Here. Do you want them back?

_Count._ [_Taking them._] Yes, yes; you shall know why.

_Dor._ You need not take the trouble to tell me, for it is not possible
to persuade Eleonora to accept them.

_Count._ So much the worse for her; she will repent. I have a secret to
tell you.

_Dor._ You know how greatly I am interested in your happiness.

_Count._ I have seen the Marchioness del Bosco, and have great reason to
believe that, whenever I please, I may obtain her hand.

_Dor._ Indeed! What will the Marquis say?

_Count._ Oh, he will say, "Good, good, excellent!" I am sure of him.

_Dor._ You know the disorder of his affairs. Will you marry her without
a portion?

_Count._ Oh, no. Thank Heaven, I have not lost my wits.

_Dor._ What will you do, then?

_Count._ Listen and learn. First, let me tell you, I am neither blind
nor foolish. I perceive the affections of Eleonora are given to another,
and I do not think I am greatly mistaken when I suppose the Chevalier
her favourite. Omitting to notice the impertinence of father and son, in
visiting me under the mask of friendship, I must tell you it may
contribute to aid my project, which is this. Let you and me persuade
Madame Araminta to give her daughter, with a hundred thousand crowns, to
the Chevalier, on condition that his father receive the money, and that
he redeem all his mortgages. I will request the Marchioness, his
daughter, from him; with these said lands, and, by this means, the son
and daughter will both be gratified, and the Marquis will not disburse a
guinea. What say you, sister; is not the plan a good one?

_Dor._ Well imagined, but difficult to execute.

_Count._ Do not fear; all will be right. The Marquis is gone purposely
in search of his daughter. I will join them, and I have no doubt all
will be concluded this very day. These jewels--may be of--Sister, you
shall see wonders. [_Exit._

_Dor._ What does he mean? But, if every one be made happy, I shall be
the same.

SCENE IX.--_Enter_ Eleonora.

_Eleon._ [_At the door, timidly._] Are you alone, Signora?

_Dor._ I am, my dear; come in.

_Eleon._ My mother is busy, writing--

_Dor._ Have you anything to tell me?

_Eleon._ Forgive my curiosity; have you taken away the jewels.

_Dor._ Yes; the Count asked for them. Are you vexed?

_Eleon._ On the contrary, delighted.

_Dor._ Then you are averse to diamonds?

_Eleon._ Not at all; but--You know my secret.

_Dor._ There are th