on me. For the present, be content to remain here; and, as
we do not know exactly when your father will come, stay to dinner with
us.

_Gian._ She cannot stay, sir.

_Phil._ Why not?

_Gian._ Because she promised her aunt to dine with her to-day.

_Cost._ [_Aside._] I see she does not wish me to remain.

_Phil._ The aunt who expects you is your father's sister?

_Cost._ Yes, sir.

_Phil._ I know her; she is my particular friend. Leave it to me. I will
get you released from the engagement, and, as soon as Monsieur Riccardo
comes here, I will send word to her where you are, and she will be
satisfied.

_Cost._ I am grateful, Monsieur Philibert, for your great kindness;
permit me for a moment to see my aunt, who is not well. I will soon
return, and avail myself of your politeness.

_Phil._ Very well; come back quickly.

_Cost._ Good morning to you; you will soon see me again.

_Gian._ Good-bye.--[_Aside._] If she does not come back I shall not
break my heart.

_Phil._ Adieu, my dear.--One moment. Lieutenant, for a man who has been
in the wars, you do not seem quite as much at your ease as you should
be.

_Cost._ Why do you say so, sir?

_Phil._ Because you are letting Mademoiselle go away without taking
notice of her--without one word of civility.

_Cost._ Indeed, he has said but few.

_De la Cot._ [_To_ Philibert.] I ought not to abuse the privilege you
have given me.

_Phil._ [_Aside._] I understand.--Giannina, a word with you.

_Gian._ Yes, sir?

_Phil._ [_Aside to_ Giannina.] It is not right for a young lady to
thrust herself between two lovers in this manner; on account of you,
they cannot speak two words to each other.

_Gian._ [_To_ Philibert.] They spoke in whispers together.

_Phil._ [_To_ De la Cotterie.] Well, if you have anything to say to
her--

_De la Cot._ There will be time enough, sir.

_Phil._ [_To_ Giannina.] Attend to me.

_Cost._ [_Aside to_ De la Cotterie.] At least assure me of your
affection.

_De la Cot._ [_Aside to_ Costanza.] Excuse me, Mademoiselle. [Giannina
_coughs aloud_.] [_Aside._] I am exceedingly embarrassed.

_Cost._ [_Loud enough for all to hear._] Is it possible you will not say
once that you love me?

_Gian._ [_To_ Costanza, _with asperity_.] How many times do you want him
to tell you so? Did he not say so before me?

_Phil._ [_To_ Giannina, _with asperity_.] No meddling, I tell you.

_Cost._ Do not disturb yourself, Mademoiselle; to see clearly