JACO. But I know that in that breast beats the heart of a lion. TODD. (_aside_) He means a mouse—the smallest of mice. JACO. Never saw anything like your coolness this morning, when you were attacked. TODD. It was you then, who— JACO. (_takes up_ TODD’S _hat_) Made this hole in your hat. I meant to have made a bole in your head—half an inch lower, and the bullet would have been through your brain. TODD. (_aside_) Calculating miscreant! JACO. How steadily you must have aimed to hit Guiseppe in the shoulder—and then the wonderful manner you escaped when a dozen carbines were levelled at you filled me with admiration and astonishment. TODD. Not more than it did me. JACO. But I don’t bear you malice, and prefer being your friend, (_gives his hand_, _which_ TODD _takes in evident alarm across table_) TODD. I’m very much obliged to you—very. JACO. To come to the point, you love my niece? TODD. (_aside_) He’s laying a trap for me.—Oh! dear, no, not in the slightest—I give you my word! JACO. Then what the devil brings you here? How is it you have entered my house, in my absence, like a thief? (_points to window_) Answer me that. (_touches his pistol_) TODD. (_rising_) Good gracious! don’t get so frightfully excited. I certainly came to—to—ha, ha, ha, ha! to take tea—with your niece, Marietta—a very amiable—in fact, I may say, a most charming creature;—not in the least like you. JACO. Your attentions have compromised her honour, signor, and you must make reparation by marrying her. TODD. Marrying! Do I clearly understand you? (_both come forward_, C.); JACO. Clearly; I have been long seeking for a man of coolness and courage, as a husband for Marietta. When you become my nephew, you shall be second in command to myself in the band. (GRIMBALDI _is seen peeping in at door_, R. 2 E., _and listening_) TODD. (R. C.) Gracious powers! Have I been growing up at Cozy Cottage to be the nephew of a brigand? What would they say at Brompton to that? JACO. (L. C.) Do you accept my offer? (_handling his pistols which_ TODD _turns away_) TODD. No—yes—can’t I have a little time to reflect? JACO. (_crosses to_ R.) Certainly—five minutes; not a moment longer; I have a priest at hand to perform the ceremony. GRIMBALDI _disappears_. I’ll go and apprise Marietta of her approaching happiness! _Exit_ JACOPO, R. 2 E. TODD. In five minutes—in five short minutes I shall either be married or shot!—ha! ha! ha! ha! I must nerve myself for the tremendous alternative! (_goes up to table_, _sits_ R. C., _and pours out wine_—_drinks_) GRIMBALDI _re-appears at door_, R. 2 E., _and goes quietly up stage_, _until he stands at the elbow of_ TODD, R. After all, the girl adores me; she is uncommonly pretty; and if I can only bring home a tame brigandess to Brompton, what will they say? GRIM. Hum!