CLAUDIA.

So unexpectedly? (_hastens towards him_). My dearest lord!

Scene II.

Odoardo, _and the foregoing_.

ODOARDO.

Good morning, my love. Does not my arrival surprise you?

CLAUDIA.

Most agreeably. But is it intended as no more than a surprise?

ODOARDO.

No more. Be not alarmed. The happiness of to-day awakened me early. The
morning was so fine, and the ride so short, I fancied you would be so
busy here to-day, and thought you might perhaps forget something: in a
word, I am come to see you, and shall return immediately. Where is
Emilia? Occupied with her dress, I have no doubt?

CLAUDIA.

With her soul. She is gone to hear mass. "I have need," she said,
"to-day more than at any other time to implore a blessing from above;"
then leaving all else she took her veil, and disappeared.

ODOARDO.

Alone!

CLAUDIA.

It is but a few steps----

ODOARDO.

One incautious step often leads to mischief.

CLAUDIA.

Be not angry; but come in and rest a moment, and, if you please, take
some refreshment.

ODOARDO.

Well, well, as you like. But she ought not to have gone alone.

CLAUDIA.

Stay here, Pirro, in the antechamber, and excuse me to all visitors.
(_Exeunt_ Odoardo _and_ Claudia.)

Scene III.

Pirro, _and afterwards_ Angelo.

PIRRO.

All inquisitive visitors. How I have been questioned! Who comes here?
(_Enter_ Angelo, _in a short mantle, with which he conceals his face_.)

ANGELO.

Pirro! Pirro!

PIRRO.

An acquaintance, it seems. (Angelo _throws back the mantle_). Heavens!
Angelo. You!

ANGELO.

Yes, Angelo, as you perceive. I have been wandering long enough round
the house, in order to speak to you. One word with you----

PIRRO.

And dare you again appear in public? Don't you know that, in
consequence of your last murder, you are declared an outlaw, a price
has be