Part 162 (1/2)

ILLO (comes back).

Where art staying, Terzky?

The house is full, and all expecting you.

TERZKY.

Instantly! instantly!

[To the COUNTESS.

And let him not Stay here too long. It might awake suspicion In the old man----

COUNTESS.

A truce with your precautions!

[Exeunt TERZKY and ILLO.

SCENE III.

COUNTESS, MAX. PICCOLOMINI.

MAX. (peeping in on the stage slyly).

Aunt Terzky! may I venture?

[Advances to the middle of the stage, and looks around him with uneasiness.

She's not here!

Where is she?

COUNTESS.

Look but somewhat narrowly In yonder corner, lest perhaps she lie Concealed behind that screen.

MAX.

There lie her gloves!

[s.n.a.t.c.hes at them, but the COUNTESS takes them herself.

You unkind lady! You refuse me this, You make it an amus.e.m.e.nt to torment me.

COUNTESS.

And this the thanks you give me for my trouble?

MAX.

O, if you felt the oppression at my heart!

Since we've been here, so to constrain myself With such poor stealth to hazard words and glances.

These, these are not my habits!

COUNTESS.

You have still Many new habits to acquire, young friend!

But on this proof of your obedient temper I must continue to insist; and only On this condition can I play the agent For your concerns.

MAX.

But wherefore comes she not?

Where is she?

COUNTESS.

Into my hands you must place it Whole and entire. Whom could you find, indeed, More zealously affected to your interest?

No soul on earth must know it--not your father; He must not, above all.