h nor little.

_Count._ On what do you found this strange suspicion?

_Dor._ I will tell you. When your name is mentioned, she looks down and
gives no answer.

_Count._ Bashfulness.

_Dor._ When she hears or sees you coming, she is in a tremor, and wishes
to hide herself.

_Count._ At her age that is not extraordinary.

_Dor._ When this marriage is mentioned, the tears are in her eyes.

_Count._ The tears of a child? Can anything be more equivocal?

_Dor._ And though so equivocal and so full of doubt, will you dare to
marry her?

_Count._ Certainly, without the least difficulty.

_Dor._ It seems you love her to distraction.

_Count._ I love--I do not know how much.

_Dor._ You have scarcely seen her twice.

_Count._ Is not that enough to a feeling heart like mine?

_Dor._ Ah, brother, I know you.

_Count._ Your penetration is a little too quick.

_Dor._ I do not wish that you should hereafter have to reproach me.

_Count._ Yonder is Frontino.

_Dor._ If you have business--

_Count._ [_With affected kindness._] Will you go?

_Dor._ We shall meet again soon. I only wish you to think a little on
what I have said, and before you marry--

_Count._ Fear nothing, dear sister. Do me the pleasure to dine with me
to-day. I will send to invite Madame Araminta and her daughter. We shall
have many guests. The notary will be here after dinner, and the contract
will be signed.

_Dor._ To-day?

_Count._ No doubt: Madame Araminta has pledged her word.

_Dor._ [_Ironically._] I give you joy.--[_Aside._] I will never suffer
Eleonora to sacrifice herself for my sake. If I could but truly
understand her heart--I will try. [_Exit._

SCENE IV.--_The_ Count, _and then_ Frontino.

_Count._ Poor girl! A little too diffident of me. Does not think me
capable of subduing a tender and inexperienced heart! Besides, she
carries her delicacy rather too far: in marriages of convenience, not
the heart, but family interest is consulted. Well, Frontino, what have
you to say?

_Front._ The tailor is come, sir.

_Count._ Where is he?

_Front._ At the door, sending away his coach, and giving orders to his
servants.

_Count._ His servants?

_Front._ Yes, sir.

_Count._ _Apropos_: that reminds me that you must write immediately to
my country steward, that he may send me six handsome youths, tall, well
made, the best he can find on the estate, that the tailor may take their
measure for liveries.

_Front._ Six