crosses the extremity of
the Stage, from which Village-Girls advance, scattering flowers
before Geraldine, who is led by Florian to an open Temple between
the Side-scenes, containing three Seats._

_Ger._ (_Pointing to the centre seat_) There is our hero's seat of
triumph: nay, my commands are absolute, and you have no appeal,
I reserve this for my uncle, he will join us presently.

(They seat themselves--a ballet immediately commences--boys,
habited as warriors, pay homage before _Florian_, and hang military
trophies round his seat. Girls enter, as wood-nymphs, &c. who
surprise and disarm the warriors, then remove the trophies, and
replace them with garlands. The warriors and nymphs join in a
general dance--Suddenly a piercing shriek is heard: the action of
the scene abruptly stops, and _Eugenia_, entering from the top of
the stage, rushes distractedly between the groups of dancers, and
casts herself at the feet of _Geraldine_.)

_Eug._ Save me! save me!

_Ger._ Ah! what wretched supplicant is this?

_Flor._ By heavens! the very woman who yesternight preserved my life.

_Longueville_ enters in pursuit.

_Long._ (_Advancing rapidly, with instant self-command_) Dear friends!
Heaven has this hour appointed me the agent of its grace. I have
discovered in this wretched woman, the long-lost wife of an ancient
friend, at Baden; lend your assistance to secure her person 'till I can
apprise the husband of this unexpected meeting.

_Eug._ No, no, I have no husband--they have murdered him; he would
betray--destroy me. (_catching Geraldine's robe_) Oh! you, whose looks
are heavenly-soft, to _you_ I plead: protect me from this fiend.

_Ger._ How earnestly she grasps my hand, indeed--indeed her agony seems
genuine.

_Long._ You are deceived, she utters nought but madness, her mind has
been for years incurably diseased; come, away! away!

(He seizes violently upon _Eugenia_ to force her with him, she
clings to _Geraldine_ in anguish.)

_Eug._ Forsake me not! I have no protector to invoke but you.

_Ger._ Forbear, my lord, I cannot find that wildness you proclaim;
forbear, and recollect the rights of hospitality never yet were violated
at my uncle's gate. Lady, dismiss your fears, here sorrow ever meets a
ready shelter, for here resides the Count De Valmont.

_Eug._ Who?

_Ger._ The excellent, the suffering Count De Valmont.

_Eug._ (_starting up with recurring