of the gallery unobserved by all.]

_Long._ Were not any other circumstances linked with this adventure?

_Flo._ None of consequence: but I suspect one of the ruffians was known
to this wretched woman; her incoherent words implied that she recognized
in him an ancient enemy; but her frail remains of intellect, were, for a
time, quite unsettled by the terror of the scene; she fled from me to
her chamber in dismay, and at daybreak I left the cottage without a
second interview.

_Long._ Florian! it is necessary this woman should be interrogated
further-- (_with much emotion_) not a moment must be lost--dear count,
excuse me for an hour, my anxiety admits not of delay. I will myself
visit this cottage instantly. [_Exit._

_Ger._ (_half aside to De Valmont_) Uncle, if the baron tarries beyond
the hour, we must not wait for his return, recollect it is to be at noon
exactly.

_Flo._ (_overhearing._) And what at noon, dear Geraldine?

_De Val._ (_smiling_) Florian, you are destined to be our hero in peace
as well as war--my niece has planned a little fete in compliment to the
conquerors of Nordlingen.

_Ger._ Fy, uncle, Florian was not to have known of it till the moment,
you have betrayed my secret, now as a due punishment for the treason,
I impose upon you to appear at our fete in person.

_De Val._ What a demand! --I, who never--

_Ger._ Nay, if it be only for a minute, positively you must come among
us--nay, I will not be denied.

_De Val._ Well, you reign a fairy sovereign for the day, and if it be
your will to play the despot, your subjects, though they murmur, must
obey.

_Ger._ (_embracing him_) There's my kindest uncle! thanks! Florian I
warn you not to stir towards the terrace till I summon you, beware of
disobedience, I have the power to punish.

_Flor._ And to reward also.

_Ger._ Ah! at least I have the inclination, it will be your own fault if
ever my actions and my wishes dissociate, or Geraldine refuse a boon
when Florian is the suitor. [_Exit._

_Flor._ (_looking after her_) Geraldine! too kind, too lovely Geraldine,
ah! sir, is she not admirable?

_De Val._ She has been accounted so by many in your absence. I cannot
estimate her beauty, but I know her virtue; and the last fond wish left
clinging to this heart is Geraldine's felicity. I shall endeavour to
secure it, by uniting her in marriage with a worthy object.

_Flor._ Sir!--marriage did you say? Gracious heaven! Marriage!

_De Val._