MARI. (_laughing_, _aside_) A ridiculous creature! but I must try and get him out of the trap, into which he has unconsciously walked. Signor, you must not remain here. If my uncle returns and finds you, it may be worse for you, and where to put you for the night I don’t know. Hah! I have it:—you shall sleep in the fowl house—there (_points through window at back_) on the opposite side of the garden. TODD. The fowl house! You could never think of putting me to bed amongst the cocks and hens, consider my feelings. Bless me! what a look of my lost Laura! (_aside_) I feel I’m on the brink of an adventure! MARI. There’s some fresh pea straw in the corner, on which you can lie. TODD. (_aside_) This tender solicitude for my comfort proves she loves me. JACOPO. (_in his chamber_, R. 3 E.) Marietta! MARI. My uncle! He has awakened from his evening sleep, and is coming here. TODD. The collector!—Perhaps I’d better retire with my emotions to my pea straw. MARI. Yes—yes—make haste. By this door, (_showing him to door_, L. 3 E.) down stairs and across the garden. TODD. Adieu, too lovely native. Ah! pea straw with those we love. (_begins to play concertina_) JACO. (_without_, R. 3 E.) Marietta! (TODD _rushes off precipitately_, L. 3 E.; MARIETTA _pretends to busy herself about household matters_) _Enter_ JACOPO TERREBOLI, R. 3 E. JACO. (_entering_) Marietta! The girl can hear no voice, but her own. (_yawns_) Aw! Awh! I’ve had rather a long nap—what’s the hour, Marietta? MARI. (_up_, L.) The moon has just risen, uncle. JACO. (R.) And Grimbaldi not returned yet. (_whistle outside_, _at back_) Hah! there they come. Go and open the door, niece. MARIETTA _exits_, 2 E. R. St. Nicholas, send us some luck! For the last three weeks there hasn’t been a traveller between Itri and Naples worth stopping, till this morning, when I had a crack at a fellow mounted on a mule, who looked as if his pockets were well lined; but he must have been the devil, for he disappeared like a stone in a lake, after lodging a bullet in Giuseppe’s shoulder. _Re-enter_ MARIETTA, R. 2 E., _followed by_ MRS. TODD _and_ GRIMBALDI, _with a_ BRIGAND _carrying luggage_. MARI. (_as she enters_) My uncle, signora. GRIM. (R.) The noble and excellent Signor Jacopo Terreboli, who will be proud to offer your excellency the hospitalities of his princely mansion. Mrs. T. (C., _aside and looking round the apartment_) First appearances are not much in favour of the mansion,—or its master. (_curtseys to_ JACOPO) Signor—a— GRIM. (R.) Jacopo Terreboli. MRS. T. (C.) I fear I am intruding. JACO. (_bowing_, L.) By no means, signora. I am never more happy than when distinguished ladies like yourself honour me by a visit. You are travelling, I perceive.