e confirms it; it is true, then?

_Phil._ Well, what do you say to it?

_Gian._ Nothing, sir. It is enough for me to know you did it. Your
humble servant, sir.

_Phil._ Where are you going?

_Gian._ To amuse myself.

_Phil._ In what manner?

_Gian._ With the marriage of Monsieur de la Cotterie.

_Phil._ But it has not taken place yet.

_Gian._ I hope it soon will.

_Phil._ Be cautious--mention it to no one.

_Gian._ Never fear; it will be known as soon as it is over. You will
have the credit of contriving it, and I shall be most happy when it is
done. [_Exit._

_Phil._ [_Alone._] I hope she will not imitate this bad example; but
there is no danger. She is a good girl, and, like me, can distinguish
between cases, and understands what is proper; and as I know how she has
been brought up, under my own care, I have no apprehensions such a
misfortune may befall me.

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

ACT III.

SCENE I.--Philibert _and_ Marianna.

_Mar._ Excuse me for interrupting you again.

_Phil._ I suppose you have some new piece of nonsense?

_Mar._ I hope you will not again call me blockhead.

_Phil._ Not unless you utter more absurdities.

_Mar._ I have only to tell you I am just going to be married, and to
bespeak your kindness.

_Phil._ Then you have determined to marry before your mistress?

_Mar._ No, sir; she is to be married to-day, and I shall be married
to-morrow.

_Phil._ And you do not wish me to call you blockhead?

_Mar._ You still persist in concealing it from me?

_Phil._ Concealing what?

_Mar._ The marriage of my young lady.

_Phil._ Are you out of your senses?

_Mar._ Now, to show you I am not so foolish, I will own a fault I have
committed, from curiosity. I stood behind the hangings, and heard
Monsieur de la Cotterie talking with your daughter, and it is fixed on
that they are to be married privately this evening, and you have given
five hundred guineas on account of her portion.

_Phil._ On account of her portion! [_Laughing._]

_Mar._ Yes, I think on account of her portion; I saw the guineas with my
own eyes.

_Phil._ Yes, you are foolish, more foolish, most foolish.

_Mar._ [_Aside._] He vexes me so I hardly know what to do.

_Phil._ The Lieutenant, however, has acted very improperly; he ought not
to have mentioned it to my daughter, especially when there was danger of
being overheard.

_Mar._ If you hide it from me for fear I shall make it public, yo