ess._ Excuse my making a reply.

_Bar._ I thank you for your sisterly affection, and the explicitness of
your communications. Luckily, I placed little reliance on either; and
have found a friend, who will save your ladyship all further trouble.

_Countess._ A friend!

_Bar._ Yes. The Stranger who saved your son's life this morning proves
to be my intimate friend.

_Countess._ What's his name?

_Bar._ I don't know.

_Countess._ Is he of a good family?

_Bar._ I can't tell.

_Countess._ Will he come hither?

_Bar._ Excuse my making a reply.

_Countess._ Well, the retort is fair--but insufferable.

_Bar._ You can't object to the _Da Capo_ of your own composition,

_Enter COUNT and MRS. HALLER._

_Count._ Zounds! do you think I am Xenocrates; or like the poor sultan
with marble legs? There you leave me _tete-a-tete_ with Mrs. Haller, as
if my heart were a mere flint. So you prevailed, brother. The Stranger
will come then, it seems.

_Bar._ I expect him every minute.

_Count._ I'm glad to hear it. One companion more, however. In the
country we never can have too many.

_Bar._ This gentleman will not exactly be an addition to your circle,
for he leaves this place tomorrow.

_Count._ But he won't, I think. Now, Lady Wintersen, summon all your
charms. There is no art in conquering us poor devils; but this strange
man, who does not care a doit for you all together, is worth your
efforts. Try your skill. I shan't be jealous.

_Countess._ I allow the conquest to be worth the trouble. But what Mrs.
Haller has not been able to affect in three months, ought not to be
attempted by me.

_Mrs. H._ [_Jocosely._] Oh, yes, madam. He has given me no opportunity
of trying the force of my charms, for I have never once happened to see
him.

_Count._ Then he's a blockhead; and you an idler.

_Sol._ [_Without._] This way, sir! This way!

_Enter SOLOMON._

_Sol._ The Stranger begs leave to have the honour--

_Count._ Welcome! Welcome. [_Exit SOLOMON._

[_Turns to meet the STRANGER, whom he
conducts in by the hand._]

My dear sir--Lady Wintersen--Mrs. Haller--

[_MRS. HALLER, as soon as she sees the
STRANGER, shrieks, and swoons in the
arms of the BARON. The STRANGER casts a
look at her, a