ceive, to inform you that his carriage
will soon arrive.

_Count._ [_Coldly._] Arrive! What, here? And in his coach? Does he come
to make any stay?

_Fior._ No, Signor. To-morrow morning he must be gone to Versailles; for
he has affairs at court.

_Count._ [_Aside._] I am glad of it!--[_Aloud, pompously._] I hope the
Marquis will do me the honour to remain with me to-night, in company
with his son, the Chevalier. With respect to the Marchioness--I'll speak
to my sister, and hope she may also be accommodated, as becomes her
rank.

_Fior._ The Marchioness del Bosco does not come with her father; she is
with the Countess d'Orimon, her aunt, and is to remain at her house.

_Count._ [_Aside._] So much the better.--[_Aloud._] That is unfortunate.
I hope, however, I shall have the pleasure of seeing her. [_Exit._

SCENE V.--Frontino _and_ Fiorillo.

_Fior._ Your master, like your kitchen, smells well!

_Front._ We are to have a magnificent supper to-night; no less than
thirty guests.

_Fior._ Indeed! Your master is superb. A rare service! Much to eat, and
little to do! Then, as to wages, you will make your fortune, Frontino!

_Front._ Fortune! I can't say--perhaps!

_Fior._ You have been long with this master.

_Front._ Very true; I have an attachment to him.

_Fior._ And so have I to mine, but without the hope of saving a farthing
in his service. If it were not for the profits of the card-tables, I
should certainly leave him.

_Front._ Then you have much play?

_Fior._ A great deal.

_Front._ And no less profit?

_Fior._ Hum--tolerable; but not equal to you.

_Front._ I! Shall I speak plain to a fellow-servant? I have little
wages, and no tips.

_Fior._ Then you are foolish, Frontino. In Paris, so clever a fellow as
yourself may find a hundred services, in which he might profit in a
hundred different ways.

_Front._ Do you know any _one_?

_Fior._ Certainly; but you are attached to your master?

_Front._ To part with him would not break my heart.

_Fior._ If he pays so ill, he does not like you.

_Front._ That's a mistake; I am his prime minister and favourite.

_Fior._ What do you mean? Were he miserly, so be it; but a generous--

_Front._ Generous! You little know my master.

_Fior._ How so? A supper for thirty guests--

_Front._ Ah, did you know what it will cost me!

_Fior._ You! Cost you!

_Front._ Me. Grumbled at, cross-questioned, put to the torture, almost
afraid of my li