACO. To the balcony! Your lover calls! MARI. But he is not— JACO. Silence! and obey me? (MARIETTA _goes to the balcony_, C. _The concertina ceases playing_) Well? MARI. (_up_ C.) He perceives me and kisses his hand. JACO. (L. C.) Kiss your’s in return. MARI. But, uncle— JACO. (_sternly_) I command! (MARIETTA _kisses her hand_) MARI. Ah! he is going to mount the ladder, (_she retires from the window_)