uncle can help him;--but Dalancourt--he must be now in a
state of humiliation and distress--and if I am the cause of it, though
involuntarily, why do I not go myself? Yes--I ought to throw myself at
Geronte's feet--but, with his severe, unyielding temper, can I flatter
myself I shall make any impression on him? Shall I go and expose myself
to his rudeness? Ah! what matters it? Ah! what is my mortification
compared to the horrible condition of my husband? Yes, I will run! This
thought alone ought to give me courage. [_She goes towards Geronte's
apartment._]

_Enter_ Martuccia.

_Mar._ Madame, what are you doing here? Signor Dalancourt is in despair.

_Mad._ Heavens! I fly to his assistance. [_Exit._

_Mar._ What misfortunes!--what confusion! If it be true she is the cause
of it, she well deserves--Who comes here?

_Enter_ Valerio.

_Mar._ Why, sir, do you come here now? You have chosen an unfortunate
time. All the family is overwhelmed with sorrow.

_Val._ I do not doubt it. I just come from Signor Dalancourt's lawyer. I
have offered him my purse and my credit.

_Mar._ This is a praiseworthy action. Nothing can be more generous than
your conduct.

_Val._ Is Signor Geronte at home?

_Mar._ No; the servant told me he saw him with his notary.

_Val._ With his notary?

_Mar._ Yes; he is always occupied with some business. But do you wish to
speak with him?

_Val._ Yes, I wish to speak with them all. I see with sorrow the
confusion of Dalancourt's affairs. I am alone. I have property, and
can dispose of it. I love Angelica, and am come to offer to marry
her without a portion, and to share with her my lot and my fortune.

_Mar._ This resolution is worthy of you. No one could show more esteem,
more love, and more generosity.

_Val._ Do you think I may flatter myself?--

_Mar._ Yes, and especially as she enjoys the favour of her uncle, and he
desires to marry her.

_Val._ [_With joy._] He desires to marry her?

_Mar._ Yes.

_Val._ But if he wishes to marry her, he also wishes to propose a match
that is to his taste?

_Mar._ [_After a moment's silence._] It may be so.

_Val._ And can this be any comfort to me?

_Mar._ Why not? [_To_ Angelica, _who enters timidly._] Come in, my young
lady.

_Ang._ I am terribly frightened.

_Val._ [_To_ Angelica.] What is the matter?

_Ang._ My poor brother--

_Mar._ Is he just the same?

_Ang._ Rather better. He is a little more tranquil.

_Mar._ Hear me